Whether you're upsizing or downsizing, relocating or searching for a specialty property—from a waterfront home in NH to a home with a barn and anywhere in between—we're here to guide you through the home buying process. Isn't it time you became a Granite Lifer?
When You Buy a Home With Us, You Get:
▪ Knowledgeable and professional REALTORS® who represent you
▪ Thorough consultation to determine your unique wants and needs in a home
▪ Advice on making offers based on expert market evaluation so you don’t “overpay”
▪ Committed allies who will complete your purchase contract, present your offer, and negotiate on your behalf
▪ Preparation of all closing documents and guidance through the closing process
▪ Assistance with any post-close issues
▪ The backing of a trusted company, Keller Williams Realty Metropolitan
As part of our service, we will commit to helping you with your home search by:
▪ Organizing and scheduling homes to view based on your unique specifications
▪ Personally touring homes and neighborhoods with you
▪ Keeping you informed of new homes on the market
▪ Advising you of other homes that have sold and for how much
▪ Working with you until we find the home of your dreams
The Homebuying Process
Here are the First Few Steps to Get You Started...
Step 1: Check Your Credit Report & Score
Before getting a mortgage or any kind of loan, you should always check your credit. According to the law, you're allowed to receive one free copy of your credit report per year. You can do this by visiting Annualcreditreport.com. Scores range from approximately 300 to 850; generally, the higher your score, the better loan you'll qualify for. Don't forget to check your report for errors. If there are any, dispute them. It may help your credit score. You can also check your credit score for free at Credit Karma.
Step 2: Figure out How Much You Can Afford
You can calculate how much you can afford by starting online. There are several online mortgage calculators that will help you calculate an affordable monthly mortgage payment. Don't forget to factor in money you'll need for a down payment, closing costs, fees (such as fees for an attorney, appraisal, inspection, etc.) and the costs of remodeling or furniture. Remember that you don't always have to put down 20 percent as your parents once did. There are loans available with little to no down payment. An experienced home loan expert can help you understand all your loan options, closing costs and other fees.
Step 3: Find the Right Lender and Real Estate Agent
To find the right mortgage lender it’s best to shop around. Get recommendations from your friends and family and check with the Better Business Bureau. Talk to at least three or four mortgage lenders. Ask lots of questions and make sure they have answers that satisfy you. Make sure to find someone that you are comfortable with and who makes you feel at ease.
Once you have the right mortgage lender, make sure you at least get a pre-approval. Qualifications are only a guess based on what you tell the lender and are no guarantee, whereas a pre-approval will give you a better idea of how big a loan you qualify for. The lender will actually pull your credit and get more information about you. However, you could even take it one step further by getting an actual approval before you start home shopping. That way, when you're ready to make an offer, it will make the sale go much quicker. Besides, your offer will look more appealing than other buyers since your financing is guaranteed.
Want to know more about the homebuying process?