Helpful advice to get you in a house
First time home buyers should feel better to know that they're not alone when it comes to being confused about the home buying process because Eden Rock Mortgage is here to help you. Nearly all homebuyers feel the same way (anxious, confused, scared), even if you’ve bought a house in the past, because it's very easy to forget some of the steps you took to get into a home once you have purchased it.
 
Educate yourself with basic information
Before you begin, educate yourself about the home buying process/procedures in your area. Relatives or friends who live in another state might have some good general advice for you, but chances are the process is very different in their area. So to avoid the mistake of relying solely on to make important decisions, make sure you consult a local real estate professional.
 
Basics 101
Talking to a real estate professional about your typical home buying scenario can give a wealth of good information, but should not be the sole basis for your decision in purchasing a home.  You should do your due diligence about the market in your area.Look for buying trends to determine if now is the optimal time to purchase a new home.
 
When you talk to a real estate professional, this is not a meeting that should lead to an agreement for the agent to represent you. It's simply a general discussion about the real estate market in your area.
 
An agent who won't take fifteen minutes to help you understand what to expect when buying a home isn't much of an agent, so beware. If the first few calls don't produce someone who is willing help and offer free information, keep looking.
 
 If you’re not comfortable talking to a real estate agent, how about talking to a loan officer or mortgage broker? They look at the home buying process from a different perspective, but can usually give you a basic overview of what to expect. For additional information about home buying, call an Eden Rock Mortgage professional at 813-908-5979. We are always here to assist you during your home buying quest.

 

 
 FAQ’s

1. If you are working with a real estate agent, will they help you draft your offer to purchase a home? If not, who will?

• If the agent uses fill-in-the-blank forms, ask for a blank sample copy so you can take it home and study.

2. What types of disclosures are sellers in your area required to give to buyers? Can the agent give you a sample copy of typical disclosures?
   
   
3. What are the standard types of home inspections for your area? Are there other inspections that the agent may recommend?

• How much do the inspections usually cost? Are they a buyer expense?

• When are the inspections done?

4. Is a survey required? If so, who typically pays for it, the buyer or the seller?
   
   
5. Who does the title search to verify that the deed is problem free, attorneys or a title company? What's the average cost for that service?
   
   
6. Who acts as settlement agent, the person who puts together the final paperwork for you to sign? (Attorney, title company personnel, real estate broker, other)?
   
   
7. Other than loan costs, what's the average total cost for other closing fees?

• Taxes, settlement agent fees, etc.

8. How long does it usually take to close on a home once your offer is accepted?