Home Buyer Checklist

Buyer's Checklist
The H Team

Buyers must do their part to help make the Buying transaction "smooth" alll the way to the closing table. Always expect minor problems and delays along the way. On the seller's side, title problems are a common cause of postponed settlements. On your side, bureaucratic snags such as extensive credit checks and slow appraisals can bog things down. In many cases, there isn't much you or the seller can do but wait.

While you're waiting for completion of all the processes now in motion, you should:

Apply for homeowners insurance on your new home.
Get an exact accounting settlement cost, and make sure the money and necessary documents will be there at closing.
Select a date for the final walk-through of the house.
Contact utility companies about starting service in your name.
Insurance on your new home

Your lender will require you to take out a homeowners insurance policy, and usually pre-pay for the first years premium, something you would want to do anyway. The lender wants to cover the amount of its mortgage loan so it can recover the money in the event of a loss. However, it's up to you to see that your insurance coverage remains adequate by getting property protection, liability insurance and/or any additional coverage you think is necessary.

The final inspection
The house you're buying must be handed over to you in the condition specified in the contract. To verify this, schedule a walk-through of the house shortly before settlement, several days in advance is best, to allow time for the seller to correct any last-minute problems. Look for left behind items, trash, damages from the movers. Also check attics and garage rafters.

Take along a simple device, such as a plug-in nightlight, to test all electrical outlets. Turn on the furnace and air conditioning, flush toilets and turn on faucets, put the washing machine and dryer through a cycle. Fill all drains and check for leakage, run the dishwasher through a few complete cycles. In short, put the house through its paces.

If anything needs fixing or further cleaning, ask your agent to inform the selling agent or home seller immediately. Neither you nor the seller wants to postpone the settlement, but make it clear you won't go to closing until a second walk-through is satisfactory.

What happens at closing
The closing is where ownership of the home is officially transferred from the seller to you. Your closing officer works for the title company and coordinates the document signing and the collection and disbursement of funds. Your main role at the closing is to review and sign the documents related to the mortgage loan and to pay the closing costs.

Most parties involved with the purchase of your new home will attend your closing. The closing is a formal meeting typically attended by the buyer(s) and the seller(s) (and their attorneys if they have one), both real estate sales professionals, and, of course, the closing officer. The meeting is typically held at the title company's office.

What to bring to closing
For things to go smoothly, each party should bring certain documents and be prepared to pay the necessary fees. Many closing costs can be paid by personal check, but ask the closing attorney or closing officer. A certified or cashier's check may be required. Find out to whom checks should be made payable.Most closers will also require a state approved picture ID.

The seller and his attorney are responsible for preparing and bringing the deed and the most recent property-tax bill. They also will bring other documents required by the contract. This can include the property insurance policy, termite inspection, documents showing the removal of liens and a bill of sale for personal property.

Make sure you have adequate funds for the down payment and other settlement costs, arrange for your attorney to represent your interests at the meeting, bring the loan commitment, inform the lender of the meeting time and place. Finally, it's a good idea to bring a copy of the purchase contract to refresh your memory.

Regardless, if you're buying or selling The H Team will assist you from start to completion. Contact us today to answer any questions you may have.

Top 10 Home Buying Mistakes

Buying a home is the largest investment a person will ever make; yet all too often the decision is made in haste without proper preparation

Using this list may help you avoid any costly mistakes;

1. Love at first sight: Falling in love with the place at first sight. Does it meet your family’s needs and budget? Make a list of all your needs and make sure the house fits into those needs. Check out the neighborhood and the community before you buy.Visit at different times of the day and week to learn about noise and traffic patterns. Park on the street and observe some of your neighbors and their actions. Even if you don’t have children, the local schools will have a lot to do with possible resale value.

2. Failure to be Pre-Approved: Getting pre-approved will give you an idea of how much you can afford to borrow. Being pre-approved means a lender has verified your information and credit rating and agreed to provide you with a specific amount of money. Most savvy home sellers are going to require a pre-approval when your offer to purchase is submitted.

3. Buying Too Much: Even though you can purchase a larger home and make the payments, take a reality check. Figure your actual monthly costs, including medical, groceries, automobile, include everything. Try to stay around 38% including your mortgage. Always figure 3% of the sale price for closing costs and another 1% for moving cost, new drapes and decorating costs.

4. On Your Own: Buying a house can be full of pit falls. make sure you hire a qualified buyer's agent, a lender, and a ASHI qualified home inspector. Request referrals from family and friends.

5. Making A Verbal Offer: Not putting an offer in writing allows for too many miscommunication. Never go by a verbal statement, if something is included in the sale like a refrigerator or stove make sure it's written into the contract. A written agreement always stands up in a court of law.

6. Create Contingencies: The more the better. Using a standard St. Louis Realtor contract provides these contingencies;
A. Financing: Allows the bank to have final say regarding appraisal,inspection and your ability to repay.
B. Title: Insures that any potential liens against the property will not pass with the ownership.
C. Insurance: Guarantees that the property is insurable, including flood and hazard insurance if required.
D. Survey: Insures that no other property is encroaching on your property or that your property is encroaching on a neighbors property.

7. Not Reading Everything You Sign: Always read the fine print and ask questions if you don't understand. Getting all the paperwork a few days in advance will allow you to read everything and have your questions ready.

8. Trust: The recent mortgage Crisis reminds us all to do our research and make sure everyone involved in the transaction knows their responsibility and is acting in your best interest, not his/hers.

9. Buy Low Sell High: Purchasing the highest priced home in the area can backfire on you, when the lower priced homes are sold. looking at the amount of foreclosure's on today's markets reminds us that markets can change.

10. Remorse: Don't worry about it. Everything will be fine. Buyers remorse almost always happens after such a large commitment. You've found the perfect house, now enjoy it.

The 'H" Team can assist you as a buyer's agent. Contact Us Today for your free buyers guide.