North Atlanta Real Estate Search

The Home Buying Process

Buying a Home in Atlanta Ga

You have decided to buy a home.  CONGRATULATIONS!!  So what are the steps to buy a home - that is a logical question.  Here are some very logical questions you may have:

  • How do I find a Realtor?
  • How do I sell my home?
  • who is the Best Realtor Near me?
  • What is the process for buying a home?
  • Where are the best real estate listings?
  • Who pays for the real estate agent?
  • How much money do I need to buy a home?
  • Should I buy a new home or a used home?

You will find this website very helpful.  To search the MLS for All Listings by towns, cities, school district or community click on a link to the right - just let me know and I will set up your private search.

Just click on the City that interest you - see cities on the right.

Steps to Buying a Home

The process of buying a home can be overwhelming at times, but you don't need to go through it alone.  You may be wondering if now is a good time to buy a home…or if interest rates are projected to rise or fall. 

My FREE eGuide below will answer many of your questions and likely bring up a few things you didn't even know you should consider when buying a home.

Step 1:  Download John's Free Home Buyer's Guide

Click Here for John's Free Home Buyer's Guide

Step 2: 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 www.creditkarma.com.

Step 3: 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 4: Call or Email me to discuss the Market and Find the Right Lender

Call or email me when you are ready to move forward.  To find the right mortgage lender it’s best to shop around. Call me for recommendations if you like.  I have several lenders I know and trust.  Get recommendations from your friends and family and check with the Better Business Bureau. I recommend talking to at least three 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.

Step 5: Look for the Right Home

Make a list of the things you'll need to have in the house. Ask yourself how many bedrooms and bathrooms you'll need and get an idea of how much space you desire. How big do you want the kitchen to be? Do you need lots of closets and cabinet space? Do you need a big yard for your kids and/or pets to play in?

Once you've made a list of your must-have's, don't forget to think about the kind of neighborhood you want, types of schools in the area, the length of your commute to and from work, and the convenience of local shopping. Take into account your safety concerns as well as how good the rate of home appreciation is in the area.  Click here to search here:

Atlanta Homes for Sale

Alpharetta Homes for Sale

Cumming Homes for sale

Milton Homes for Sale

Suwanee Homes for Sale.

Lake Lanier Homes for Sale

Step 6: Make an Offer on the Home

Now that you've found the home you want, you have to make an offer. We will review comps in the community or area to give us an idea of value in the area.  This is the same data appraisers use when they evaluate a home for the lender.  We will then discuss a strategy that matches your goal for that home. 

Some people's goal might be we only want this home for a great deal while others may love the home so much they say let us just buy it ASAP.  Your goal will drive what you offer on the home.  Once you've made your offer, don't think it's final. The seller may make a counter-offer to which you can also counter-offer. But you don't want to go back and forth too much. Somewhere, you have to meet in the middle. Once you've agreed on a price, you'll make an earnest, which is money that goes in escrow to give the seller a sign of good faith.

Step 7: Get the Right Mortgage for Your Situation

There are many different types of mortgage programs out there, but as a first-time home buyer, you should be aware of the three basics: adjustable rate, fixed rate and interest-only.

Adjustable rate mortgages (ARMs) are short-term mortgages that offer an interest rate that is fixed for a short period of time, usually between one to seven years. After that, the interest rate can adjust every year up or down, depending on the market. These are good for people who don't plan on living in their home very long and/or are looking for a lower interest rate and payment.

Fixed-rate mortgages are more traditional and offer a fixed interest rate (and thus a fixed monthly payment) for a longer period of time, usually 15 or 30 years, though they're available in 20 or 25 year terms. These are good for people who like a predictable payment and plan on living in their home for a long time.

Both fixed and adjustable rate mortgages can have an interest-only payment. What this means is that for a certain amount of time during the loan term, you're allowed to pay only enough to cover the interest portion of your payment. You can still pay principal when you wish, but don't have to if your budget is tight. There is a myth that with interest-only mortgages, you don't build equity. This is not necessarily true, since you can build equity through home appreciation. The benefit to interest-only mortgages is that you increase your cash flow by not paying principal.

Remember to ask your mortgage lender or mortgage banker lots of questions about which mortgage is right for you and your situation.

Step 8: Close on Your Home

Make sure you get a home inspection before you close. It will be well-worth the money spent since it ensures the property's structural soundness and good condition.

Setting the closing date that is convenient to both parties may be tricky, but can certainly be done. Remember that you may have to wait until your rental agreement runs out and the seller may have to wait until they close on their new house.

Be sure you talk to your mortgage banker to understand all the costs that will be involved with the closing so there are no surprises. Closing costs will likely include (but are not limited to) your down payment, title fees, appraisal fees, attorney fees, inspection fees, and points you may have bought to buy down your interest rate.

Step 9: Move In!

You've got your mortgage, closed the deal and now it's time to move in! Whether you use a mover or not is up to you, depending on your financial situation and how much stuff you have to move; perhaps also, whether you have a lot of friends willing to help you move. Either way, you're done with the home buying process! Just start unpacking and start enjoying your first home! Buying a home for the first time doesn't have to be a hassle if you're prepared and you know what to do and when to do it. Choose an experienced home loan lender and a friendly, knowledgeable real estate agent-they are the key to helping you have a smooth home buying experience!

Remember, I have helped people Buy and Seller since 2003.  I know the process, you will find I listen and work very hard to help you achieve your goals.  Contact me at 770 722-7010.

Why Do I want to Buyer a Home?