We'll help you make that dream come true. Our agents are very patient with first time home buyers. After all, we were all first time home buyers at one time. We know that the one thing first time home buyers need is a real estate agent that will take the time to explain the complicated procedures of buying a home. We have that patience and our agents are all dedicated to seeing you in your very own home. Some of the important steps to finding a home are:

PREVIEW HOMES IN YOUR PRICE RANGE
We'll show you several homes in your price range and we'll NEVER try to sell you a home that you don't appear to want. YOU TELL US what appeals to you. Don't forget, we do not list properties, so, we will not try to sell you our listings or company listings. We just want to find the BEST HOME FOR YOU.

ARRANGE FOR PRELIMINARY LOAN QUALIFICATION LETTER
We'll help you get your lender lined up for the time when you say "I WANT THIS HOUSE". You are not in a good negotiating position if you have not been credit approved. Often, sellers will not consider a contract without a pre-qualification letter from the buyer. The lender's letter says you are ready and able to buy the house of your dreams.

SAY, "I WANT THAT HOME"
Once you have selected your home, DON'T LET ANYTHING STOP YOU FROM MAKING AN IMMEDIATE OFFER. There is nothing more heart breaking than for a buyer to find their home of choice and then have it sold while they are thinking about it. Thinking needs to be done up front, not after finding the home you want to buy.

GET THE INSPECTIONS DONE QUICKLY
We'll arrange for inspections quickly. If there is a serious defect in the house, you want to know right away. If a home inspection shows a serious defect, you can declare a contract NULL AND VOID. We'll watch out for you.

IT'S TIME TO MAKE A MORTGAGE LOAN APPLICATION Get your home loan application done quickly. The financing contingency will protect you only if you vigorously pursue loan approval. Have your documents ready when you make loan application. At a minimum, you will need:

• Copy of your W-4 for the past two years
  
• Three months bank statements
  
• Two months pay receipts
  
• Lease for apartment if renting
  
• Copy of contract on home being sold, if any
  
• Employment letter if you are relocating and starting a new job
  
• Military orders if you are military
  
• Two years tax return if you are self employed.

The lender will give you a "Good Faith Estimate". This will let you know exactly how much money you'll need to settle. We'll will want to check this document for accuracy and it will be in your file to help you prepare for settlement.

PURCHASE HOME OWNERS INSURANCE
Your lender will require a paid receipt showing that you have paid the premium for the first year. Thereafter, your lender will pay the insurance premiums from the escrow paid in your mortgage payment. You can't get a real estate mortgage loan without your home owners insurance in place. If you forget, we'll get it at the last minute and then you can change after the first year.

ORDER UTILITY SERVICES
Order your utility, gas, electric, phone, water in your name. You should call the utilities a couple of days prior to settlement to order the utility service in your name.
BGE - 800-685-0123 (Maryland gas and electricity)
WSSC - 301 -206-8000 (Maryland water)

GET YOUR SETTLEMENT FUNDS
At least 24 hours prior to settlement, get your settlement money in CASHIER'S CHECK. You can bring the amount showing on your ""Good Faith Estimate" from the lender. Any adjustment will be made at settlement. Be sure to bring your drivers license with a photo ID. You cannot settle in Maryland and without photo ID. You may also wire funds to the title office. We'll get the information for you.

ON SETTLEMENT DAY - RECEIVE YOUR HOUSE KEY
We'll arrange for a "walk-through" of your newly purchased home a day or so before settlement. We'll walk the house with you to make sure it is in substantially the same condition as when you purchased it. The house must also, by contract, be broom clean and free of debris. We will also retest all of the appliances to make sure everything is in working order.

The settlement attorney or title officer will conduct the closing. They will review the HUD-1 or Settlement Statement showing all of your charges and credit and the sellers charges and credits. It's a balance sheet for the real estate purchase financial transaction. You will also sign all of the documents prepared by the lender to record your deed showing you as the owner of the property and your deed of trust and note showing the lien for your mortgage. You give the title office your settlement funds and the sellers will give you the keys to your newly purchased home.

WELCOME TO HOME OWNERSHIP.

Want to know more?? CONTACT US.

Borrower's Bill of Rights when buying a home in Maryland, CLICK HERE.

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