KEY STEPS IN THE BUYING PROCESS:

1. Build Your Buying Power

Improve Your Credit Score: Aim for a high credit score for better loan rates.
 
Save for Down Payment & Closing Costs: These are upfront costs.
 
Select a Lender & Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage: This shows Sellers you're a serious Buyer. Be ready to present your mortgage pre-approval to the Seller along with your offer.
2. Choose Kysha Merritt as Your Real Estate Agent

Choosing the right real estate agent is crucial for a successful and stress-free home buying or selling experience.  It’s imperative that you choose an Agent that you can trust. An agent can help you find properties, negotiate, and help you navigate the process. Your Agent will also provide you with a list of reputable resources: Title Companies/Title Attorney, Home Inspectors, Termite Inspectors, Appraisers, etc.
3. Determine Your Property Criteria

Search for homes that meet your needs and budget.
 
Attend open houses and schedule showings.
 
Your Agent will help you narrow down your search, so you’re laser focused on your non-negotiables: Location, Amenities, and Budget.
4. Make an Offer

Collaborate with your real estate agent to present an offer to the seller. Your agent will conduct a comparative market analysis to help establish the home's true market value, providing you with confidence in your offer. Be prepared for several rounds of negotiations regarding the price, contingencies, and other terms. 

5. Home Inspection & Appraisal

Hire a licensed, insured and reputable home inspector to inspect the property for any hidden issues.  Your Agent will be able to find an inspector and hold your hand through the entire process. You can also hire professionals to inspect for any of the following concerns: termites, waterproofing, fireplace/chimney, radon, structural concerns and more.  By doing your due diligence, you will protect your investment.  During this time you will also be required to have an appraisal by your lender in order to secure your mortgage.  The purpose of the appraisal is to ensure that the property is worth the price you are willing to pay.
6. Finalizing Your Loan

Now it’s time for your lender to formally approve your loan. Finalizing your mortgage commitment will often require you to provide additional documentation requested by your lender. The underwriting process is the time in which a lender reviews your financial information, including an additional review of your income status, employment verification, the property's appraisal, and other details before approving your loan.
7. Negotiations

You will have a scheduled amount of time to address any issues and/or concerns raised by any of the inspections or the appraisal.  You will have an opportunity to address these concerns with the Seller and negotiate how you would like to have them corrected. 
8. Closing
 
Once your Agent has received the “clear-to-close” notification from your lender, you will then be able to confirm your closing date with your title company/attorney.  Prior to your closing day you will likely wire funds to the attorney’s office. Be sure to reconfirm directly and verbally with the attorney what their co