Buying a Home

Buying a Home

When buying a home, it's not like you can just walk into a store, browse your choices and pick the one you want.

No, it's a lot more complicated than that but it can be an awful lot of fun taking all the steps.

I've had this site built so I could share what I've learned about the process and maybe I can help you with the knowledge and wisdom I've accumulated over the years.

Keys to Your New Home The homebuying process can seem complicated but if you take things step-by-step, you will soon be holding the keys to your own home!

Nine steps to buying a home

Figure out how much you can afford
Know your rights
Shop for a loan
Learn about homebuying programs
Shop for a home
Make an offer
Get a home inspection
Shop for homeowners insurance
Sign papers

Step 1: Figure out how much you can afford
What you can afford depends on your income, credit rating, current monthly expenses, downpayment and the interest rate. The calculators below can help, but it is best to visit a lender to find out for sure.

How much home can you afford?

Buying vs. Renting

Home Economics

Need help with your downpayment and/or closing costs?

Just submit the form at the bottom of my About Daryl Hill page.

I can help you figure out how to manage and pay off your debt and I can even help you start saving for that downpayment!

Step 2: Know your rights

Fair Housing: Equal Opportunity for All - brochure

Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA)

Borrower's rights

Predatory lending

Step 3: Shop for a loan
Save money by doing your homework. Talk to several lenders, compare costs and interest rates, negotiate to get a better deal. Consider getting pre-approved for a loan.

Just don't forget how to come back to my site when you've exhausted all your options and you still can't find any service or person who can do as much as the company I found can without going out to a third party.

Looking for the best mortgage: shop, compare, negotiate - brochure

Let FHA help you

Why Ask for an FHA Loan?

Learn about interest only loans

Step 4: Learn about homebuying programs

Homebuying programs in your state

FHA loan programs offer lower downpayments and are a good option for first-time homebuyers.

Let FHA help you

HUD's special homebuying programs

Good Neighbor Next Door (formerly known as Teacher/Officer/Firefighter Next Door)
Hurricane Evacuees discounted sales
Homeownership for public housing residents
Indian Home Loan Guarantee Program (Section 184)

Step 5: Shop for a home

Choose a real estate agent - Don't forget that I'm a Mortgage Consultant too

Wish list - what features do you want?

Home-shopping checklist � take this list with you when comparing homes

Homes for sale (including HUD homes)

"Fixer-uppers" - home purchase and repair programs

Manufactured (mobile) homes

Build a home

If you choose a home in a neighborhood with a Home Owners Association (HOA), be sure to request a copy of the HOA packet, so you can review before closing.

Step 6: Make an offer
Discuss the process with your real estate agent. If the seller counters your offer, you may need to negotiate until you both agree to the terms of the sale.

Step 7: Get a home inspection
Make your offer dependent on a home inspection. An inspection will tell you about the condition of the home which can help you avoid buying a home that needs major repairs.

Step 8: Shop for homeowners insurance
Lenders require that you have homeowners insurance. Be sure to shop around.

Step 9: Sign papers
You're finally ready to go to "settlement" or "closing." Be sure to read everything before you sign!

Settlement Costs and Helpful Information

Anyone looking to actually save money with their home financing can Contact Me Directly to get the process started.

On the other hand, if you are a Real Estate Professional and you would be interested in keeping more of the profits originating from all the home loans you initiate, you can Become an Associate of My Team by filling out the form on that page.

Return Home for more Valuable FREE information...!

In order to find out what your best loan options are, you can start the process by visiting my Loan Helper page and when you submit your contact information in the form on that page, that will let me know you are interested in finding out how I can help you.