Mary-Lou McDonough, Barrett Sotheby's International RealtyPhone: (617) 947-9279
Email: [email protected]
Email: [email protected]
What are the steps in buying your first home? The homebuying process is a bit different for every sale, but still includes a few major steps. Knowing how to prepare for these steps will help you not only in buying a house, but in being a successful homeowner for years to come.
Here are some of the major steps to consider:
You might know that buying houses is a complicated process. While most homebuyers opt for taking the journey on their own, having a trusted real estate agent makes things much more simple.
Real estate agents can help guide you through the entire homebuying journey, ensuring you find the best house, answer questions that are important to you, provide valuable advice and negotiate with sellers.
Once you have determined the amount to spend for your down payment, you will determine how to save for it. A small down payment will require less cash upfront and will require mortgage insurance, which adds to your long-term costs.
If it is your first home, consider checking out first time homebuyer programs. There are many forms of financial aid, such as down payment assistance and help to lower your monthly mortgage payments.
Your choice of mortgage matters, both in scoring the home of your dreams and in affording it long-term. Before determining what type of mortgage to apply for, it's vital to understand their advantages and disadvantages.
The most common mortgage categories are traditional loans and FHA loans. Traditional loans are mortgages you get from a bank or other lender, while a FHA loan is backed by the Federal Housing Administration. Each has their own requirements for eligibility and approval to consider.
Once you've made your financial plans, it's time to find your dream home. Work with your real estate agent on your house hunting, as they can help you find the features, size, location and purchase price you're seeking.
Once you find a home and make an offer, next comes negotiation, home inspection, home appraisal and eventually paying your closing costs. Closing on a home is another aspect of homebuying that a real estate agent can streamline with confidence.
Whether it's finding the right home loan or figuring out homeowners insurance, there are many steps in the homebuying process. While it can be a complex real estate transaction, following these basics - and working with a qualified real estate professional - will make your journey quicker and smoother.
With strong connections to her community, Mary-Lou has held fund-raising events for The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, The Kids in Need Foundation and Dress for Success. This sense of personal responsibility extends to her professional life, and she continuously strives to exceed her clients’ expectations, empowering them throughout selling or buying process. "Only a well-informed client is prepared to make the best decisions on their own behalf, so the role of Market Expert is one I take very seriously.” It is this sense of personal accountability that drives Mary-Lou; keeping her focused on her clients and providing them with highest level of professionalism, solution-focused service, and sound guidance from start to SOLD!
Mary-Lou McDonough is Professionally Affiliated with The MASSACHUSETTS ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® The GREATER BOSTON REAL ESTATE BOARD, THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®, The Women’s Council of REALTORS®, The State and National Association of Certified Residential Specialists and The REALTORS® Political Action Committee
Whether you're in the research phase at the beginning of your real estate search or you know exactly what you're looking for, you'll benefit from having a real estate professional by your side. I'd be honored to put my real estate experience to work for you.
