Congratulations! 

You have decided to purchase a home, or are thinking about buying one.  You'll be joining the ranks of hundreds of families who realize that home ownership offers a number of benefits including building equity, saving for the future, and creating an environment for your family.  When you own your own home, your hard-earned dollars contribute to your mortgage. The equity you earn is yours.  Over time, your home will increase in value.

Contact a REALTOR®:
I will be able to help you through the entire process of buying a home, starting with the mortgage and continuing right through closing and beyond. I will help you shop for the best interest rate and terms by referring you to a Mortgage Broker or Mortgage Lender.

Get Pre-approved for a Loan:
Obtain a copy of your credit report and your FICO score and, if necessary, do what you need to do to improve it. The higher your FICO score, the better interest rate you can command. Contact several lenders or Mortgage Brokers and determine which one will give you the best deal.

Determine Your Price Range and Area(s) in Which You're Interested:
By now you should have a good idea of how much home you can afford. This helps you narrow down your home search. You should also begin researching the neighborhoods in which you might want to live.

Decide the Must Have vs. Nice to Have (but not Necessary):
How many bedrooms and bathrooms do you want? Would you prefer a newer home or an older one with established landscaping? Are hardwood floors a must? Is an updated kitchen important to you? Walk-in closets? Swimming Pool? Lake View? Which features would you be willing to give up if you find the otherwise-perfect home?

Begin Testing the Market:
Right here on GILRealtor.com, you can find listings that meet your criteria as well as neighborhood data. Identify properties that seem to be fits for you, take an afternoon and go on a driving tour. See what's available in your price range and explore neighborhoods. If need more information contact me at JorgeGil@comcast.net

With Your Agent, Begin Seriously Looking at Homes:
Your agent can add to the list of homes you've already identified – including ones that have just come on the market. Look at homes with a critical eye – does the floor plan work for you, is the property in good condition, would it be right for your lifestyle? In short, can you imagine yourself and your family living there? Take notes at each home you visit. What do you like and not like? Narrow down your choices; re-visit homes in which you're interested. See them at different times of the day.

Make an Offer:
When you've identified the home you want to buy, be prepared to help your agent prepare a written offer quickly. Your agent will be familiar with market values and will help you arrive at a price that gives your offer the best chance of being accepted. At this stage, try not to become emotionally attached to a home. Your offer may not be accepted for any number of reasons. Have backup homes in mind. Be prepared to negotiate through your agent with the sellers.

Once Your Offer Is Accepted:

• You'll be asked to submit an earnest money deposit that usually isn't refundable.
• Begin making moving arrangements (select a mover, obtain change-of-address cards, inform friends and relatives).
• Have the property professionally inspected.
• If necessary, request repairs.
• Obtain homeowner's insurance.
• Contact utilities (phone, water, power, etc.)
• A few days before closing, stage a walk-through.
• Obtain a cashier's check for the down payment and closing costs.

At Closing:

• Make sure the terms and conditions of the loan statement are correct.
• Carefully read everything before you sign.