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North Phoenix Home Buyers Overview

 

If you are a North Phoenix home buyer it’s said currently to be a seller’s market. As homes are coming on the market in areas around the North Phoenix Valley at the right prices, they are selling quickly and often for over asking price.

Interest rates are historically low and hopefully some new inventory will start to hit the market. When it does, here are some steps you will need to consider when buying a home in the North Phoenix area.

How much can you afford?

Your first step is to consult a mortgage professional. They will be able to tell you the price range in which you should be looking. In this market, you should get pre-approved, before asking your Realtor® to show you any homes this way you are looking at homes within your price range. There is nothing more disheartening than getting excited over homes you cannot afford.

What the Mortgage Broker Does

The mortgage broker will inform you how much your down payment and what your monthly payments maybe based on your income. What various mortgage programs are available to help you determine your purchasing power. Closing costs will also be taken into consideration, these can include, your share of escrow fees, loan fees, cost of inspection(s), pro-rated property taxes and other miscellaneous charges.

When you find the house you want to buy, you will need to act quickly. You could find yourself in a multiple-bidding situation (yes this is becoming more common given the low inventory) the most qualified buyer is going to get the home.

Find Your Home

Define your wants and needs. Make a list of priorities: Location, size of house, lot, number or rooms, etc. The more specific you are, the more efficient the process will be. Based on your budget your Realtor® will be able to help you to target your search more efficiently.

Be prepared to make an offer. Chances are if you like the home there are others who will like it too. If you are waiting for a deal the market is going to pass you by. If you are looking to live in your home for several years, buying one that you love is going to be a deal in the long term.

Make An Offer

With your Night Owl Realty Realtor® we will help you submit a Purchase Contract to the Seller. The cleaner the offer, the better the chance it will be accepted. The offer is time-sensitive and if it is a reasonable offer, the Seller will either respond with a signed acceptance, or you will receive a Counter Offer and then the ball is in your court again. You can accept the counter offer or submit your own counter or simply walk away from the deal.

Once the Offer is Accepted.

You are now to be considered in escrow.

We at Night Owl Realty will guide you through the process, but this is what you can expect:

  • A Home Inspection will need to be done immediately, and it is advisable that you are present for that inspection. Upon reviewing the Inspection Report you will have to make a decision if defects are found. You can ask for repairs to be done. You can ask for credit through escrow. You can ask for a reduction in the price of the home. You can also choose to do the work yourself. Or, you can walk away from the home.
  • Your lender will send out an Appraiser to assess the value of the property for loan purposes. Hopefully the home was priced correctly and there will not be a problem, but if the Appraisal comes in under value then you have one of three options: You can ask the Seller for a reduction in price. You can choose to pay the difference in cash. You can cancel the contract.
  • You will need to request a Home Insurance Policy without it you will not get a loan.
  • Make sure you do not incur any further debt while applying for the loan. This could severely impact your chances of receiving one.
  • There will be a ton of paperwork to fill out, a lot of it is time sensitive, you may need to make yourself available during the escrow process.
  • Once all the contingencies have been removed, the main ones being the Loan, Appraisal and Inspection, then you have basically committed to purchasing the home. The next step will be to sign the Loan Documents. They will be sent to the lender, the lender will fund and the next day title should be transferred into your name and you will be given the keys and the home is yours.

How to Prepare to Take Ownership

Generally you will take over the utilities that the Seller is using, such as gas, electric, water, etc. Arrange to have everything transferred over on the day you take possession. The Seller most likely will have canceled the services in his/her name the same day. Also, make sure you change the locks immediately upon possession.

Buying a home is a complicated process, but your Night Owl Realty Realtor® is trained to navigate the complexities of it and will ensure that your journey is made as trouble-free and comfortable as possible.

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