Buying a home with Kelly Lamoreaux
Congratulations on making a decision to buy a home here in the Salt Lake Valley. My goal is to make your purchasing process as easy and smooth as possible.
My complimentary services include:
*Providing access to the Utah Multiple Listing Service
*Create your personal client portal, where I will provide listings by email that best meet your criteria.
*Assure that you see those properties that are the best fit for your wishes.
*Guide you through the entire home buying process, from helping to get the best financing, through the close of escrow. I will assist you through every step of the entire transaction.
*Make sure you don't pay too much for your new home and help you avoid costly mistakes.
*Answer all of your questions about the Salt Lake area, including neighborhoods, the local economy, restaurants, local activities, and more.
Before You Start Looking For Your New Home:
*Check your credit rating. Straighten out any errors before its too late.
*Determine a comfortable monthly budget for your new purchase, including down payment and monthly payment.
*Find a lender or loan broker that meets your needs and get pre-qualified (preferably pre-approved). I will be happy to provide you with referrals.
*Identify important features you want in your Salt Lake home.
Closing Costs to Expect:-
*Lender fees include charges for loan processing, underwriting, preparation and establishing an escrow account.
*Third-Party Fees include charges for insurance, title search, and other inspections such as termites.
*Government fees include deed recording and state & local mortgage taxes.
*Escrow and interest fees include homeowner's insurance, loan interest, real estate taxes, and occasionally private mortgage insurance.
Kelly Lamoreaux specializes in architectural homes, including investment properties, foreclosures and vacation condos.
Buying a Home 101
Keys to Smart Home Buying
Buying a home is one of life's most important investments and exciting adventures. Even experienced buyers, however, can find this complex process a bit overwhelming. We will guide you every step of the way. In addition to the crucial step of locating and presenting properties that match your search criteria, we will help you along the path between "I want this house!" and "I own this house!"
The Search Begins
You should start your search by determining your price range, and how much can you afford. While lenders use different formulas for arriving at this figure, a general rule of thumb is that you should spend no more than 28% of your gross monthly income on housing costs or PITI (principal, interest, taxes and insurance), and no more than 38% on combined total monthly house and other long-term debt payments. However, each person's financial picture is unique and we'll be happy to put you in touch with a lender we trust to evaluate your buying power.
Understanding the Asking Price
Many factors influence the price that a seller expects to get for their home. While only you can decide how much you feel comfortable offering for a property, we can gather critical information for you regarding the factors that impact how much you should consider paying for the home. These factors include:
*How long the home has been on the market
*If the price has been reduced
*The prices for other comparable homes in the area
*If there are multiple offers
*Other items that might be included in the sale - furniture, hot tub, etc.
*The "list to sale price ratio," an indication of how competitive the market is for homes in this area.
*Why the seller is selling
*Whether the seller is offering an assumable loan or financing
Getting Your Mortgage Application Started
Being pre-approved by a lender can put you in a much stronger negotiating position, because it shows the seller that you are a committed buyer, financially capable of buying the property, and more likely to close on the property. Keep in mind that pre-approval is different from pre-qualification. Pre-qualification is merely an estimate of what you may be able to afford. Pre-approval occurs when the lender has reviewed your credit and believes that you can finance a home up to a specific amount. However, neither pre-approval nor pre-qualification represents or implies a commitment on the part of a lender to actually fund a loan.
Here are some of the current documents you'll need to get started:
INCOME
*Current pay stubs
*W-2s or 1099s
*Tax returns, usually for two years
ASSETS
*Bank statements
*Investments/brokerage firm statements
*Net worth of businesses owned (if applicable)
DEBTS
*Credit card statements
*Loan statements
*Alimony/child support payments (if applicable)
Financing Your New Home
The financing process can take anywhere from 10 to 90 days, but typically runs 30 to 45 days. We'll be involved throughout the process to help it run smoothly. The basic timeline for what will happen along the way is as follows:
*You submit the completed application and any required supporting documentation to the lender
*The lender orders an appraisal of the property, a credit report, and begins verifying your employment and assets
*The lender provides a good faith estimate of closing and related costs, plus initial Truth in Lending disclosures
*The lender evaluates the application and your supporting documents, approves the loan, and issues a letter of commitment
*You sign the closing loan documents and the loan is funded
*The lender sends their funds to escrow
*All appropriate documents are recorded at the County Recorder's Office, the seller is paid, and the title to the home is yours
Negotiating the Offer and the Contract
You may make your offer subject to certain terms or contingencies, including securing of financing or perhaps the sale of your current home. You may also make the contract subject to various inspections by both you and professional inspectors. Most contracts include some standard provisions, such as property taxes, insurance costs, utility bills, and special assessments, which will be prorated between buyer and seller. Others outline what happens if the property is damaged before closing, or either party fails to go through with the sale. We will review with you every aspect of your offer. Together, we will plan a strategy for getting the most advantageous terms for you - the buyer - at the price you are willing to pay for the property.
Inspections
Real estate contracts often contain contingency clauses that allow buyers to inspect the property. Certain inspections are required by lenders and others are a matter of observation and what is particular to a region or area. Which party pays for these inspections is negotiable. The two most common types of inspection are:
General House Inspection
This inspection identifies material defects in the essential components of the property based upon a noninvasive physical inspection. There are no licensing requirements for someone to be a home inspector. These inspectors are not allowed to give estimates to correct noted problems, nor can the inspector perform any of the repairs.
Title Search Process
A title search spells out who has the right of ownership for a property. It is considered "clear" if there are no claims or liens against it. In order to make sure nothing will prevent transfer of the property to you, a title company will conduct a title search and prepare a preliminary title report that indicates what recorded matters affect the title to the property and if the title insurance company is willing to insure the title. At the close of escrow, the title company will issue an Owner's Policy of Title Insurance to protect you against losses that might arise from covered claims on the title.
Preparing For The Closing Costs
A home purchase is a complex transaction involving many parties and associated fees. In addition to your deposit and down payment, there are a variety of other costs involved in the close of escrow, including:
*Loan origination fees, appraisals, and reports
*Surveys and inspections
*Mortgage insurance
*Hazard insurance
*Taxes
*Assessments
*Title Insurance, notary, and escrow fees
*Recording fees and stamps
The lender will provide a good faith estimate of these costs prior to the close of escrow, so that you will know in advance what to expect. Some of these costs may be negotiable items with the seller. Naturally, we'll walk you through each item in your good faith estimate to make sure you understand every detail.
