Contemplating buying a new home in Santa Fe?

Buying a home is a stressful event for a lot of people, but it isn't all that confusing with some up-front planning. I like to give buyers a road map of the whole deal so they understand exactly what they can expect. Here are my nine steps to purchasing a home. When you're ready to get started, just contact me here or e-mail me at . I'm glad to address questions you have about this information.

Step 1 – Get ready to buy
Before you commence your home search, there are several things you should take into account. You'll most likely want to make a check list of items you want to have, get a feeling for what neighborhoods and school districts you want to live in, and start working on your budget. A good rule to follow is that your mortgage payment should be close to a third of your monthly income.

Step 2 – Talk to a real estate agent in Santa Fe
That's where I can help. I'd be more than happy to plan a time to get together with you and speak with you about your real estate needs and get an idea of your upcoming plans. We'll talk about the mortgage industry, other economic factors that may potentially affect your purchase today or in the future, as well as neighborhoods and school districts in the Santa Fe area.

In addition, I'll help you facilitate the loan process. Leyba Real Estate LLC works with some of Santa Fe's best mortgage professionals, so you're in great hands. They will help you figure out which type of loan is best for you, as well as help you get qualified.

Step 3 – Start looking for a home
After we meet, I'll start searching for available homes on the market that are a good fit for you. I'll research most of the houses and reject the bad ones, and then we'll set up appointments to tour the homes when it's convenient for you.

As we tour the houses, I'll point out positive features, as well as negative ones. I'll even ask you about things you like and don't like. It's common for buyers to amend their list of must-haves as we tour homes and some features become more substantial than others. If that happens, I'll search the listings once more and narrow it down to the house of your dreams.

Step 4 – Comprehend the housing market
An agent's awareness of the Santa Fe housing market is an essential factor in your house search. And I assure you I'm conscious of all the schools and neighborhoods, and I will alert you to which neighborhoods are "hot" and require prompt action and some that are "cool" and allow for more examination.

When we view houses, I'll be sure to tell you if the asking price has room for bargaining or if I believe the house is "priced to sell." When working with an agent, be on guard and be sure to ask plenty of questions. Every real estate agent in Santa Fe will tell you they truly understand the market. If things don't add up, call me at 5054730223 or e-mail me at , and I'd be glad to answer any questions you may have. My market expertise will keep you a step above the rest throughout the entire deal.

Step 5 – Find the home you've been looking for
I'm positive we'll find your dream house in the Santa Fe area. When we do, I'll precisely develop your home purchase offer. The offer will be tailored with your needs in mind and the home, including some contingencies, such as obtaining financing, finishing the inspection, and a clean title.

Upon presenting your purchase offer, you'll need to present "earnest money." This is a cash deposit made to the home seller to secure an offer to buy the property and is most often put towards the closing costs. If the seller accepts your offer, we should close within 30 to 60 days afterward. This allows ample time for your mortgage financing.

Step 6 – Negotiate the deal
Most deals aren't closed on the initial offer. It's extremely common to receive a counter offer. Don't let this intimidate you. We'll discuss whether or not to take the counter offer, present our own counter offer, or reject the seller's offer and go on.

Market circumstances will play a part in how aggressively we negotiate the deal. In addition, we'll work within your financing budget. And at the end of the day, we'll put together a deal that works well for you.

Step 7 – Secure a loan
After the deal is finalized, you'll start working with your lender to close the loan. If you're pre-approved, it shouldn't take long at all, but you'll want to keep in close contact with your lender. And I'll care for all the property information your mortgage lender needs to close the loan.

Step 8 – Close the deal
You'll get a Loan Estimate (LE) of your closing costs from your mortgage lender within three days of receiving your loan application. This estimate is formed from the loan amount, and RESPA requirements mandate that it has to include all closing costs and be within a precise range of accuracy. I'll study the estimate and let you know if it all looks permissible.

Then we'll close on your home. This will likely take place at a title company or escrow office and will most often be a smooth and stress-free event.

Step 9 – Move in
Congratulations! Now you can move into your new home. Enjoy it. And if you have any questions, be sure to call me at 5054730223 or e-mail me at .