Real Estate Services
Helping California Residents Find the Perfect Home
Buying a home is exciting and nerve-wracking—especially if it’s your first. There is a lot consider: the location, the home foundation and aesthetic, property taxes, etc. It can be difficult to know where to start, which is where Academy West Insurance comes in.
Not only do we offer a multitude of insurance coverages at a competitive price, but we also have a team of licensed professionals to help you secure a loan and move in!
How Buying a Home Works
The first step is budgeting. Chances are, you’ll have to take out a mortgage loan from a bank. You should only start seriously shopping for a home after you’ve already been pre-approved for a loan. This way, you know your general finances and can calculate your budget. It also helps to clear up any concerns about your income or credit before you’ve gotten too deep into house hunting.
Next comes finding a real estate agent. You want someone who will work hard for you and go the extra mile to find homes within the budget and criteria you desire. With their help, you can find and choose between homes.
Say you’ve found the perfect home. It’s within your budget and sits in a quiet suburban neighborhood within reasonable distance of potential schools. Now, you’re able to put in an offer and negotiate your price for the home. Be sure to keep the letter of your mortgage pre-approval handy, because you’ll need it when putting an offer in on a home. A good real estate agent will help you compare the value and sales price of the surrounding homes that you can get a firm understanding of the market and how much to offer.
Your real estate agent should then write up an offer letter based on your criteria and agreement. Make sure to go over it carefully to be sure that there are no loopholes or odd clauses that could be misread. Then follows the basic: a home inspection, timeline and other contingencies that you’d like to add to the offer letter. Afterwards, you should receive a response within a couple days. The seller may come back with a higher price, and this is where you can haggle. Finally, once you and the home seller agree on a price, you both sign the contract, conduct a home inspection and close on your new home!
Make sure you have:
- Proof of homeowners insurance
- Down payment on mortgage
- Closing costs
- Mortgage agreement
- Settlement costs statement
- Warranty deed that transfers the title
Find the Perfect Home Today
The agents at Academy West Insurance are ready to help you through the process of finding and buying a home! We understand that it can be a stressful process and want to take as much of the burden off your shoulders as possible. Click here to get started on your new life now!
Frequently Asked Questions
How Many Times is Credit Checked When Buying a Home?
Most lenders only run your credit once when considering a mortgage, but it may be run again by an insurance agency for homeowners insurance.
How Much Does It Cost to Buy a Home in California?
A home in California is valued at a median of $556,815. This doesn’t mean that this is what you will pay, however. The price of a home in California is a median of $535,000. This doesn’t include the closing costs or any other miscellaneous costs.
How Does Buying a Home Affect Taxes?
Though expensive and stressful at first, buying a home comes with its own perks. You may be able to deduct interest from your taxes after purchasing a new home.