Where You Are Now
And what you need to do next
Step 4/7 : Start the search
Tasks Remaining:
At this stage, you begin actively looking for homes that meet your criteria. This involves attending open houses and scheduling showings. Starting the search with a clear plan helps you stay organized and find the perfect home efficiently
Assess Your Readiness: Understand why you’re buying. Whether for investment, lifestyle upgrade, or other reasons, clarity on your goals ensures a smoother process.
Timing the Market: Consider buying during less competitive seasons to potentially secure better deals. Utilize the One-on-One Advising service on Proprdiy.com to determine the best time to make your purchase.
Understand Costs: Calculate the costs involved in buying, including down payment, closing costs, and moving expenses. Use financial calculators to accurately determine your budget and financial outcomes.
Evaluate Your Finances: Assess your financial health, including your credit score and debt-to-income ratio. Use Proprdiy’s Mortgage Calculator to understand your borrowing capacity.
Mortgage Pre-Approval: Obtain a mortgage pre-approval to determine your budget and strengthen your negotiating position. You always want to use a reputable lender.
Budget for Homeownership: Allocate funds for ongoing costs such as property taxes, insurance, maintenance, and utilities. Plan for these expenses to avoid financial strain.
Define Your Needs: List your must-haves and nice-to-haves, such as location, size, and amenities. Proprdiy’s neighborhood comparison tool can help you find the best matches.
Explore Neighborhoods: Research potential areas  and visit in person to get a feel for each community.
Professional Assistance: Consider working with a licensed real estate agent for expert guidance, or use advisory services for personalized recommendations and support.
Property Search: Utilize Zillow, Redfin, Homes.com, and MLS feeds to find properties that meet your criteria. Set up alerts for new listings.
Attend Open Houses: Visit open houses to explore potential homes. Take notes and pictures to help you remember key details.
Schedule Private Showings: Arrange private showings with your real estate agent for properties you’re seriously considering to get a closer look and assess their condition.
Review Market Data: Use a professional Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) to understand the property’s market value and set a competitive offer price.
Craft a Strong Offer: Work with your agent or use Proprdiy’s Virtual Contract Creation to create an appealing offer, including price, contingencies, and closing timeline.
Submit the Offer: Present your offer to the seller and be prepared for counteroffers. Stay flexible and responsive during negotiations.
Home Inspection: Hire a professional inspector to assess the property’s condition. Check out Proprdiy’s inspection review service to understand the report.
Appraisal: The lender will order an appraisal to ensure the property’s value supports the loan amount. Ensure access and cooperation for the appraiser.
Title Search: Conduct a title search to ensure there are no legal issues with the property.Â
Review Closing Documents: Carefully review all closing documents, including the loan agreement and settlement statement. Have an expert review your statement for you if you are unsure of any sections.
Final Walkthrough: Conduct a final walkthrough to ensure the property’s condition meets your expectations and that any agreed-upon repairs are completed.
Prepare for Closing: Gather all necessary documents, identification, and funds for closing.Â
Plan Your Move: Schedule your move well in advance. Hire movers or rent a truck, and coordinate packing and moving dates with your closing date.
Transfer Utilities: Notify utility companies of your move-in date and arrange for services such as electricity, gas, water, and internet.Â
Free Resources
Downloadable Documents
Easy to complete fillable PDFs updated to reflect Federal, State and local regulations
Transaction Database
Document and contact management system right inside your member dashboard
Automated CMA
Get an informed valuation of your property or a property you'd like to buy
Paid Services
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Brokerage Services
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