Tips for Home Buyers
Learn the steps from beginning to end of buying a home including finances, inspections, title work and more.
Buyer Road Map
Begin by evaluating your property needs in terms of location, size, style, budget, and amenities. Next, assess your finances and get pre-approved for a mortgage to gauge affordability. With the help of a real estate agent, attend showings that match your criteria and, upon finding a suitable property, negotiate terms and make an offer. Upon acceptance, conduct a professional home inspection to identify any issues, followed by a lender-ordered appraisal to confirm property value. Ensure the property's title history is clear of discrepancies before the final walk-through to check the home's condition and required repairs. On closing day, coordinate with your agent and come prepared with valid identification and necessary funds.
Evaluate your needs
Consider factors such as location, size, style, budget, and amenities to determine what type of property best suits your lifestyle and future goals.
Get Pre-Approved
Assess your finances and get pre-approved for a mortgage to understand what you can afford.
Go on Showings
Start going on showings with your real estate agent. Your agent will help you find homes that fit all your criteria.
Offer & Negotiations
Make an offer on a property. Your real estate agent will assist in negotiating the terms with the seller.
Offer Accepted
Make an offer on a property. Your real estate agent will assist in negotiating the terms with the seller.
Inspection Period
Hire a professional home inspector to evaluate the condition of the property and identify any potential issues.
Appraisal
After the inspection period your lender will order an appraisal to ensure that the property value is in line with the mortgage amount.
Title Work
Title Work involves conducting a thorough search of the property's title history to ensure that there are no issues or discrepancies that could affect the full transfer of ownership.
Final Walk-Through
The final walk-through is the last step before closing on a home where the buyer ensures the property is in the agreed-upon condition and any repairs are completed.
Closing Day
Happy Closing Day! Your real estate agent will coordinate the closing with all parties. Make sure you bring a valid government issued photo ID, cashier's check - if you didn't wire the money already, and memorize your social security number.
Every buyer should understand these
Key Real Estate Terms
Closing Costs in real estate are fees paid by both the buyer and seller at the closing of a transaction, calculated as a percentage of the purchase price, and including expenses such as appraisal, title insurance, attorney fees, and commissions.
An Earnest Money Deposit is a sum of money that a buyer pays to show their commitment to buying a property. It’s usually a percentage of the purchase price and held in escrow until closing. If the sale is completed, it’s applied to the buyer’s costs. Otherwise, it may be returned or forfeited.
In a contract to purchase, “Occupancy” refers to when the buyer takes possession of the property. It’s typically negotiated and specified in the contract, and may include conditions that must be met before occupancy occurs.
A Contingency in real estate refers to a condition or clause that must be met before a property sale can be completed. These contingencies are designed to protect the buyer’s interests and can provide an “out” if certain conditions are not met or if unexpected issues arise during the buying process. They may include things like financing, inspection, home sale, or appraisal contingencies.
In real estate, Escrow is the process of placing funds or property in the control of a neutral third party until certain conditions of a transaction are met. The purpose is to ensure a smooth transaction by verifying property titles, clearing any liens or encumbrances, and disbursing funds to the seller once all conditions are met.
In real estate, Title refers to legal ownership of a property, including the right to use, sell, or transfer the property. The title is evidenced by a document known as a deed, which provides a description of the property and identifies the owner.
The solution
Why a Real Estate Agent is Essential in Today's Housing Market
- A real estate agent assists in negotiating repairs or securing a better deal with the seller.
- With a real estate agent, the paperwork associated with home buying becomes streamlined and manageable.
- An agent ensures smooth transactions, from verifying title authenticity to confirming financing and coordinating with involved professionals.
- Agents have exclusive access to the MLS, offering more detailed searches than standard buyer platforms.
- Expertise in the intricacies of the property market is a hallmark of a seasoned real estate ag
Testimonials
Century 21 Curran & Oberski go above and beyond to provide a stress free experience. If you want a brokerage that is going to try to make sure you not only sell your home fast but that you find a new home just as fast look no further. Highly recommend!
Past Client
Whilemina Earle
We have bought and sold through Century 21 Curran & Oberski and would refer anyone looking for a great brokerage to start here. Their agents are professional, punctual and personable. Both of our transactions were very smooth and we were kept in the loop the whole time.
Past Client
Diane O'Brien
Visit One Of Our 4 Locations
Dearborn Office
Dearborn Heights Office
Northville Office
Royal Oak Office
CENTURY 21 Curran & Oberski is a real estate brokerage in Metro Detroit with 4 offices located in Dearborn, Dearborn Heights, Northville and Royal Oak. Serving the Michigan real estate markets since 1948.
Dearborn: 313-274-1700
Dearborn Heights: 313-274-7200
Northville: 734-464-6400
Royal Oak: 248-264-1700
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