Buying or selling a home? Latte Stone Properties, LLC can help.

Purchasing a home can be stressful for most people. However, with a bit of planning ahead of time, it isn't that hard. So they'll understand exactly what to expect, I like to furnish buyers with an overview of the whole deal. Below 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 happy to answer any questions you have about this information.

Step 1 – Prepare to buy
There are several things you need to contemplate before you start looking for a home. When you begin your search, you'll want to create an outline of must-haves, get a feel for what neighborhoods and school districts you want to live in, and start planning your budget. Ensuring your mortgage payment is less than a third of your net monthly income is a good principle to follow.

Step 2 – Contact a real estate agent
This is where I can help. I'd be more than happy to plan a time to get together with you and talk about your real estate needs and get an idea of your upcoming plans. We'll talk about neighborhoods, schools in the Tamuning area, the mortgage industry, and any other economic factors that may potentially affect your buying decision today or in the future.

I can also help you start the loan process. I work with some of the best mortgage professionals in Tamuning, so you're in great hands. They'll help you decide which kind of loan is best for you, as well as help you get qualified.

Step 3 – Start house-hunting
After we meet, I'll begin looking for available houses on the market that are great for you. I'll research most of the homes and ignore the bad ones, and then we'll schedule appointments to tour the houses whenever it's convenient for you.

When we view houses, I'll point out positive features and negative ones. And I'll ask you to talk about things you like and don't like. It's widely common for buyers to revise their wish list as we tour homes and some features become more necessary than others. If that happens, I'll look through the listings once again and trim it down to the house you've been wishing for.

Step 4 – Understand the housing market
My awareness of the Tamuning home market is a necessary element in your house search. I am acquainted with all the neighborhoods and schools, and I can alert you to what neighborhoods are "hot" and demand immediate action and the ones that are "cold" and allow for careful analysis.

As we view homes, I'll be sure to tell you if the seller's list price has room for negotiation or if I believe the house is "priced to sell." Be on guard and be sure to ask a lot of questions, as any REALTOR will claim to comprehend the housing market. If things don't add up, just call me at (671) 647-5577 or e-mail me at , and I'd be more than happy to answer your questions. My knowledge of the market will keep you a step ahead through the entire process.

Step 5 – Find the house of your dreams
I know we'll find the house of your dreams in Tamuning. When we do, I'll meticulously develop your home purchase offer. The offer will be tailored keeping your needs in mind and the home, including several contingencies. A few examples are obtaining financing, completing the home inspection, and a clean title.

When we submit your offer, you'll want to present "earnest money." This is a cash deposit given to the home seller to secure an offer to buy the property. The amount is most often applied to the closing costs. If the offer is accepted by the seller, we should close on the home about 30 to 60 days afterward. This allows necessary time for your mortgage financing.

Step 6 – Negotiate
A lot of contracts don't close on the first offer, and it's very common to receive a counter offer. But don't let it intimidate you. We'll consider whether or not to consent to the counter offer, submit our own counter offer, or reject the seller's offer and go on.

Market circumstances determine how aggressively we negotiate the contract. We'll also work within your budget. And at the end of the day, we'll compose a contract that works well for you.

Step 7 – Obtain your loan
Upon completion of the deal, you'll begin working with your mortgage lender to close the loan. It won't be a long process at all if you've been pre-approved, but you need to keep in close contact with your lender. And I'll handle all the property information your mortgage lender needs to close the loan.

Step 8 – Close the deal
Your mortgage lender will give you a Loan Estimate (LE) outlining closing costs within three days of accepting your loan application. You'll get a Loan Estimate (LE) outlining closing costs from your mortgage lender within three days of taking your loan application. This estimate is formed from the loan amount. RESPA requirements mandate that it has to contain all closing costs and fall within a strict range of accuracy, and I'll examine the estimate and let you know if everything looks all right.

Then we'll close on your home. This will likely occur at a title company or escrow office and is often a smooth and pleasant affair.

Step 9 – Move in
Congratulations! It's time to move into your new house. Enjoy it. And if you need anything or have any questions, be sure to contact me at (671) 647-5577 or e-mail me at .