10 Steps to Home Ownership in

Cincinnati, OH

1.  Are you Ready?

Knowledge and experience are the keys to successful real estate transactions.

• Do you know what you want?  Are you moving because of a lifestyle change or is buying an option, not a requirement?  Whatever the reason is, the more you know about the real estate market, the more likely you are going to find what you want.  This is where you will want an agent that knows the market and can listen to your wants and needs.
• Do you have the money?  There are amny programs available today that require little or no money down.  Yes, you heard me correctly.  Little or NO money down.  Of course, you must qualify for these types (all types) of loans.

2. Find a Realtor

• Buying and selling real estate is a complex matter.

• Your Realtor will provide you with information detailing current market conditions and financing options.

3.  The Mortgage Application

• Few people can purchase a home for cash which means that almost all buyers require a mortgage loan.  I have a loan officer that I have partnered with that will gladly prequalify you and let you know what each step of the process is and guide you thru it.
• Set up a meeting with a loan officer!  During the consulation you can discuss different loan programs that are available today, the current mortgage interest rates and how the loan process works.  I will also be providing you with a list of things that you will need to be bringing to that meeting so you are prepaired.

4.  Look at Homes

• Consider your priorities and what your needs currently are and how long you intend to occupy the home.  Make a list of your house hunting criteria.  I take that information and enter the criteria into your own (username / password protected) website for your use during the home buying process.  It makes life so much easier when you have one place to go to shop, make notes, look at maps, etc.

5.  Choose a Home

• Take your time, it is a big decision and you want to do it right!  Purchasing a home can be a very emotional experience.

• A house is shelter but it is also where you live, relax, entertain friends, and possibly raise your family.  You want to be certain you are doing the right thing!

• Be sure to consider the community amenities, commute to work, and the school system ratings.  

6.  Secure Funding

• Once you have decided on the home you would like to purchase, now it’s time to apply for your mortgage.  If you are looking for a quicker close, I would definitely do this during, if not before, we start looking.

• Interest rate and loan terms can be confusing.  Make sure you receive all of the information and that you understand all of the costs associated with the loan.

7.  Make an Offer / Write a Purchase Agreement

• A proposal to buy includes both the price and terms.  Terms are extremely important and should be reviewed carefully.

• Your Realtor will prepare the purchase agreement and present your offer.

8.  Secure Homeowner’s Insurance

• No homeowner should be without insurance, it protects homeowners in the event of catastrophes!

• Mortgage compainies require a homeowners policy in order to be able to close.  When you are ready the lender will help to coordinate the proper wording that shoudl appear on your policy, that states who the lender is.

9.  Your Closing — Preparing the Paperwork

• All of the necessary paperwork needs to be signed to complete the trasaction.

• The closing is usually held at the title company and conducted by the closing agent of the title company being used.  I will help to coordinate the closing time to make sure all parties can attend.

• Coordinate the move in date and transfer of keys and utilities into your name.

10.  Last but not least — You have done it!

• Congratulations!

Helping Buyers and Sellers in all areas

 surrounding Cincinnati, Ohio.

To include Counties of Butler, Clermont,

Hamilton and Warren.

Mason, Deerfield Twp., West Chester,

Liberty Twp. And many others!

For more information go to my Real Estate Website:

www.CindySellsCincy.com