Just Ten Easy Steps and You're In Your New Home!

1. Determine how much home you can afford & how much money you have available for a down payment. Typically, your total monthly housing costs should not exceed 28 percent of your gross monthly income. Or, housing costs plus any outstanding monthly long term debt (car loans, credit card balances, etc.) should not exceed 36 percent of gross monthly income.

2. Conduct a preliminary search on our website. This will allow you to get an idea of the current home prices in your desired area(s).

3. Contact a Mortgage Consultant and get your mortgage pre-approved. Make sure that the Mortgage Consultant clearly explains to you your expected loan monthly payment and interest rates. We highly recommend using an established Mortgage Company or Bank. Also feel free to interview & meet with more that one Mortgage Consultant; this way you can find the one that you feel the most comfortable with.

4. Contact Maxine Hagey to find you a home that meets your needs. Feel free to give us as many details as possible, so that she can be very productive in our search. It is important to choose a Professional Realtor, like Maxine Hagey , that can find you the right property & invaluable area information.

5. Once you find a home on which you want to make an offer, you'll sign a purchase agreement with terms and give the seller earnest money deposit to seal the deal. Once your offer is accepted by the Seller, then Maxine's office work with you to close the deal.

6. Notify your loan officer that you've found a property so they can begin the appraisal and title process. And, lock in your interest rate. Your loan officer will send you a Good Faith Estimate which shows your monthly mortgage payment as well as your estimated cash needed for closing. At that point your Loan Officer will begin working closely with Maxine Hagey's Processor to complete the process.

7. Have your new home inspected to ensure there's nothing seriously wrong with the property. Always utilized a Licensed Home Inspector, that will provide a comprehensive report on the conditions of the home. Maxine Hagey will coordinate the inspection for you once you select the company.

8. Select a Title Company and/or Real Estate Attorney (a/k/a Closing Agent) to complete the title work & conduct the Closing. The title company will notify you of the time and date you close on your home and the items you'll need to bring to closing. Notify your Loan Officer & Maxine Hagey, of the Closing Agent selected. Maxine Hagey will work with the Closing Agent to ensure a smooth closing for all parties.

9. Obtain Homeowners Insurance, from your Insurance Provider. Feel free to get several quotes from Reputable Companies. However you will want to have your policy in place before closing & provide a copy of said policy to the Closing Agent.

10. Notify your phone company, utilities, moving company, post office, newspaper and magazines, friends and family and change your mailing address. Arrange a Mover, as necessary.

Congratulations you have completed all the steps to Homeownership! Unpack & make yourself at home.