Buying or selling a home? Fenton Real Estate can help.

Purchasing a home is an intimidating event for many people, but with some up-front planning, it's not all that confusing. So they'll know exactly what they can expect, I'll give buyers an overview of the whole deal. Here are my nine steps to buying a home. When you're ready to get started, simply contact me here or e-mail me at . I'm glad to address questions you have regarding this information.

Step 1 – Get ready to purchase a home
There are several things you'll want to take into account before you start searching for a home. When you begin your search, you'll probably want to make a list of items you need, get an idea of what school districts and neighborhoods you want to live in, and begin planning around your budget. A good rule to follow is that your mortgage payment should be no more than 30 percent of your net monthly income.

Step 2 – Contact a real estate agent in Bakersfield
That's where I can help. I'd love to plan a time to get together with you and communicate with you regarding why you want to buy a home and get an idea of your plans for the future. We'll talk about the mortgage and housing industries, other economic factors that might affect your purchase today or in the future, as well as neighborhoods and school districts in the Bakersfield area.

I can also help you get started on your loan. There are some excellent mortgage professionals in Bakersfield, and I work with a lot of them, so you're in great hands. They can help you figure out which kind of loan is best for you, as well as help you get qualified.

Step 3 – Start your search
Following our first meeting, I'll start looking for available houses on the market that are a great fit for you. I'll get a sneak peek of most of the homes and remove the duds, and then we'll set up appointments to tour the houses when it's most convenient for you.

When we tour houses, I'll point out positive features, as well as negative ones. I'll even ask you about things you like and don't like. It's pretty common for buyers to revise their list of must-haves as we view houses and some features become far more substantial than others. If that happens, I'll search the listings once more and narrow it down to the home of your dreams.

Step 4 – Comprehend the housing market
My awareness of the Bakersfield market is a leading component in your house search. I am conscious of all the neighborhoods and school districts, and I'll alert you to what neighborhoods are "hot" and require immediate action and some that are "cool" and allow for thoughtful examination.

As we view houses, I'll be sure to tell you when the seller's asking price has room for bargaining and also when I trust the home is "priced to sell." When working with an agent, trust your instincts and make sure you ask lots of questions, as every real estate agent in Bakersfield will claim to truly know the home market. If things don't add up, just call me at 661-205-5475 or e-mail me at , and I'll be more than happy to answer any questions you might have. My market expertise will keep you a step above the rest throughout the entire deal.

Step 5 – Find the home of your dreams
We'll find the home of your dreams in the Bakersfield area, and when we do, I'll thoroughly create 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, finishing the home inspection, and a clean title.

When we submit your offer, you'll need to submit "earnest money." This is a cash deposit submitted to the home seller to secure an offer to purchase the property and is typically put towards the closing costs. If your offer is accepted by the seller, we should close on the home within 30 to 60 days after. This allows sufficient time for your mortgage financing.

Step 6 – Negotiate the deal
A lot of contracts aren't closed on the first offer – it's widely common to receive a counter offer. Don't let it alarm you. We'll consider whether or not to accept the counter offer, present our own counter offer, or reject the seller's offer and move on.

How aggressively we negotiate the deal depends on market conditions. In addition, we'll work within your financing constraints. And at the end of the day, we'll assemble a contract that is best for you.

Step 7 – Obtain a loan
After the deal is finished, you'll start working with your lender to close the loan. It won't take very long at all if you're already pre-qualified, but you need to stay in close contact with your lender. And I'll take care of all the property information your lender will need to close the loan.

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

Then it's time to close on your home. This will likely happen at a title company or escrow office and will likely be a smooth and easygoing occurrence.

Step 9 – Move in
Congratulations! It's time to move into your new home. Enjoy it. And if you need anything, be sure to call me at 661-205-5475 or e-mail me at .