Buying or selling a home in Bakersfield?

For a lot of people, buying a home is a stressful event. However, with a bit of planning ahead of time, it isn't that complex. So they know exactly what to expect, I will supply buyers with an overview of the whole deal. Below are my nine steps to buying 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 purchase a home
There are plenty of things you'll want to consider prior to beginning your home search. When you start your search, you'll want to form a list of must-have features, get an idea of what neighborhoods and school districts you want to live in, and start planning around your budget. Keeping your mortgage payment less than or close to a third of your net monthly income is a good rule of thumb to adhere to.

Step 2 – Communicate with a real estate agent in Bakersfield
This is where Fenton Real Estate comes in. We'll set up a time to meet so we can talk about 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 schools in the Bakersfield area.

I'll also help you start the loan process. Fenton Real Estate partners with some of Bakersfield's best mortgage professionals, so you'll be in great hands. They'll assist you with choosing which type of loan is best for you and help you get qualified.

Step 3 – Start your search
After our first meeting, I'll begin finding homes on the market that are a good fit for you. I'll get a sneak peek of most of the houses and throw out the bad ones, and then we'll set up appointments to view the houses when it's most convenient for you.

When we view houses, I'll call attention to good features, as well as bad ones. And I'll ask you to talk about things you like and dislike. It's common for buyers to amend their list of must-haves as we tour houses and some things become far more substantial than others. If such is the case, I'll go back through the listings once more and trim it down to the house of your dreams.

Step 4 – Comprehend the housing market
An agent's understanding of the Bakersfield market is a crucial element in your house search. And I assure you I'm conscious of all the neighborhoods and school districts, and I will let you know what areas are "hot" and demand immediate action and others that are "cool" and allow for cautiousness.

As we view houses, I'll let you know when the seller's list price has room for bargaining and when I know the house is "priced to sell." Any REALTOR in Bakersfield will convince you they understand the market, but be wary, and be sure to ask your agent plenty of questions. If it seems like they don't know everything, call me at 661-205-5475 or e-mail me at , and I'll be happy to answer your questions. My understanding of the market will help you stay a step above the rest through the entire process.

Step 5 – Find the home of your dreams
We'll find your dream home in the Bakersfield area, and when we do, I'll meticulously create your real estate purchase offer. The offer will be tailored with your needs in mind and the home, including several contingencies. A few examples are obtaining financing, finishing the home inspection, and a clear title.

Upon turning in your purchase offer, most likely you'll need to submit "earnest money." This is a cash deposit given to a seller to secure an offer to purchase the property and is usually put towards the closing costs. If your offer is accepted by the seller, we should close within 30 to 60 days after. This allows plenty of time for your mortgage financing.

Step 6 – Negotiate the deal
A lot of deals aren't closed on the first offer. It's very common to receive a counter offer. But don't let this intimidate you. We'll talk about whether or not to consent to the counter offer, propose our own counter offer, or reject the seller's offer and go on.

The state of the market determines how aggressively we negotiate the deal. We'll also work within your financing limits. And at the end of the day, we'll assemble a contract that's best for you.

Step 7 – Get a loan
After the deal is finished, you'll start working with your mortgage lender to close the loan. This won't be a long process at all if you've been pre-approved, but you'll want to stay in close contact with your mortgage lender. And I'll handle all the property information your mortgage lender will need to close the loan.

Step 8 – Close the deal
Your lender will provide you with a Loan Estimate (LE) detailing your closing costs within three days of receiving your loan application. You'll get a Loan Estimate (LE) of your closing costs from your lender within three days of getting your loan application. The estimate is formed from the loan amount, and RESPA requirements mandate that it has to contain all closing costs and be within a narrow range of accuracy. I'll go over the estimate and let you know if it all looks adequate.

Then it's time to close on your home. This will likely happen at a title company or escrow office and is often a smooth and calm event.

Step 9 – Move in
Congratulations! Now you can move into your new house. Enjoy it. And if you need anything or have any questions, be sure to contact me at 661-205-5475 or e-mail me at .