Step 1 Search for houses
The first step in buying a new house is finding the right house for you. Start by entering search parameters on the search listings page in our website. Some search parameters include; number of bedrooms, number of bathrooms, square footage, location, etc. Be sure to contact the homeowners if you have any questions about a property.

Step 2 Obtain financing
Being pre-approved early in the home buying process can make the difference between getting the house of your dreams or losing it to a pre-qualified buyer. It also gives you a clear idea of the price range you can afford. Make an appointment with a local mortgage company or a bank to start the process. When making an appointment ask what documentation you will need to bring to the first meeting.

Step 3 Set up showing
Make appointments to walk through the homes you’ve selected or visit during scheduled open houses. Take notes on your likes and dislikes for each house. This helps for later comparison and making decisions. Don’t forget to drive around the neighborhood and check out the schools, shopping, parks, and traffic volume. Ask the seller plenty of questions.

Step 4 Consider inspections
Prior to writing an offer is a good time to consider which inspections you would like to have done on the house. Inspections to consider include; home, termite, and well/septic. The inspections can be written into the Offer to Purchase as a contingency. A home inspection should include the roof, attic, heating & cooling unit, plumbing and electrical systems, and the foundation. Prices can range from $200 - $500.

Step 5 Make an offer/negotiate
Once you’ve decided on a house, complete the Offer to Purchase form and deliver it to the homeowner. Consult a real estate attorney if you have any questions about the Offer to Purchase form. The seller may wish to counter the offer. If you agree with the counter offer, return the signed form to the sellers. If you don’t agree with the counter offer you can make another offer and so on until the price is agreed upon and offer is accepted.

Step 6 Pay deposit
This deposit is also referred to as earnest money and may be requested by the seller. It’s a way of protecting the seller in the event you back out of the agreement. The deposit can be any amount you agree upon, but typically ranges between $500 - $3000. The money can be held by the seller or in escrow. An escrow account can be opened through title companies, attorneys, banks, or an escrow service.

Step 7 Get ready
As your closing date approaches there are a few things you can be doing to get ready for the move into your new home. Make arrangements to have the meters read, phone service transferred, mail forwarded and other services such as garbage, cable TV and newspaper delivery taken care of. Doing as much as possible ahead of time will make moving day much less stressful.

Step 8 Final walk through
A final walk through can be arranged with the sellers a few days before your closing date. This is an opportunity for you to walk through the house and verify all terms of the Offer to Purchase contract and inspections were met. It’s also a good time to confirm the closing date and time with the seller.

Step 9 Attend closing
It’s important to stay in touch with the seller, your lender and your real estate attorney (if your using one), right up to closing. You’ll want to be sure all documentation is ready for the big day. Review the closing costs with your lender and or attorney well before closing to avoid any last minute surprises. At closing you will sign the necessary paperwork and transfer keys.

Step 10 Move in
You can begin moving the day of your closing unless other arrangements have been made with the seller. Things can get a little hectic when the seller is trying to move out on the same day your trying to move in. Discuss this ahead of time and get the details in writing. Check out the “related services” page for links to services to help in the move.

This was written as a helpful guide to selling your house and may not include all the steps required based on your specific situation. If you have any questions regarding the sale of your property, you may want to contact a real estate attorney. Reprinted by permission of Ocala Homes FSBO.