10 Steps to Buying a Home

Thinking of buying a home in Washtenaw County? Make sure you know what to expect - whether you're a first-time buyer or a real estate aficionado. Here are the steps you need to know for buying a home.

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Follow These Simple Steps

person using calculator

Step 1: Figure Out What You Can Afford

Determine what you'll be able to afford in mortgage payments each month and what you can invest initially as a down payment. This handy mortgage calculator can help you estimate your monthly payments.

Keep in mind additional costs like closing costs, fees, homeowners insurance, and taxes will all add to the overall costs. Be sure to check your credit score, and remember that just because you don't have a traditional 20% down payment doesn't mean you can't buy a home!

approval of loan

Step 2: Shop for a Loan and Get Preapproved

Finding a trustworthy lender and determining what type of loan you'll qualify for will help you figure out how much home you can afford. Get recommendations, check with the Better Business Bureau, and be sure to talk to at least three or four lenders before making a decision.

Need recommendations for lenders in Washtenaw County? Just ask us!

houses with interrogation sign on top for prices

Step 3: Determine the Selling Price of Homes in Your Location

If you have a preferred location or neighborhood, find out the actual selling price of homes in that area - not just their listing price—to confirm whether you can afford that location.

Have a particular neighborhood in Washtenaw County you'd like to check? Request your neighborhood sold report here!

real estate agent

Step 4: Find an Agent

Your agent should be someone you know you can trust, an expert on real estate in your area and neighborhood, and very proficient in working with buyers of your experience.

Looking for an agent in Washtenaw County? Find out more about our experience and how we can help you buy a home!

home search

Step 5: Find Your Home

This is the fun part, where you visit open houses, tour homes, make notes, and hone in on your perfect dream home! Make sure you keep detailed records of the homes you visit, noting things you liked, didn't like, pros and cons, etc. Taking pictures can also keep your memory fresh.

Buying a home in Washtenaw County? Start searching for your dream home today!

accepted offer sign

Step 6: Make an Offer

Work with your agent to determine a competitive but reasonable offering price when you find your favorite home. You'll want to choose a number that is comfortably within your price range but competitive enough that it won't cause the seller to immediately reject your offer.

house inspector

Step 7: Get an Inspection

Nothing's finalized yet, so make sure you're getting your money's worth! Ask your real estate agent to recommend a trusted home inspector to walk through the house and check for any potential defects or problems. If necessary, you can request that the seller repair any issues you find.

paperwork for contract

Step 8: Review Your Contract

Before you sign any paperwork, it's important that you carefully read over the contract with your agent or lawyer to ensure there are contingencies - that is, if something falls through with your mortgage, you aren't still obligated to buy the home.

closing costs paperwork

Step 9: Finalize Your Mortgage Approval

Work with your chosen lender to submit your mortgage application, review predicted closing costs, and have your home appraised. Common closing costs include attorney fees, title insurance, appraisal fees, home inspection fees, courier fees, government recording fees, and taxes.

new homeowners with key in their home

Step 10: Close and Pay

It's time to close! Meet with your agent, lender, and seller to finalize the paperwork, sign your contracts, and pay your down payment and closing costs. Finally - the keys to your new home!

Still Have Questions or Ready to Get Started?

If you're thinking of buying a home in Washtenaw County, then it's time to contact The Picknell Team. We're your local real estate experts. Not only can we answer all your buying questions, but we can also help connect you with the resources you need to make an informed decision so you're sure to find your dream home at just the right price. Take a look at some of the home-buying resources we have to offer.

Washtenaw County Home Buying Resources