Step 1 – Prepare to purchase a home
Before you begin your home search, there are a lot of things you need to consider. When you start your search, you'll probably want to form a check list of must-have features, get a feel for what neighborhoods and school districts you want to live in, and begin planning around your budget. A good rule of thumb to follow is that your mortgage payment should be close to 30 percent of your monthly income.

Step 2 – Get in touch with a real estate agent in Flower Mound
This is where Star Realty comes in. I'd be more than happy to arrange a time to get together with you and talk about your real estate needs and get an idea of your upcoming plans. We'll talk about the mortgage and housing industries, other economic factors that could affect your buying decision today or in the future, as well as neighborhoods and school districts in the Flower Mound area.

I'll also assist you with getting started on your loan. Star Realty works with some of the best mortgage professionals in Flower Mound, so you can rest assured that you're in great hands. They'll assist you with deciding which type of loan is best for you and help you get qualified.

Step 3 – Begin house-hunting
After our first meeting, I'll begin searching for available houses on the market that are great for you. I'll research many of the houses and reject the duds, and then we'll set up appointments to view the homes at a time that's convenient for you.

As we tour the houses, I'll point out good features, as well as negative ones. And I'll ask you to talk about things you like and dislike. Generally, buyers revise their list of must-haves as we tour homes and some things become far more necessary than others. If that's the case, I'll search the listings once again and trim it down to the house you've been waiting for.

Step 4 – Get a grasp of the market
My awareness of the Flower Mound housing market is an essential advantage in your house search. I'm acquainted with all the school districts and neighborhoods, and I'll alert you to what areas are "hot" and warrant immediate action and the rest that are "cool" and allow for thoughtful examination.

When we tour houses, I'll let you know when the list price has room for negotiation and when I think the house is "priced to sell." Every real estate agent in Flower Mound will claim to comprehend the housing market, but take note, and make sure you ask plenty of questions. If it doesn't seem like they know everything, call me at 214-727-0686 or e-mail me at ara@starrealty.us, and I'll be happy to answer any questions you might have. My knowledge of the market will keep you a step ahead throughout the entire deal.

Step 5 – Find the home you've been looking for
I'm sure we'll find your dream house in Flower Mound. When we do, I'll carefully create your real estate purchase offer. The offer will be tailored to suit your needs, including a lot of contingencies, such as obtaining financing, completing the inspection, and a clean title.

When we send in your purchase offer, you'll want to present "earnest money." This is a cash deposit given to the seller to secure the offer to buy the property, and it's typically put towards the cost of closing. If your offer is accepted, we should close on the home about 30 to 60 days afterward. This allows sufficient time for your mortgage financing.

Step 6 – Negotiate
A lot of deals aren't closed on the beginning offer – it's really common to receive a counter offer. But don't let it discourage you. We'll consider whether or not to take the counter offer, submit our own counter offer, or decline the seller's offer and go on.

Market conditions determine how aggressively we negotiate the contract. We'll also work within your financing budget. And when it's all said and done, we'll put together a contract that is best for you.

Step 7 – Obtain your loan
After the deal is finished, you'll begin working with your mortgage lender to close the loan. If you're pre-approved, this won't be a long process at all. But you'll need to stay in close contact with your lender. And I'll take care of all the property information your mortgage 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 loan application. The estimate is formed from the loan amount. RESPA requirements dictate that it has to contain all closing costs and fall within a close range of accuracy, and I'll review the estimate and let you know if it all looks okay.

Then we'll close on your house. This will most often take place at a title company or escrow office and will most likely be a smooth and hassle-free affair.

Step 9 – Move in
Success! It's time to move into your new house. Enjoy it. And if you need anything, be sure to call me at 214-727-0686 or send me an e-mail.