Now that you’ve decided to buy a home, you should begin considering a number of things. With our tools at your disposal, you will be in your new home before you blink! Let’s walk through the process and prepare you for what to expect. 

Buyer Agency

Sellers list homes with the help of an agent who acts in that person’s best interests. As a buyer, you want someone that offers the same level of support. A ZIP Flat Fee Buyers Agents represents you as a buyer, giving you the tools necessary to make the most informed purchase. We’ll do the legwork and let you focus on this exciting moment in your life. With our help, you’ll walk away with keys in hand and not a worry in mind. 

How Much Can I Afford?

Before house hunting, it’s best to know how much you can realistically afford. We recommend meeting with a mortgage lending officer to receive a pre-approval. This is an easy way of determining your maximum purchase price and loan amount, which will come in handy once you start making offers. 

Finding a Home

Now, the fun begins! With a good handle on your finances, you’re ready to start looking at homes available. By using any of our available search tools, you can filter down to homes matching your specific criteria. Your ZIP Flat Fee buyer’s agent will make suggestions, schedule visits and anything else you may need. 

Submitting an Offer

After all that time spent researching and visiting homes, you’re ready to make an Offer to Purchase! You’re only a few steps away from having a home to call your own. 

You’ve already pre-qualified for a loan amount, so now you will make an offer based on that number. With the help of your agent, you’ll coordinate an Offer to Purchase with the seller. You will also need to submit earnest money, which demonstrates to the current owner that you’re serious about the purchase. Held in escrow, this amount will eventually contribute to your down payment. 

Applying for a Loan

Congratulations, your offer was accepted! The home you’ve been fawning over since you saw it on your property search is right within your grasp! 

You’ll now visit with your Lender to detail the terms of your mortgage loan. He or she will perform a detailed analysis of your credit history and a property valuation to draw up the contracts. After doing so, you’ll receive a commitment letter that is a promise from the lender to give you the loan. 

Home Inspection

You wouldn’t want to walk into your new home and discover leaky plumbing or exposed electrical wiring, so you should schedule a thorough inspection of the property. Your ZIP Flat Fee agent can help you schedule a professional home inspector to make sure everything is in good working order.

Homeowners Insurance

Not having homeowner’s insurance could leave you in a tough spot should an unforeseen problem occur. Your Zip Flat Fee agent can help you find a policy with one of several major insurance carriers. 

Warranty

Your home’s major systems like furnace and air-conditioning as well as appliances won’t last forever. By purchasing a home warranty, you’ll protect yourself from unplanned breakdowns in the first year. A home warranty may be included with the purchase. If not, you may want to purchase one prior to your closing.

Closing

Uncork the champagne, it’s time to celebrate! Once the t’s are crossed and the i’s dotted, the home will officially be under your name! Our title and closing services will make sure everything goes smoothly and that you have all the documentation in one place. You’ll walk away with your keys and a new home awaiting you!