So, you have decided to buy your first home, now what?  Here you will find simplified step-by-step of the entire home buying process.

1. Verify your savings.  Buying a home could cost you $1000 or more depending on your loan type and the negotiating ability of your Realtor.  For Example, a Veteran can apply for a VA Loan which would allow for 0% down and if you have an experienced Realtor that is a tough negotiator, then they can arrange for all or a  percentage of your closing cost be covered.  If you have a conventional loan your down payment will be a minimum of 5% and FHA a minimum of 3.5%. 
2. Get Pre-approved.  Call a mortgage company to be pre-qualified for a mortgage loan.  Some may find that opening a mortgage account with their existing bank allows opportunity for discounts and perks.  You may also find perks with competing mortgage companies.  It may be beneficial to get quotes from at least 2 mortgage companies, to get the most competitive rates.
3. Hire a Pro.  Having a Realtor work for you cost you nothing. Find a full- time knowledgeable Realtor to help find your home.  Har.com allows you to search through the available Realtors in the area and it also allows you to search verified client reviews by clicking on the option "Only show agents with ratings."  By clicking on the option "Only show agents with ratings" it allows you to work with Realtors that have reviews.
4. Find a home.  Once you and your Realtor have found a home that suits your needs now it is time for your Realtor to negotiate all things important to you.  Those things may be purchase price, closing cost, appliances, closing dates, or items in the home.
5. Earnest/ Option money.  Once all parties have agreed and signed it is time to pay your earnest money as noted in your contract and option fee as noted in your contract.
6.   Inspections and Appraisals.  During the first weeks you will need to hire an inspector of your choice to thoroughly inspect your investment for current issues.  You will also pay the mortgage company for the cost of the appraisal. If any issues arise from either of the reports then the contract becomes open for re-negotiation to settle discrepancies.
7. Quiet Period.  You may go through a time frame I like to call the "Quiet Period" where there seems to be little or no communication from the lender.  Lenders will be busy submitting your documents and getting information from your Realtor and Title Company.  During this time frame you should still be in constant contact with your Realtor.
8. Fast Pace.  The last two weeks will be filled with you submitting more documents and answering questions to get everything ready to be submitted to underwriting for final approval.
9. Final Approval and Closing.  Once you obtain final approval it is time to close on your closing date.  You would then bring all of the down payment and closing cost to the Title Company, wait for funding and then Congratulations... You've purchased yourself a home. 

For any additional questions please omment below or contact me 24/7/365.

Thanks

Eboni Taylor Realtor®