Educating yourself about the home buying process is never a bad idea, especially if this is your first home purchase. Select one of the ten steps below to understand what to expect during the transaction, or contact us for more information about buying a home in WV's Eastern Panhandle.
Home Buying at a Glance
- Step 1: Determine Your Budget for a Mortgage
- Step 2: Get Preapproved for a Home Loan
- Step 3: Understand Local Market Activity
- Step 4: Find a Real Estate Agent You Trust
- Step 5: Search for Homes
- Step 6: Make an Offer on a Home
- Step 7: Order a Home Inspection
- Step 8: Review Your Purchase Contract
- Step 9: Finalize Your Loan Application
- Step 10: Close and Pay
Determine What You Can Afford for Your Home
Evaluate your budget to determine how much you feel comfortable paying every month for your mortgage. Keep in mind that additional costs like your down payment, closing costs, fees, homeowners insurance, private mortgage insurance (if applicable) and taxes will add to your overall costs.
Understand Current Real Estate Market Conditions
If you want to find a home in a specific community or neighborhood in the Eastern Panhandle, research the selling price of homes in that area—not just the listing price—to confirm that you can afford a home with your must-have features. We can provide you with a list of recent sales in the communities of your choice. Just ask us for the Neighborhood Sold Report!
Find a REALTOR® You Trust
No two real estate agents are alike. That is why it's crucial to do your research and find out which agent will help you best achieve your goals. Be sure to choose a REALTOR® who has extensive experience in the neighborhoods you are considering! We invite you to connect with us and learn how we use our native knowledge and years of experience to help buyers find the home of their dreams.
Find Your New Home!
Browse the local listings database, visit open houses or talk with your REALTOR® to find your ideal home in WV's Eastern Panhandle. Take detailed notes, which should include pros and cons of each home, so that you can recall which homes you loved. Taking photos during showings is never a bad idea!
Make an Offer on the Home You Love
Once you have picked out which home is your favorite, work with your REALTOR® to determine a competitive but reasonable offering price. If you have been preapproved for a mortgage, the seller will see that you are eager to buy their home, so he or she will take your offer seriously. Have questions about making a strong offer?
Order a Home Inspection
Once the seller has accepted your offer, your REALTOR® will help you handle the final details, including the home inspection. During a home inspection, a licensed professional will examine the home you are considering and check for potential defects or problems. If necessary, you can work with your REALTOR® to negotiate repairs with the seller.
Review Your Contract
Before you sign any paperwork, carefully read over the contract with your REALTOR® or lawyer. Ensure that there are contingencies in the purchase contract, such as contingencies that will allow you to sell your current home first (if necessary) or that specify a certain amount of money for necessary repairs.
Finalize Your Mortgage Application
Work with your mortgage lender to submit your application, review predicted closing costs, and have the home appraised. Common closing costs include attorney fees, title insurance, appraisal fees, home inspection fees, courier fees, government recording fees and taxes. Have questions about closing or about common closing costs?
We'll Help You Buy Your New Home
We want you to make the best decisions possible when buying your new home in WV's Eastern Panhandle. As REALTORS® who are also natives of Jefferson and Berkeley Counties, we have collected a wealth of resources about the local housing market and the home buying process in general. If you have any questions or are ready to buy your new home, contact us.