Whether this is your first home or your 10th, the home-buying process can be daunting and overwhelming. Your Keller Knapp agent will confidently and expertly guide you through the process. Following are some frequently asked questions, as well as some people think about but never ask. Click here to download the Keller Knapp Buyer FAQs flyer.
What Is The First Step Of The Home Buying Process?
Getting a pre-approval letter from a lender to:
- Let you know how much you can borrow and prevent disappointment caused by falling in love unaffordable homes.
- Show how much money is required for the down payment and closing costs.
- Demonstrates that you are a serious buyer to both your real estate agent and the person selling their home.
How Long Does It Take To Buy A Home?
Under normal market conditions, the average time to complete the sale of a home is 30 to 45 days, giving you enough time for due diligence and get a loan completed.
What Is A Seller’s Market?
In sellers’ markets, increasing demand for homes drives up prices. Here are some of the drivers of demand:
- Economic factors
- Interest rates trending downward
- A short-term spike in interest
- Low inventory
What Is A Buyer’s Market?
A buyer’s market is characterized by declining home prices and reduced demand.
- Economic disruption
- Interest rates trending higher
- Short-term drop in interest rates
- High inventory
- Natural disasters
How Much Do I Have To Pay An Agent To Help Me Buy A House?
Buyers are responsible for paying their agent’s commission, just like closing costs. The fee in Georgia generally ranges from 2%-4% depending on the services offered. However, it is customary in Georgia for the seller to pay all or a portion of the buyer’s agent fee, by building it into the sale price of the house. This means that many buyers have little or no out of pocket expense. You and your agent will have a conversation about what fees they charge and also how much you will have to pay, if any.
How Much Do I Need For A Down Payment?
The national average for down payments is 11%, though first time homebuyers usually only put down 3 to 5% on a home. Conventional loans often require more and are typically taken out by repeat buyers who could use equity from their existing home as a source of down payment funds.
How Many Homes Should I View Before Buying One?
That’s up to you! The ability to search for homes online and see pictures, even before setting a foot outside the comfort of your living room, has completely changed the home buying game. Convenience is at an all-time high. But, nothing beats visiting a home to see how it looks and ‘feels’ in person. Your Keller Knapp agent will help arrange and be with you on these visits.
How Do I Know If I Am Getting A Good Deal?
While there’s no crystal ball the best way is to work with your Keller Knapp agent to check out comparable sales and whether those prices have been going up or down in the recent past.
What Is Earnest Money?
When you make an offer on a home, your Keller Knapp agent will ask for a “deposit” to accompany it, typically 1% to 2% of the purchase price. Earnest money is made in good faith to demonstrate – to the seller – that the buyer’s offer is genuine.
How Long Can The Seller Take To Respond To My Offer?
Written offers should stipulate the timeframe in which the seller should respond. Giving them twenty-four hours should be sufficient.
Should I Order A Home Inspection?
Yes! While not always required, home inspections are highly recommended because they can reveal defects in the home that are not easily detected. Home inspections bring peace of mind to one of the biggest investments of a lifetime.
When Can I Back Out If I Change My Mind?
While buyers can always back out of a deal, doing so without good reason, or outside what is stipulated in the contract, may forfeit your earnest money.
Do I Need To Do A Final Walk-Through?
It’s not required, but it’s definitely recommended! Final walk-throughs give buyers a chance to make sure nothing has changed since their first visit.
