As a first-time homebuyer, we want you to know that you will not be alone in this journey. A variety of professionals will help you along the way, including mortgage lenders, real estate agents, home inspectors, and title companies. Here’s a breakdown of the professionals you’ll meet and their roles in the home buying process.
Mortgage Lenders:
Mortgage lenders are the professionals you’ll work with to secure financing to purchase your home. Mortgage lenders have a loan originator, who will guide you through the loan application process. The loan originator works with a loan processor to collect and verify all your financial and personal information. Then, the loan underwriter assesses your creditworthiness and determines your loan approval status. Once you have your Clear to Close, a loan closer will prepare your paperwork for signing and a loan funder will review all signed documents to release the money at closing!
Real Estate Agents:
Real estate agents are your guides to finding and purchasing a home. They have access to a vast database of active listings , which means they can help you find the perfect home that meets your requirements. Additionally, they will negotiate the purchase price and terms of the agreement on your behalf.
Home Inspectors:
Home inspectors will inspect the property you’re interested in purchasing. They’ll verify the structural integrity of the house, including the plumbing, electrical, heating, and cooling systems. Based on their findings, they will provide a report outlining the condition of the house, including any issues that need attention.
Appraisers:
Appraisers are licensed professionals who provide an unbiased estimate of the fair market value of the property. This is important because mortgage lenders need to know that the property is worth the amount of money they are lending to the buyer. Appraisers use various methods to determine the value of the property, such as a comparison of similar properties in the area, and any unique features that may affect the value of the property. The appraiser’s report helps the lender determine the loan amount to approve.
Insurance Agents:
Insurance agents help you protect your investment in the property by providing various insurance policies. One such policy is homeowner’s insurance, which protects the homeowner from damage or loss to the property caused by covered perils, such as fire or theft. In most cases, mortgage lenders require the borrower to have homeowner’s insurance before they approve the loan.
Title Companies:
Title companies help verify the ownership of the property you’re purchasing. They research the property’s title history to ensure that there are no liens or other claims against the property. The title company also provides title insurance, which protects you against any unforeseen title defects.
You have a whole team of professionals on your side to guide you every step of the way. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and seek advice from these key team members to help you make informed decisions. Good luck on your journey to becoming a homeowner!
If you have any questions, contact your Highlands loan officer. If you don’t have one, click here and find one in your area! They will be happy to assist!