Some would say that purchasing a home is not only one of the BIGGEST purchases you will ever make in your lifetime, but it’s also one of the most stressful. However, it doesn’t have to be that way. When you work with Pride Settlement & Escrow, we do our best to make it fun, exciting and rewarding. Here are some tips to make your experience a smooth one!

Get a head start.

Not everything in life is planned for, but buying a home should be. Make sure that your finances are in order. Gather your bank statements, tax returns and pay stubs and review them. Prior to starting the homebuying process, make sure that you are paying all of your bills on time AND avoid making any large purchases. You will have plenty of time to adjust your finances after the purchase. Start to build a specific savings account for the upcoming purchase. There will be out-of-pocket expenses, but you want to be sure to have these funds set aside.

Retain a professional.

We know that just about anything you want to know can be found on the internet. But let’s be realistic, our Realtor friends have a wealth of knowledge as well as industry partners – you won’t be able to take this step alone. You want a team of professionals with YOUR best interest on your side. Your Realtor works on behalf of YOU and works to maintain your best interest. You tell them what you want and/or need, and they will guide you. In most jurisdictions, the seller pays the real estate commission. However, carefully review your Brokerage agreement to see if you will incur any costs. On top of your agent, there are plenty of others who are ready to help with parts of the transaction, including the Pride Settlement team!

Keep lines of communication open.

Be upfront with your Realtor, beginning with your preferred method of communication. Everyone is different. Be CLEAR about your wants, needs and whatever your “deal breaker” may be from the beginning. Remember, your Realtor, lender and settlement officer are your team – they are there to help you. If you have questions, always ask.

Stay realistic.

You may view multiple homes during this process. Understanding that not every home will be the same and not one home will check ALL boxes is key.We’re not suggesting that you compromise your major requirements, but it’s good to keep in mind that some things can be negotiated. Bottom line? Don’t discount a certain property based on a single thing.

Remain focused, confident and positive.

Buying a home, as we said before, is one of the biggest investments that you will ever make. Try to detach from the images you may see online and imagine your new life in your new home. It’s important to make logical decisions based on your budget, wants and needs. Just remember, your new home is waiting for you, and you WILL GET THERE!

Team Pride is here to gather the information needed to close and disburse funds once the sale goes through. We ensure the buyer has a clear title to the property and help homeowners protect their property rights through the purchase of title insurance. Thank you for choosing to settle with the Pride!