8 Tips for Winning Multiple Offer Situations

 According to a new report by Realror.com the Dallas - Fort Worth area has the hottest housing market in the country right now.

With home inventory levels being significantly low coupled with the interest rates being historically low, newly listed homes are being sold within a few days or even hours of being listed!  These newly listed homes are often receiving multiple purchase offers, which is excellent news for sellers.

Having multiple offers, on the other hand, is not excellent news for buyers.  It is paramount for a buyer that is getting involved in a multiple offer situation, that they have a great real estate agent representing them that has experience with multiple offer situations.  Losing out on a house can be heartbreaking and frustrating for a buyer, so make sure when hiring the “right” agent to work with, find out what they do to help their clients win in multiple offer situations!

Get Pre-Approved, Not Pre-Qualified

Then get a bank’s pre-approval. It will show sellers that a lender has verified your income and credit score and determined you can afford payments on a mortgage for a certain amount.

Have all your paperwork in order – When submitting your offer, be prepared to show your proof of funds and where your cash is coming from, along with that all important pre-approval letter.

Have Fewer Contingencies

Keep contingencies reasonable and short. Offset a financing contingency with pre-approval and a strong earnest money deposit. Include a home inspection contingency, but tell sellers you will get it done within 7 – 10 days at the most.  That way, if the price tag on those repairs gets out of hand, you can back out of the deal but not tie up the property for too long.

Be flexible

Understanding what the sellers plans are is important in a multiple offer situation.  A great real estate agent should first find out either from the seller directly or from the sellers real estate agent, what the sellers plan is.  Selling a home can be a whirlwind. Any flexibility a buyer can offer a seller has the potential to reward them. Being lenient on closing or possession dates might make an offer more palatable to a seller in the midst of one of life’s most stressful times; moving.

Make a Large Deposit

A buyer who is buying a home must provide with an accepted purchase offer a deposit, known as an earnest money deposit or good faith deposit.  The amount of the deposit is variable.  In a multiple offer situation, the larger the deposit can indicate to a seller the serious intent of the buyer to purchase their home.

Make a Large Down Payment

Investors have been snapping up homes to flip or rent, and they usually come to the table with cash. Sellers love all-cash offers because they’re less likely to fall through before the sale closes. Bring as much cash to the table as makes sense for your personal financial situation.  A larger down payment also can help things move along quicker at the buyers lender and increase the likelihood of a mortgage commitment being issued.

 Be prepared to pay the list price... or more

If you’re looking for a home in a sought-after neighborhood, be aware that a winning offer will likely be at or above asking price. This knowledge will help you construct a competitive offer at the outset that is still within your comfort zone. If a buyer is in love with a home and there are multiple offers, the buyer needs to know, they will have one chance and one chance only at getting that home.  You may only have one shot to get it right, so make your best offer!

 Escalator clause 

This is a newer,  yet old technique, with which you agree to increase your offer if there’s a higher bid from another buyer.  Thus you can write into the contract that you will offer $1,000 or $5,000 more than the highest offer submitted.  Caution: Make sure you have a cap on that total amount – or you could be in for sticker shock.

Personal touch

Though it isn't standard practice in every market, personal notes from potential buyers can humanize a transaction and tip the scales in your favor. I’ve seen several instances where offers were accepted based on the letter, even though they weren’t the highest. This works particularly well if the sellers are attached to their home, but not always so well for estates, where family members may have competing priorities and be less emotionally attached to the home.

 Trust your Realtor to help you beat out the competition and remember to appeal to the home seller's emotional side, especially if they have lived in the house a long time. It can't hurt to try! 

CLICK HERE to search for best deals on homes! 

Catalyst Real Estate Experts 

469-500-4663

Tips for Home Buying in Sellers Market

Any time the market changes, it's time to change strategies. During a buyer's market, buyers have the upper hand and can make more demands to sellers over their homes' price and condition. During a sellers' market, buyers concede the upper hand to sellers and are more willing to accept higher prices and terms.

Don't be that buyer who wants to wait until the weekend to view a home in a seller's market. By the weekend, that home could be sold. Try to be one of the first showings. Sellers usually don't enjoy having buyers come through their homes at all hours of the day, so most would like to see their home sold quickly.

If you write a good offer, a fast offer and a clean offer, your chances of acceptance are far better than those of a buyer who is unprepared. It may astonish you to know how many buyers are often unprepared.

Most Important: 

• Make a Good First Impression
• Get Pre-approved by a Lender
• Shop within your price range
• Be flexible
• Be ready to make an offer

Looking to buy home in Mckinney, Plano or Frisco area? Trust the professionals!
CLICK HERE to search for best deals on homes! 

Catalyst Real Estate Experts 
469-500-4663

Visit our Open House!

Visit our Open House!

Saturday 7/12 and Sunday 7/13

12 pm - 3.00 pm

2833 Loch Haven Dr, Plano, TX 75023

Contact us for more info 469-500-4663, 972-464-1120

ONLINE CONTACT INFO HERE 

THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT FRISCO

Sources:Texas Education Agency and North Texas Real Estate Information Systems2012 Annual Uniform Crime Report, U.S. Census Bureau 2010 and 2012.,North Texas Real Estate Information Systems.,Collin, Dallas, Denton,Rockwall and Tarrant central appraisal districts.U.S.

CONTACT US today 469-500-4663 and move to your dream home in Frisco tomorrow!

TOP 10 CITIES/TOWN TO LIVE IN DALLAS FORT WORTH

Sources:Texas Education Agency and North Texas Real Estate Information Systems2012 Annual Uniform Crime Report, U.S. Census Bureau 2010 and 2012.,North Texas Real Estate Information Systems.,Collin, Dallas, Denton,Rockwall and Tarrant central appraisal districts.

CONTACT US today 469-500-4663 and move to your dream home in Dallas tomorrow!

Top 5 Traits of a Home Buyer

Top 5 Traits of a Home Buyer

You need to live somewhere. If you can buy a home for around the same amount you would pay in rent, and don't mind staying put for a while to build equity, becoming a home buyer might be a good decision. You will make a good home buyer if you are:

A buyer who conforms to the market.

If you are the type of buyer who says, "Every home on the market is overpriced; I'm not paying that much," then you are not conforming to the marketplace. Serious home buyers research the market and have realistic expectations.

A buyer who has savings -- enough to put 2 to 3 months of mortgage payments in reserve.

Mortgage lenders want buyers to have a reserve. You should not take every nickel you can rub together and throw it into your home purchase. You will need a small emergency fund.

A buyer who has the resources and time to maintain a home.

Homes require upkeep. You'll have a lawn to mow, windows to wash, furnace filters to replace, and you may need to tend to minor repairs from time to time.

A buyer who is employed with at least two years on the job.

If you don't have two years of employment at the same company, then two years in the same field will suffice. Lenders expect to see stability in your employment history.

A buyer who plans to stay in the area.

If your state of residency is uncertain, it's probably a good idea to skip buying a home. Some buyers who relocate are able to rent out their home, but handling a rental long distance is not always wise. You don't want to be forced to sell when you don't have enough equity to pay commissions and the other costs to sell.

If you have all of this then you are more than ready to make the biggest investment in your life.

CONTACT US today 469-500-4663 and move to your dream home in Dallas tomorrow!

WHY PEOPLE ARE MOVING TO DALLAS – FORT WORTH IN TEXAS

Although Texas’ history may be considered over rated to some, but a vast majority of the netizens are generally looking at Texas in a different light.  Many are taking the big leap forward. People from across the nation are seriously considering moving here – the Lone Star State. Texas has 6 of the country’s 20 biggest cities.  You can be in Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, Austin, Fort Worth or El Paso. Each of these cities has their own unique charm and a character to them but will never compromise the quality of life that you want to achieve.

I live in Dallas and it is safe to say that it is one of the most in demand places to migrate to. I can’t blame them - it is the economic and cultural hub of North Texas. Toyota - the world’s number 1 automaker even chose Plano as its new home together with its employees.  You can list out a thousand reasons not to choose this community, but the pros just simply outweigh the cons. Here are some of the most common reasons why people want to move here in Dallas Fort Worth.

LOW TAXES - Texas in general has no personal or corporate income tax. Per resident, it collects roughly $3,500 in taxes overall (including all state and local taxes) every year. By way of contrast, California collects $4,900 per resident — New York collects a whopping $7,400 per resident. Both states, of course, have income taxes. People are going to Texas because it’s a low-cost, low-tax state. Texas has the lowest yearly tax bill per household in America.

LOW COST OF LIVING -  The lower house prices, along with a generally low cost of living — helped along by cheap labor, cheap produce and cheap gas (currently about $3 a gallon) — really matter when it comes to quality of life. You do not need to spend much to obtain a good quality of life. Food, rent and health care, consumer prices, utilities and transport are cheaper here compared to other state.

REAL ESTATE IS CHEAP - Texas is a huge state and constitutes a massive land area. Since land is cheap, housing is cheap. Land acquisition is also very efficient. Unlike in other states, most middle class family in Texas can find an affordable property and call it their own.

JOBS - According to US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Texas was able to add 274,700 new jobs – that is 12% of all jobs added nationwide and 51,000 more than California added. Texas created nearly one third of the country’s highest paying jobs.

EXQUISITE FOOD - Dallas Fort Worth has a list of amazing restaurants. From Japanese to Korean cuisine Mediterranean and American we have it all. Don’t be surprised. There are many other places springing up to provide sustenance and eating opportunities to the growing population. 

FAMILY FRIENDLY – Texas is very popular with raising families. San Antonio for one is home to the largest community of gay parents. In Texas, you can have a reasonable mortgage and pretty good schools. And restaurants are known to be family friendly. Texans in general are very friendly and down to earth. Race relations in Texas are good and most Texans are very tolerant of each other. The larger cities are also very diverse.

GOOD SCHOOLS - Texas has a strong educational system. They tale care of minority and economically disadvantaged students as graduation rates show. Texas is also home to many world class colleges like University of Texas, Texas A&M, Baylor and Rice University. Texas also allows parents the freedom to home-school their children.

ARTS AND CULTURE – Texas boasts many huge and magnificent art installations and exhibits. The museum district offers 19 different art museums all within walking distance. Highlights include the Museum of Fine Arts, which houses several unique and priceless collections, it also displays travelling exhibits.

TEXANS ARE NORMAL PEOPLE - The state likes to proclaim itself as an unpretentious, down-to-earth place where people are easy to get along with. As John Steinbeck wrote: "Texas has a tight cohesiveness perhaps stronger than any other section of America." And for people with conservative values, it could be a natural home, although demographic shifts have prompted speculation it will be a Democratic state in the future.

NO PERMIT TO CARRY A GUN – It is important in Texas that your right to safety is being upheld. You can own and carry a gun without a jiffy. You do not need a license or permit to buy a gun. It is easy for law abiding citizens to get a concealed hand gun.

If the rules on taxes and budgeting are giving you a headache and you feel like you need to start fresh, and live a quality of life that you dream of, then it’s about time you sell your house and move to Dallas Fort Worth. And Catalyst Real Estate Experts will make it a smooth move for you. Contact us today 469-500-4663, move to your dream home in Dallas tomorrow!

TOP 10 BIGGEST MISTAKES IN BUYING A HOUSE

Are you ready to take a chance and get the opportunity to own your dream house you envisioned all your life? This might be your first time but it does not mean there will be no bumps ahead. A lot of people fall for the same pitfall whether it’s a cheap or a lavish home and in the current market, with houses selling within days -- even hours -- of being listed, buyers are prone to committing the mistake of buying without thinking.  Buying a home is a commitment. Impulse shopping is never recommended specially when buying a house.  As a first time buyer it’s better to do your homework and do yourself a favor, spare yourself the headache. Here are the top 10 biggest mistakes in buying a house.

You didn't set a budget

Buy a home that's way out of your price range and you could well derail your ability to fund other important items such as retirement savings, your kids' education -- not to mention an entertainment budget.

Mortgage brokers will tell you how much you can borrow. But that amount may not be what you can afford to pay, said Eric Tyson, co-author of "Home Buying for Dummies."

"What if you have a lot of kids or you like to travel a lot?" he said. "You've got to ask 'How is this housing purchase going to affect our monthly spending?' You have to look at all of your monthly expenditures."

Experts say your total monthly debts, including your mortgage, should not exceed 36 percent of your income before taxes.

You picked the wrong mortgage

These days, many home buyers are rushing to secure a mortgage as fast as possible without fully exploring their options. That's because sellers often only consider bids from individuals who have been pre-approved for a loan. A word of advice... Pick your financing package with care.

First-time home buyers may qualify for a program through Fannie Mae (800 732-6643) that requires lower down payments and easier qualification limits than standard loans.

You picked the wrong community

Some places are just flat-out expensive, and you'll probably have to search for a location that's affordable. That doesn't mean you should choose the cheapest locale.

If you don't like the location you'll be unhappy. What's more, you'll probably have a hard time selling your property if the community isn't good. Ask around and read the local papers to know how the community is faring economically, what the major issues are, how many resources it offers.

Don't neglect the schools. Gather such data as test scores, statistics on the percentage of kids who graduate and go to college, the student/teacher ratio and so on. Talk to parents and students to get the inside scoop.

You didn't know what homes really cost

The best way to determine if you're getting a fair deal is by comparing the cost of the home you're interested in with similar homes in an area. You can do this easily by having your Realtor provide you with a CMA (that's short for Comparable Market Analysis). A CMA lists such things as addresses of recently sold homes, prices, date sold, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms and -- ideally -- such things as the home's condition, its size and extra features.

You used a bad real estate agent

Don't make buying a home more difficult by choosing the wrong agent. You want a buyer's agent who works for you and understands your needs and financial limitations.

References from friends can help you find a good pro. Interview three, and ask to see their activity lists, which reveal every property the agent sold (or whose clients bought) in the past year. Look at sales prices. Make sure the agent has significant experience in the area where you want to live and the price range that you're looking for.

You never went back to check on the neighborhood

If you're like most homebuyers, you probably spend many weekends looking for a new dwelling. But what happens to the neighborhood on weekdays or after dark? Is the house that's "convenient to town" sitting on a main thoroughfare that fills up with cars come commute time?

The only way to answer these questions is to go back and see what the neighborhood is like at various times of the day and week. Do your neighbors spend weekends with the stereo blaring? You want to know as much about the neighborhood as possible before you buy.

You forgot to consider resale

It's easy when you're house hunting to forget what it's going to be like to sell your home down the road. But as you tour homes, put yourself in the perspective of the sellers. You may be drawn to a home that has quirky features or no closets or just one, tiny bathroom (You can use armoires. Share showers.) But others may not be as enthusiastic. When you buy, think about the day it comes time to sell.

You bought the most expensive home on the block

It's wonderful when you find your dream house, but if it's the most expensive home on the block you could have a problem. Quite simply, your neighbors' lower home values will dampen yours. Remember, people who buy a $500,000 home usually want to be surrounded by other $500,000 homes, not tiny $100,000 bungalows. Steer clear of homes that cost 50 percent more than neighboring dwellings.

You didn't do an inspection

Bottom line: you should never buy a home without having it inspected. After all, you don't want to learn that you've bought a house that's filled with termites or has a frazzled electrical system. If you're building a new home, an inspection can ensure that all the work has been finished properly.

Home inspections typically run $300 to $600 and usually include a check of a home's heating and air condition systems, plumbing and electrical works, roof, walls, foundation/structure, drainage, the garage and basement.

What's frequently not covered? Termite, radon, asbestos, mold and lead inspections. Don't rely on inspectors to hire other pros to check for these items.  Most home inspectors will describe what they do and what they don't do. It might be a good idea to ask what standards they work to.

Underground heating oil storage tanks also should be inspected before you buy since leaking tanks cause huge environmental, legal and financial problems. (A seller's disclosure statement should reveal if there's an underground tank on the property.) The Environmental Protection Agency has tank guidelines for homeowners -- plus contacts at state Department of Environmental Protection offices -- so you can find pros to help.

Use recommendations from friends or go to the American Society of Home Inspectors for a list of inspectors in your area.

You forgot about closing costs

Think it's bad to pay tax when you eat out? Wait until you're paying closing costs, which can run 2 to 5 percent of the home's purchase price.

A mortgage lender should provide you with a specific estimate of what costs will be. But keep in mind they include such things as origination (points) on a loan, escrow fees, title and homeowners insurance, legal costs, property taxes, fees to record your need deed and notary fees.

Contact Us today 469-500-4663 Sell your home now and move to your dream home in Dallas tomorrow!

Thinking of buying home in Frisco, TX?

Home Dreams UnBolted with Wayne Salmans and LaMont GodBolt

Realtor Wayne Salmans of the Catalyst Team at Keller Williams Realty in North Dallas takes on a tour of a beautiful Frisco, Texas home in Phillips Creek Ranch. Then LaMont Godbolt, Senior Loan Officer a Service first Mortgage shows you just how attainable this home dream really is.

Owning your Dream Home can be easier than you think!

MORTGAGE CHECKLIST

Purchasing a home is a major financial decision for most people. You can empower yourself to make the right decision concerning mortgages with a bit of information.

1. Be prepared!

Familiarize and inform yourself with the product types available and how they meet your requirements.

2. Complete the correct paperwork

Assemble all the necessary documents ASAP to ensure your loan application can be approved quickly. Your lender needs time to assess your documents and conduct credit checks to ensure your suitability.

3. Honesty really is the best policy

If you are not upfront about your existing financial commitments you will only make it harder for yourself and increase the likelihood of long term heartache.

4. Will the loan meet your requirements?

A reputable lender can explain the benefits and features of diverse loan types – allowing you to compare products to meet your requirements.

5. Fees and charges

Ensure you are savvy with the fees that apply for the life of the loan. Consider the lender’s comparison rate – an independent calculation that recognizes all applicable fees and charges, enabling the comparison of similar products.

6. Pre-approval and the purchase

Once you’ve obtained loan pre-approval, you must:

Obtain a copy of the vendor’s contract of sale.
Have legal reviewing of the contract.
Organize a comprehensive building and property inspection.
Submit an offer to purchase the property.
Organize a property valuation and formal approval of your loan.
Pay the deposit (normally five to 10 per cent of purchase price) and exchange contracts.
Finalize mortgage documentation with your solicitor.
Establish building and contents insurance.
Upon settlement, get your keys and take possession of your new house.

7. Remember to ensure that your loan repayments are organized 

– and assess once again: does the loan suit your lifestyle and needs?

Home For Sale - 932 Warren Crossing, Coppell, TX 75019 by Catalyst Real...

Buyer Inspection Checklist

BUYER INSPECTION CHECKLIST

If you are looking for a house there are a lot of things to consider, so before making an offer, it is vital to have an initial inspection inside and out of the property to find that perfect dream house that matches your needs.  To be able to do so, you have to be keen and alert in finding obvious defects and limitations to address future problems and to be able to terminate this house as an option from the list of possible choices, making it easier to pick the best out of the best properties around.

Note: This is not meant to replace a professional home inspection. Once you make an offer on a house, you'll want a licensed home inspector to go over it with a magnifying glass.

Your initial inspection

Foundation: Look at the base of the walls and the ceilings in each room. Are there obvious cracks or apparent shifts in the foundation? Do the same around the outside. Are there any trees encroaching on the foundation?

Lot: Does the drainage appear to be away from the house? Are there any obvious soggy areas?

Roof: What is the overall condition? When was it last replaced? Are there any trees encroaching on it?

Exterior: Does the house look like it will need repairs or repainting soon? Are gutters and downspouts firmly attached? Are there loose boards or dangling wires? Is there asbestos in the exterior material, which would require added costs if it needed to be repaired or replaced?

Attic: How does the interior of the roof structure look? Are there any signs of leaks?

Interior evidence of leaks:  Check ceilings and areas around windows in each room.

Basement: Is there dampness? Adequate insulation? (If there's a crawlspace instead of a basement, you might want to leave this for the professional home inspection.)

Electrical: Do the switches work? Are there any obvious malfunctions? Have the outlets been grounded? Is the panel updated and expandable for additional appliances or a potential remodel?

Plumbing: Any unusual noises or malfunctions? Has the sewer line been scoped to check for potential cracks?

Appliances: If these are included, what is the age and condition of the stove, dishwasher or refrigerator?

Heating/cooling system: Does it seem to do the job? How old is the furnace? If the system has been converted, are the old systems or tanks still in place?

Odor: Is there an odor in the house? Can you detect what it might be and whether it could be fixed? Beware of musty odors, which could signal a wet basement.

 Contact us  today 469-500-4663 move to your dream home in Dallas tomorrow!

Just Listed

932 Warren Crossing, Coppell, TX 75019

$1,595,000

Thinking of buying luxury home in Coppell, TX ? Think no more...

Coppell - Secluded Estate nestled on over 2.7 manicured acres backing to a calming creek. Large front yard, heavily wooded backyard, patio, wood deck, spa, irrigation well. This home is full of natural light and space. Inside Downstairs features big master suite with sitting area, 3 bedrooms, 3 full and 2 half baths, gourmet kitchen, 2 dining rooms, 2 living rooms, office, study and 2 fireplaces. Upstairs features junior suite with 2nd kitchen, balcony, 1 bedroom, 1.5 baths, family room, media room space.
Could be yours just for $1,595,000

For more information on this new and amazing listing click here.

THE BUYING PROCESS

Buying a home is exciting as it marks another milestone in one’s life, but it is not as easy as it seem. There are a lot of things to consider such as where you want to move, and that means understanding pricing trends, crime statistics, and school ratings. Even if you know where you want to live, you have to learn the basics of home construction so you can be sure you buy a well-built house. Also, you will want to learn about secured debts so you can secure financing at a decent interest rate and understand the terms of your mortgage.

Every state requires slightly different steps to buying a home, although they are basically very similar. Since I am most familiar with the way Texas does it, here is the path to home ownership in Texas, broken down into simple steps:

1) Hire a Buyer's Agent

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A buyer's agent will represent only you and have a fiduciary responsibility to look out for your best interests.

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Buyer's agents may ask you to sign a buyer's broker agreement, but it is the seller who pays the commission.

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Interview agents until you find an agent you trust and with whom you feel comfortable.

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Once you have settled on an area, try to hire a neighborhood specialist.

2) Get Pre-Qualified / Pre-approved

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Order a free credit report online and fix mistakes, if any.

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Ask your agent for a referral to a mortgage broker, but also compare rates offered by your own bank and / or credit union.

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Ask the lender to give you a loan preapproval letter, which means it will verify your income and pull a credit report.

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Determine your maximum loan amount, but choose only a mortgage type that you understand and a payment level with which you feel comfortable, which may very well be less than the maximum for which you are approved.

3) Look at Homes for Sale

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Ask your agent to look at homes for you before showing them to you.

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Narrow your search to those homes that fit your exact parameters to find that perfect home.

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Ask your agent to give you MLS print-outs of comparable sales in your targeted neighborhood.

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Consider all homes on the market, including fixer-uppers, REOs, foreclosures, short sales and those overpriced homes with longer DOM.

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Observe open house etiquette.

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Tell your agent which online home listings you are interested in previewing and ask for additional input.

4) Write a Purchase Offer

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Consider writing seller's market offers in sellers markets and buyer's market offers in buyer's markets.

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Select a home offer price based on the amount you feel a seller will accept or counter.

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If you are considering a lowball offer, ask your agent to substantiate this price for you.

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Prepare for multiple offers if the home is considered desirable in a hot location.

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If your offer is rejected, ask your agent to explain why and don't repeat that mistake with your next offer.

5) Negotiate and Write Counter Offers

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Expect the seller to issue a counter offer.

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If the seller counters at full price, continue to negotiate.

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During offer negotiation, share personal information about your family to give the seller a reason to care about you.

6) Make an Earnest Money Deposit

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When your offer is accepted, deposit your earnest money check with the appropriate party.

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Do not ever make your check payable to the seller.

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Your offer should contain contingencies that will return your earnest money deposit to you if you cancel the contract.

7) Open Escrow / Order Title

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Your agent or transaction coordinator will open escrow and title, if the listing agent hasn't already done so.

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Ask for the escrow officer's name, phone and escrow file number.

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Give this information to your lender and your insurance agent.

8) Order Appraisal

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Your lender will require an advance payment for the appraisal.

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If you receive a low appraisal, discuss options with your agent.

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Ask for a copy of the appraisal.

9) Comply With Lender Requirements

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Lenders may ask for additional information.

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Do not make home buying mistakes such as altering your financial situation while in escrow.

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When the file is complete, the lender will submit it for final underwriter approval.

10) Approve Seller Disclosures

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Read and question items you do not understand on the TDS, Seller Property Questionnaire, natural hazard report, pest inspection / completion and other documents such as a preliminary title policy.

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Realize you have 10 days to cancel if lead paint is a health hazard.

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Read every document in its entirety; ask questions about all seller disclosures.

11) Order Homeowner's Insurance Policy

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Order your homeowner's insurance early.

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Sometimes previous claims by a home owner can make it difficult to get insurance.

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Get replacement coverage.

12) Conduct Home Inspection

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Hire a reputable home inspector.

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Bring a home inspection checklist with you.

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Attend the home inspection.

13) Issue Request for Repair

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If the home inspection turns up health and safety issues, issue a request for repair by asking the seller to address those issues or give you a credit for them.

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Realize no home is perfect, and the inspector will find faults.

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Be reasonable.

14) Remove Contingencies

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By default, Texas C.A.R. contracts give you 17 days to remove contingencies.

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Make sure your loan is firm and the appraisal is acceptable before removing your loan contingency.

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If you do not remove contingencies, the seller can issue a request to perform and then cancel the contract, on top of demanding your deposit.

15) Do Final Walk-Through

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Do not pass up doing a final walk-through.

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Inspect the property to make sure it's in the same condition as when you agreed to buy it.

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If you find a serious issue, address it now before you close.

16) Sign Loan / Escrow Documents

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In southern California, you will sign escrow documents shortly after opening escrow.

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In northern California, you will sign escrow documents along with your loan documents near closing.

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Bring a valid picture ID.

17) Deposit Funds

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Bring a certified check payable to escrow.

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Expect escrow to pad the amount, so you will receive a refund after closing.

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Consider asking your bank to wire the funds to escrow, saving you the hassle of waiting in line at the bank.

18) Close Escrow

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Your property deed, seller's reconveyance and deed of trust will record in the public records.

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Title will notify you and your agent when it records.

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After recordation, unless your contract specifies otherwise, the property is yours -- change the locks immediately.