Helena Talbot's blog - A Step By Step Guide To Buying A Home

Do you ever wonder if homeownership is right for you?  Well, let me ask you this;  do you dream about doing your own yard work, home repairs, puttering around in the garage.  If so, then homeownership may be for you.  No one really dreams about paying a monthly mortgage, property taxes, insurance etc.  But actually being a homeowner definitely makes those things very well worth it.

This is your opportunity to have the American Dream of owning your own home.  Putting down roots and starting a family or expanding your current family.  However, the home buying process can seem a bit overwhelming, especially if you have never bought a home before. 

Here is a step by step guide to help you in your home buying journey.

1.  Talk to an experienced realtor who will help you learn what you need to know about the home buying process.  You may need to interview several realtors before deciding on the best one for you

2.  Decide if you want to keep renting or if you are ready to buy

3.  Check your credit and begin improving your credit score

4.  Make a budget and determine exactly how much you can afford to spend on your new home.  Don't forget that there will be closing costs and other associated fees in addition to the purchase price of your new home

5.  Study the different types of mortgages and how they work and then decide which one is right for you

6.  Think about where you want to live.  What location is best for you and your family

7.  Do you want to buy a conventional home, a foreclosure, a fixer-upper etc.

8.  You will also need to decide on a mortgage company, home inspector and possibly a real estate attorney or a financial advisor depending on your situation

9.  Research the area you have decided to buy a home.  Drive through the neighborhood at varying hours, check the current prices of the available homes and notate their condition.

10.  Check the crime statistics for that neighborhood

11.  Does the neighborhood have the conveniences you are going to need, such as child care, your bank, your favorite grocery stores and restaurants etc.

12.  How far is your chosen area from where you work now and where you may potentially be working in the future?

13.  Talk to your chosen realtor about supplying you with some home listings that meet your specified criteria

14.  Once you have looked through the home listings, let your realtor know which ones you would like to look at

15.  After you have chosen a house, your realtor will help you submit an offer

16.  Be prepared to negotiate the deal

17.  After your offer has been approved, you will need to set up a home inspection

18.  You will now need to get your mortgage loan approved

19.  Set a closing date and then close on your new home

20.  Now all you have to do is get moved and enjoy the home of your dreams

This seems like alot to go through and it is; but all you have to do is call your realtor and let them do the rest.  Your realtor will walk you through each and every step  of the home buying process and let you know exactly what to do and when.  So don't sweat the details and stay in close communication with your realtor and they will make sure things go as smoothly as possible every step of the way!

I specialize in helping buyers and sellers invest in real estate in Loudoun County and Northern Virginia. 

I have over 25 years experience in the real estate industry.  As a Broker/Owner with Exit Realty Talbot and Company, I bring special tools and solutions that enable me to exceed the expectations of my clientele.  If you are considering listing your property in Loudoun County or the nearby areas, ask me about our latest internet marketing systems.  I would appreciate the opportunity to earn your business.  I am experienced in listing and selling short sales.  For information on the short sale process, please visit  www.LoudounShortSaleSolutions.com.

My past awards and designations include – 2003 President of the Dulles Association of Realtors, 2003 Dulles Area Assoc Realtor of the Year, Salesperson of the year 2000 Dulles Area Assoc of Realtors,  Top Producer awards from both the Dulles Area Association and the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors.  I am a member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network.

I have lived in Loudoun County since 1979.  I am married with two grown children and two grandchildren.  My son in law is my business partner in real estate.  I love to jog in the mornings and spend time relaxing on my Trawler during the summer months.

Loudoun County and Northern Virginia Real Estate Sales and Solutions – Helena Talbot, Broker. I specialize in helping buyers and sellers invest in real estate in the Northern Virginia area to include Loudoun County and surrounding areas including Fairfax, Clarke, Fauquier, Prince William  Counties.  Our local neighborhoods include Leesburg, Ashburn, Sterling, Potomac Falls, Brambleton, Broadlands, Lansdowne, River Creek, Belmont Country Club, Beacon Hill, Shenstone, Waterford, Lovettsville, Purcellville, Hamilton, Round Hill and Bluemont.                        Cell 703.727.9885    Office 703.574.3800