5 Steps You Must Take After the Seller of a House Accepts Your Offer
Buying a house for the first time can be a complicated experience because there are a lot of steps involved with the process, which is why it's important to have a good real estate agent. He or she will help you understand what to expect after the seller accepts your offer, and here are several important steps that must be completed after this point.
1. Contact your lender
One crucial step you must take after the seller accepts your offer is contacting your lender to get the mortgage process started. Before you shopped for a home, you probably got pre-approved through your lender; however, once you find a house, you will have to go through the actual approval process.
This process can take time, so it's important to get it started right away. When you contact your lender, be prepared to give the lender a lot of information about the house so the lender can get started with your paperwork.
2. Get the inspections completed
Next, you will need to start working on the inspections needed for the house. A home inspection is one type you may need or want to do. In addition, your lender may give you a list of other types of inspections you must complete before you can close on the house. It will be your responsibility to make sure you get these completed, and you should start soon so the closing is not held up because of this.
3. Get homeowner's insurance
Another step you will need to take is calling your homeowner's insurance agency to get insurance on the house. Your lender will not allow you to close on the property without the necessary insurance. You will need proof of this when you attend your closing, so make sure you call to get the coverage you need.
4. Start planning your move
You will also need to start planning your move after your offer is accepted. This may involve notifying your landlord that you are moving out, and it might involve hiring a moving company. This too will be your responsibility, and you will need to make sure you take the time necessary to plan your move.
5. Contact the utility companies
One other thing you will want to do is contact the utility companies to get the utilities turned on in your new home. This may include gas, electric, water, sewer, cable, and Internet services.
Your real estate agent will help you know what you need to do when buying a house, and you should get on these steps as soon as you can. To learn more, talk to a real estate agency today.