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10 Steps to Homeownership
10 Steps to Homeownership
- ARE YOU READY?
Decide how much home you can afford. In addition to a down payment, you also need money for closing costs. These typically average between 2 and 7 percent of the home price. Evaluate the financial resources you have and what you will need. The Benner Group can help determine what you'll need.
- CONTRACT WITH A REALTOR®
Be sure you’re working with a true professional who knows your community the best. You can verify that your agent is a REALTOR® at www.mainerealtors.com.
- GET A MORTGAGE PRE-APPROVAL
Explore different loan options and decide what programs are available and what's right for you. Remember that this is the time to not make additional major purchases. You want your financial status to remain consistent throughout the transaction period.
- LOOK AT PROPERTIES
List the features and benefits you want in a home. Consider pricing, location, size, layout, and features that are important to you. Decide what you’re willing to compromise on and what you aren’t.
- CHOOSE A HOME
The Benner Group can help narrow down your choices to find your home and be sure it is the right fit for you.
- YOUR MORTGAGE
The mortgage you choose will be determined by your down payment, your credit rating, your current income, and your debt to income ratio. Meet with different lenders to find what financing works best for you and compare APR percent rates.
- MAKE AN OFFER
Your offer is comprised of the purchase price, terms, and timelines of the agreement. Sellers have the option to accept the offer, reject it, or make a counter offer. The Benner Group will help you navigate through this process.
- GET INSURANCE
Ask the Benner Group what insurance is required for your new home and shop around for the best quote for your needs.
- CLOSING
A closing attorney and the Benner Group will make sure all required paperwork is complete. Then it’s official, you are a new homeowner!
- WHAT’S NEXT
While you are moving in, transferring utilities to your name and changing your address; be sure to enjoy your new home and neighborhood!
More Buyer Resources
More Buyer Resources
Home Heartbreak
Home Heartbreak
Avoid heartache. Don’t fall in love with a House only to realize that the cost of living there will overextend you … your time, energy and finances. What you should know if you are planning to buy.
Special Loan Programs for Veterans
Special Loan Programs for Veterans
Are you a veteran planning to buy or refinance a home?
Testimonials
Testimonials
"The service and caring that Sherrie gave us was above and beyond. I do not think anyone could top Sherrie."
"The service and caring that Sherrie gave us was above and beyond. I do not think anyone could top Sherrie."
- Randy, Buyer
"Sherrie is the best!"
"Sherrie is the best!"
- Ted & Sue, Buyers
"I got very lucky working with Sherrie. It was a great experience fro beginning to end and beyond."
"I got very lucky working with Sherrie. It was a great experience fro beginning to end and beyond."
- Carrie, Buyer
"Aww, thanks Sherrie! We are thoroughly enjoying the house. It’s a dream. It really has just needed paint to improve it— inside and out. It’s been a lot of work, but the payoff is unbelievable. So glad we had you as an advocate!!"
"Aww, thanks Sherrie! We are thoroughly enjoying the house. It’s a dream. It really has just needed paint to improve it— inside and out. It’s been a lot of work, but the payoff is unbelievable. So glad we had you as an advocate!!"
- Esther & Aaron, Buyers
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