Buying a home is probably the biggest purchase you will make in your life, so of course you are going to be a little stressed. There will be bumps along the way, there always are. Every transaction is different, but it is almost guaranteed that something will come up that you weren't expecting. The good news is that an experienced agent deals with these ups and downs everyday and can help guide you through. Here are a few things you should know at the out set:
- You will not be told how much money to bring to closing until the day of your closing and many times only hours or minutes before the closing
- The dates on your contract will change, perhaps multiple times
- You will become anxious or nervous
- You will become irritated or annoyed about frequent and last minute paperwork request with seemingly impossible deadlines
- The buyer will negotiate 2-5 times on this transaction. They will negotiate the purchase price, then inspection and repairs, potentially the appraisal, the final walk-thru items
- You will want to tell your friends and family about your experience on social media sites - Don't! (wait until it's a done deal and then post a pic of your awesome new home!)
- The Mortgage company will most likely pull another credit report on you days before or even the day of your closing (so don't go run up your credit cards after you get loan approval)
- DO NOT plan on moving in the day of closing. Things happen that can cause a delay in closing or recording - don't add to the stress by scheduling movers or other services on that day that could potentially have to be delayed as well.
The process doesn't have to be painful if you know what to expect... and sometimes that's the unexpected. Stay in communication with your agent, lender and attorney to avoid closing day drama!