2. Check with a mortgage lender to see if you are ready to buy! The lender can make sure that you are in the right position, how much house you can afford, and explain the different mortgage programs that are available.

3. Find a real estate agent to help you. The agent can help you locate properties specific to your needs and wants. She can arrange showings, write the offer, negotiate the price, guide you through every step of the closing process, and answer any questions after closing. Contact Us

4. Start looking for homes. The agent can help you identify properties that fit your needs and budget. You can also search the Internet, drive around the neighborhood, and look in the newspapers. Your agent can arrange showings.

5. Make an offer. When you identified a property that you want to buy, you want to make the appropriate offer to ensure that you don’t lose out. Hiring an agent is very helpful and can alleviate a lot of stress.

6. Order home inspections. You should always get a home inspection and make sure that you follow up with a final walkthrough right before closing. Ask your friends and family if they had a home inspection recently and who they used. You can also ask your agent what home inspectors she recommends. It is always an advantage to attend the inspections, so you can get a first hand look at items that come up. Minor issues may seem impossible unless the inspector can show you what the issue is and what implications it may have.

7. Closing the transaction. Yes, a cliché, but “it is not over until it’s over!” The final stage can be extremely stressful. The title and escrow company prepares paperwork to transfer title and the lender finalizes your loan. In Oregon the final “closing” is different than in other states. Both seller and buyer sign, but wait, that doesn’t mean “closed”. The transfer of title is not complete until the lender wires funds and the title company takes the file to the court house for recording. When the title company receives recording number, the sale is complete! You will receive keys to your new home! Congratulations!