The path to home ownership

First things first. get your finances in order.

You wouldn't go shopping without your wallet, would you? Your "wallet" in the case of buying a home is your loan pre-approval; unless you have cash, then it's your bank account balance statement. In both NC & SC, house shopping is risky business if your loan doesn't go through. You can potentially lose not only the home of your dreams, but thousands of deposit dollars too. It pays to do some homework first and get your loan underway with a good, strong pre-approval letter from a qualified, trusted lender.

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ASK YOUR REALTOR FOR A LENDER RECOMMENDATION

We have worked with dozens of local and online lenders, and can recommend one for you if you do not have a favorite lender or banking institution. Our aim is to make sure you are comfortable with your whole team, and wisely choosing your loan officer is a HUGE part of a successful home purchase!

SUBMIT REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION TO YOUR LENDER

Your lender will ask you for an exhaustive list of documentation needed for your loan approval. Be prepared to share your social security number (for credit report), current year's taxes, bank statements, paystubs and more. The lender will verify your employment with your current employer (even the day of closing, so no changing jobs now LOL! Providing these documents in a timely manner is key to a smooth loan approval.

GO HOUSE SHOPPING WITH YOUR SUN VALLEY BUYER AGENT!

Once your lender finishes analyzing your income, debt, and credit-worthiness, we can determine a house purchase price that fits your budget. We can then go house shopping with confidence! This is the FUN part!!

What's next?

Now that you have your lender letter, you can house shop! You can search all active listings on this website, or on your favorite search sites. (We know there are multiple ways to search). Stay in contact with your buyer agent at Sun Valley Realty, and give him/her the address or MLS numbers of your favorite home(s) so an appointment can be scheduled. Your buyer agent will help you navigate the lengthy, somewhat complicated purchase contract, and once your offer is accepted, walk you through inspections, appraisals, surveys, and so much more - eventually coming in for a soft landing at the attorney's office closing table.

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SEARCH FOR LISTINGS ONLINE

Use this website (or others you may like for search capabilities), and identify potential homes that you may be interested in. This website offers direct access to our local MLS, so you can search like a pro! Sometimes it's good to do a "drive-by" before scheduling a showing with your Sun Valley buyer agent, just to be sure you like the surrounding areas and/or neighborhood.

CONTACT YOUR SUN VALLEY BUYER AGENT TO SET UP APPOINTMENTS TO VIEW HOMES

Don't call the listing agent for a home you're interested to see; call your Sun Valley buyer agent. Remember, the listing agent is representing the SELLER in the transaction, while your buyer agent is representing YOUR interests.

PREPARE A GOOD OFFER

This is a key part of the process, especially when we are experiencing a seller's market. Your buyer agent understands the current market, and the market fluctuates between a buyers', sellers', and balanced market. It's important to understand what kind of market is current to your timing for purchasing as this will influence how we prepare your offer. We are experienced in all types of markets, and will offer timely advice and will negotiate effectively on your behalf.

YOU'RE UNDER CONTRACT! THE DUE DILIGENCE PROCESS BEGINS NOW

Once the seller accepts your offer, you and your agent will work through the multiple steps during the due diligence period. We recommend a thorough home inspection (home, pest, radon), appraisal, survey and more as it applies. We'll continue to navigate lender conditions, repair negotiations, transfer of title, and then finally getting your keys to your new home!

CONGRATULATIONS!!

After the due diligence period ends, you will continue to work with your lender to finish the loan process. All told, the timeline you can normally expect is 30 days from contract to close, but there are often exceptions to the rule (ie you need to close sooner or need more time). Work with your buyer agent to facilitate your needs. On closing day, your loan will fund, you'll sign your closing documents, and get your keys normally a couple of hours after your settlement meeting at the attorney's office.

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