Know the Process

Buying or selling a home doesn’t have to be overwhelming!

Here, I break down the key steps and share expert tips to help you navigate the process with confidence. From pre-approval to closing, you’ll find everything you need for a smooth move!

Buying Lingo

  • A loan with an interest rate that will adjust at some point during the term of the loan.

  • The cost to borrow money expressed as a yearly percentage—includes the interest rate plus other charges or fees.

  • A report that provides an estimate of a property’s value, required by lenders to determine loan amounts.

  • Expenses beyond the purchase price of a home, including loan origination fees, title searches, appraisals, and taxes.

  • A document detailing the final terms and costs of a mortgage loan, provided before closing.

  • A percentage measuring monthly debt payments against gross monthly income, used by lenders to assess borrowing risk.

  • Interest paid upfront by the borrower to lower the mortgage interest rate.

  • A deposit made by a buyer to show serious intent in purchasing a home. It is typically applied toward closing costs.

  • A neutral third-party account that holds funds like taxes and insurance until they are due.

  • A mortgage where the interest rate remains the same throughout the loan term.

  • A professional evaluation of a home’s condition, identifying potential repairs or issues.

  • The cost of borrowing money from a lender, expressed as a percentage of the loan amount.

  • A document provided to borrowers outlining estimated mortgage costs and terms.

  • A percentage comparing the loan amount to the home’s appraised value, used by lenders to assess risk.

  • Insurance required for loans with less than a 20% down payment, protecting the lender in case of default.

  • An official statement from a lender verifying the borrower’s ability to secure a loan based on financial documents.

  • An informal estimate of loan eligibility based on an initial financial discussion with a lender.

  • The legal process of registering a property’s deed with local authorities, officially transferring ownership.

  • The final review process where lenders evaluate financial documents and approve a mortgage loan.

See Homes for Sale

Selling Lingo

  • An evaluation of similar properties in the area to determine a competitive listing price.

  • The number of days a home has been listed before it is sold.

  • A contract between the seller and a real estate agent, outlining the terms of the sale.

  • A database used by real estate professionals to list and search for properties.

  • Negotiation process where buyers submit an offer, and sellers can accept, reject, or propose changes.

  • Costs a seller agrees to cover, such as closing costs, to help a buyer finalize a purchase.

  • The process of decorating and arranging a home to make it more appealing to buyers.

  • An examination of public records to confirm legal ownership and check for any outstanding claims on the property.

  • A tax on the profit earned from selling a home, with potential exemptions for primary residences.

  • A home sold in its current condition, without the seller making repairs or updates.