Summary

Shopping for a home takes time and hard work, but the effort is worth it if you find a home that's right for you. You are now in a good position to follow up on leads and to work with a real estate sales professional who can show you homes on the market, present your offer to the seller, and advise you regarding mortgage lenders, real estate settlement agents, title companies, and professional home inspectors. When you have located the house you want, it's time to negotiate the purchase price and sales contract with the seller, and to hire a professional home inspector. If you reach an agreement with the seller on the final purchase price and the terms of the contract (including any contingencies), the next step is to obtain financing, and that is the subject of the following chapter.