10 Easy Steps to Buying a Home with FSBODayton.net

Search for Homes
The first step in buying a new home is finding the right home for you. Start by entering search parameters on our Search Listings page. You can use the key search to find homes with the number of bedrooms, number of bathrooms, square footage, location, price range and many more criteria you desire.

FSBODayton.net listings include a lot of useful information, but be sure to contact the homeowners if you have any questions.

Obtain Financing
Being pre-qualified early in the home buying process can mean the difference between getting the home of your dreams or losing it to a pre-qualified buyer. It also gives you a clear idea of the price range you can afford. Make an appointment with a local mortgage company or a bank to start the process, and be sure to ask what documentation you will need to take to the appointment.

Visit Homes
When you see homes on FSBODayton.net that match what you are looking for in a new home, make an appointment with the owners to walk through the homes you’ve selected or visited during open houses. Take notes on your likes and dislikes for each home to help you remember them later, compare different properties, and make a decision. Don’t forget to drive around the neighborhood and check out the schools, shopping, parks and traffic volume. Ask the seller plenty of questions.

Consider Inspections
Prior to writing an offer is a good time to consider which inspections you would like to have done on the home, including home, termite and well/septic. You can include these inspections in your Offer to Purchase as a contingency. A home inspection should include the roof, attic, heating and cooling unit, plumbing and electrical systems, as well as the foundation. Inspection fees can range from $200 - $500.

Make an Offer/Negotiate
Once you’ve decided on a home, complete the Offer to Purchase form and deliver it to the homeowner. Consult a real estate attorney if you have any questions about the Offer to Purchase form. The seller may wish to counter the offer. If you agree with the counter offer, return the signed form to the sellers. If you don’t agree with the counter offer you can make another offer and so on until the price is agreed upon and the offer is accepted.

Pay a Deposit
This deposit is also referred to as “earnest money” and may be requested by the seller. It’s a way of protecting the seller in the event you back out of the agreement. The deposit can be any amount you agree upon but typically ranges from $500 to $3000. The money can be held by the seller or placed in escrow. An escrow account can be opened through title companies, attorneys, banks or an escrow service.

Get Ready
As your closing date approaches, there are a few things you can do to get ready for the move into your new home. Make arrangements to have the meters read, phone service transferred, mail forwarded and other services such as garbage, cable TV and newspaper delivery taken care of. Doing as much as possible ahead of time will make moving day much less stressful.

Do a Final Walkthrough
A final walkthrough can be arranged with the sellers a few days before your closing date. This is an opportunity for you to walk through the home and verify that all terms of the Offer to Purchase contract and inspections were met. It’s also a good time to confirm the closing date and time with the seller.

Attend the Closing
It’s important to stay in touch with the seller, your lender and your real estate attorney (if you use one) right up to closing. You’ll want to be sure all documentation is ready for the big day. Review the closing costs with your lender and/or attorney well before closing to avoid any last-minute surprises. At closing you will sign the necessary paperwork and transfer keys.

Move In
You can begin moving the day of your closing unless other arrangements have been made with the seller. Things can get a little hectic when the seller is trying to move out on the same day you’re trying to move in. Discuss this ahead of time and get the details in writing.