One of the first steps is to talk to a mortgage company; they will determine what you qualify for in terms of a loan. This will then determine what you and your agent will be able to search for in terms of a home. I recommend that you get pre-qualified or pre-approved for a specific loan amount make sure that when you do the loan application you bring all the documentation necessary this will help the process move more quickly. They also can determine if there are going to be any problems, therefore you have not sold your home. Now, you need a Real Estate Professional, choose a licensed Real Estate Professional that is a member in good standing with the local, state, and the National Association of Realtors because he or she must abide by a strict code of ethics. Ask for a resume and some references of past clients before choosing your agent. If possible choose an agent with a designation because they have taken the extra steps to provide a higher level of service and have pride in their profession. Your choice of the Real Estate Professional can either help or hinder the sale and purchase of the home. To choose not to work with a Real Estate Professional can prevent you from being able to purchase the home of your dreams because many sellers of property that is listed on the market today do not want to accept an offer from a purchaser that is contingent on the sale of their home without it being listed with a real Estate Professional/Broker

   The next step is to decide if you want to purchase an existing home or a new home, the processes are different. If you decide on an existing home the closing of your present home and the purchase of the new home can be on the same day, back to back closings. If you decide on a new home, the completion of the home could take up to 6 months and most builders will not start the home until your present home is under contract, which means two moves. Sometimes this could be avoided if the Real Estate Company that you are working with offers a trade-in Program with the builder.

   When marketing your home for sale there are many options available that will help remove some of the guess work, a pre-inspection, a pre-appraisal and a Home Warranty. The pre-inspection will help you sell your home because you will understand what needs to be re-paired and can get the repairs completed before they become a problem with a prospective purchaser. The pre-appraisal can be used in two ways, it can speed up the loan process because the appraisal can be converted into a full appraisal and does determine price. When a pre-appraisal has been completed it makes the prospective purchaser and their agent more comfortable in making an offer because they know that the property will appraise, which means that the seller will probably receive a better offer. A Home Warranty helps sell a home against new homes and offers an incentive to the purchaser. Also, relocating purchasers find a Home Warranty very appealing it gives them peace of mind.

   After being in your new home you will discover that selling and buying a home can be an exciting process, after all you deserve it you have worked hard to be in your new home, besides symbolizing the rite of passage, owning a home gives you status, it is an accomplishment and a commitment. It provides shelter, protecting you from the elements of nature, your house will offer you a retreat from whatever. So, enjoy the years of pleasure you are about to derive from your wonderful choice BECAUSE EVERY MOVE MATTERS!