Buying a Home in DE, PA, MD

 

Buying a home in Delaware, Maryland
and Pennsylvania

 
       
 

Buying a home in New Castle County, Delaware, Cecil County, Maryland or Southern Chester County, Pennsylvania, is as much about planning as it about the actual search and ultimate purchase. The process may appear complicated but if you take a step-by-step approach you'll soon hold the keys to your new home. We've summarized the process briefly in the steps below. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you would like to get together to talk in more detail.

   
       
 

Step One: Understanding How Much You Can Afford

The most important step, and certainly the step you should take first, is to figure out how much you can afford to spend on a new home. If you haven't set up a budget that shows you how much you're spending on everyday things, now is the time to do it. Ideally your personal budget will help guide you to the right price range of homes as well as prevent you from spending more than you should on your house.

   
       
 

Step Two: Finding a Realtor®

The process of buyinghome is complex, and most people find it's easiest to get through with a real estate agent by their side. Locating your dream home is just the beginning, an offer to purchase agreement will need to be negotiated, a mortgage application coordinated - it can be helpful to have someone familiar with the process on your side. Other parts of the transaction will be happening quickly too - hiring inspectors, negotiating over who pays for needed repairs, and more - all of which is second nature to an experienced agent. Are you ready to begin your home buying adventure to purchase a home in New Castle County, Delaware, Cecil County, Maryland or Southern Chester County, Pennsylvania,?


We welcome the opportunity to work with you!             Click the photo to see a preview of the Dave Iliff Team's extensive HOME BUYER'S BOOK!  Click to preview!
   
       
 

Step Three: Getting Pre-qualified or Pre-approved for a Loan

Getting pre-qualified helps you determine how much home you can afford, based on specific financial information you share with a lender. The lender does not verify this information, and consequently there is no guarantee you will qualify for the loan amount. Getting pre-approved requires that the lender verify your financial information, and does serve as a commitment to lend a specified amount based on that verified information. Once we agree to work together we recommend that you obtain a pre-approval or pre-qualification letter from a lender. Learn more information about the pre-qualification and pre-approval process.

   
       
 

Step Four: The Offer and Acceptance

Once you find your dream home in New Castle County, Delaware, Cecil County, Maryland or Southern Chester County, Pennsylvania,, it is time to make an offer to purchase. With our assistance, you will submit a signed offer to purchase. As your agents, we will take the offer to the home seller and the listing broker representing the home seller. The seller will accept it as written, make counter offers on unacceptable aspects, or reject it. You can then accept it, counter-the-counter offer, or reject it. The offer to buy becomes a ratified sales agreement when all parties have initialed every counter and signed the offer.

   
       
 

Step Five: Getting To Settlement

Once your offer is accepted it's now about ensuring a smooth ride to settlement by keeping close attention to the details - from mortgage application and approval, inspections and contingency removal, insurance and title search to final walk through inspection and settlement. As your agents, we will be with you every step of the way and be the first to congratulate you on the purchase of your new home!


Now that you have a general understanding of the home-buying process let's set a date and time to discuss your personal situation and determine the path that fits your life style. You can search the MLS right here on our website. If you would like to tour homes, contact us to schedule an appointment.