What to Expect From the Homebuying Process

Buying stuff online has spoiled us with “one-click ordering.” If only buying a house were so easy. A lot of people stumble into the whole thing and try to figure it out as they go. That’s tough; we’ve been there.

From that first home — little more than a cottage, really, but what seemed like such a massive leap of faith at the time — to the urban split-level loft with a view, we’ve made the mistakes. But you don’t have to. Let us break down the homebuying process for you.

How do I even start?

Besides determining what your housing needs are, setting a budget, getting your financial ducks in a row and obtaining a preapproval — which is a lot to do — you’ll also want a firm idea of just what it is you’re looking for. A wish list can be a good tool. Among the potential considerations:

• What part of town do you want to live in?
• Are schools a factor?
• Older home, or newer?
• One story or two? Condo?
• Contemporary or traditional? Something else entirely?
• A fixer-upper or move-in-ready?
• Near public transportation or other amenities?
• How many bedrooms? Bathrooms?
• Yard? Fenced?

These are just a beginning. You’ll have a much longer list once you start brainstorming.

Do I have enough money?

You know about making a down payment. But there are other expenses due before or at the loan closing that you’ll want to prepare for, such as:

• Earnest money, a deposit you’ll make to the seller upon signing the sales contract to show your good faith.
• Closing costs, listed in a good-faith estimate, including an appraisal, credit report, loan origination fees, home insurance premiums, property taxes (often prorated at closing), title insurance, recording fees and attorney’s fees. (The GFE might lump these expenses together, but ask for an itemized list and have your lender explain them to you.)
• An initial deposit to your monthly payment escrow account (if one is to be established).

You will receive a good-faith estimate on the total charges three days before your scheduled loan closing. You’ll also be provided a separate, detailed HUD-1 statement itemizing the fees you will be charged. Expect to pay roughly 3% of the home’s purchase price in closing fees.

Sometimes a seller will agree to pay some, or all, of the closing costs, depending on how competitive your housing market is. Plus, some lenders will allow you to roll the fees into your mortgage (called lender credits) — but then you’ll be paying interest on what could have been a one-time charge. Lender credits, or “rebate pricing,” may also cause the interest rate you pay to be higher.

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Do I need a real estate agent?

A real estate agent knows what’s selling and at what price; the neighborhoods that are in demand or overpriced; and where the homes are that fit your budget. An agent will also know how long a particular house has been on the market — information that’s not always available online, and which can affect the home’s price and enhance your bargaining power.

But most real estate agents are ultimately working for the seller, in that commission is paid by the seller and only triggered by a sale. That’s why you’ll want to find an exclusive buyer’s agent, if you can. They can be hard to find. However, agents of all kinds are generally bound by state real estate licensing laws to act in a fair and ethical manner.

How long will this take?

You’ll likely view about 10 homes over 10 weeks to find a home you’re willing to make an offer on, according to a survey by the National Association of Realtors. Roughly half of those surveyed said finding the “just right” home was the most difficult part, but even so, there’s lots left to be done.

The entire process from contract to closing (not counting the time you’ll spend getting preapproved for a loan and house hunting) will normally take from 30 to 45 days. A contract timeline is usually no longer than 60 days. Some of the steps involved include:

1. Negotiating and submitting an offer (1-5 days)
2. Signing a sales contract (1-3 days)
3. Securing your financing (21-30 days, sometimes more)
4. Having a home inspection completed (7-10 days)

Unfortunately, after the contract is accepted, it’s mostly out of your hands. Any hitches along the way can sometimes delay the process. If you need to sign an authorization or respond to a request, do it as quickly as you can — and then just wait patiently.

Managing expectations

Buying a home, especially the first time around, will probably leave you with a feeling of information overload. At practically every meeting you’ll be given “helpful” guides, informational booklets and legally required disclosures. That’s why we’re boiling it all down for you — our goal is to limit your homebuying experience to as few surprises as possible.

This article originally appeared on NerdWallet.

Whether you’re looking to sell your home or impress the in-laws, curb appeal is key. Simply upgrading your landscaping can increase your home’s value by up to 12.7%.

There are several exterior updates you can do yourself to enhance your home’s appearance and make a great first impression on potential buyers, guests, or even your neighbors. Here are seven easy home improvements anyone can make to spruce up their home.

1. Clear clutter
A simple way to boost your home’s curb appeal is to clear the clutter. Look at the exterior as if you’re viewing it for the first time. Move bicycles, toys, garbage bins, and yard tools to the garage for an instant improvement. Then clear away any overgrowth. Gather up fallen leaves, strewn branches, and pinecones. Trim back shrubs and plants to better display the front door, front porch, and windows.

2. Feed the lawn
Does your lawn need some TLC? Bare spots, weeds, and thinning areas can make the wrong first impression with guests. Snap a few digital pictures to see your yard as a whole and identify problem areas. Spot-treat weeds, and plant new grass where needed. Give your lawn a good fertilizing to keep it growing consistently.

3. Trim the trees
For a postcard-perfect look, remove the lower branches from the trees on your property—this is also called “limbing up” or “crown raising.” Pruning and trimming branches gives your yard more structure and form. Then give the bushes a haircut. Use handheld hedge clippers to trim unwanted outliers and a hedge trimmer to shape your bushes, taking care to follow safety instructions. Finish up by outlining the border of your lawn with an edge trimmer or lawn edger. It’ll give your yard a refined, cared-for look and feel.

4. Freshen flower beds
Choose flowers that complement the color of your house. Pick up a color wheel at an art supply store to help you find colors that either match or contrast your home’s palette. Try a mix of fragrant flowering plants—such as hydrangea bushes, sweet peas, and rose bushes—to create an instant homey feel.

Changing out the mulch in your flower beds can also dramatically upgrade your home’s curb appeal. Cedar mulch, specifically, is pleasantly aromatic and lasts longer than regular mulch. For a fully integrated look, lay down pavers where the mulch meets the yard. These blocks add aesthetics and reduce maintenance; choose from such materials as stone, brick, clay, or concrete. Pavers also keep mulch in place throughout changing weather.

5. Highlight the walkway
For a striking effect, rent a pressure washer to power wash the walkway. It brightens and freshens the entire exterior and shows visitors that your home is well-maintained.

Add outdoor lighting to the entry path and key areas you want to illuminate. Choose soft exterior lighting for a pleasant ambiance or solar-powered lights, which are bright, durable, and easy to install.

You can also round out the walkway aesthetic with decorative house numbers or sconces for an elegant exterior touch.

6. Front porch makeover
Create a cheery front porch setting that welcomes guests. Clear out seasonally inappropriate décor, as well as anything more than a year old. Wash windows, light fixtures, and trim—and keep them clean. Add a new welcome mat and a wreath for an inviting look. Remove personal clutter from the porch, and ensure that outdoor furniture is visually appealing from the road.

7. Paint the front door
The entryway is the first thing people see when visiting your home. Greet them with a freshly painted door that compliments your house and adds instant curb appeal. Choose a paint color that blends with your home’s existing color and textures, or opt for a bold color pop. Heritage Red or Satin Navy are two stand-out colors, recommended by Good Housekeeping. You don’t need any special skills to add a coat of paint or a stain finish to a front door, so this is an ideal weekend DIY project.

When to hire a professional
Looking to tackle a few of the items above and can’t (or just plain don’t want to) do it yourself?Hire a pro. A professional landscaper can create a more sophisticated look for your property, boost curb appeal, and ensure the job is completed safely and skillfully.

What to expect
Share your vision for sprucing up the front yard with your landscaper, then ask for their expert recommendations. They may suggest such curb appeal ideas as filling in empty spots quickly, adding potted plants, lighting fixtures, or building a low-maintenance garden. Don’t forget to ask about timing, the date they can start your project, and when they estimate it to be completed.

Pricing
Landscaping prices can vary widely. Be sure to communicate your budget before getting started. The quote you receive should include both design and installation costs.