Everyone is unaware there is a complete paperwork procedure needed to buy a house. We will discuss it step by step to understand the people better. This will be beneficial for new entrants to the real estate market. They can adopt the hassle-free home-buying process through their complete paperwork.
Income & Assets Proof
Proof of your employment is required to show the details of your current employer & where you are working right now. Your employment status will determine your plan to pay back the mortgage amount. It will also define your source of income which you mentioned in the documents. The assets you own right now and all details about those assets are mandatory. These documents are a must at the time of mortgage pre-approval.
Following are the documents that lenders could demand.
- Pay Slip
- Bank Statement
- Retirement Account Statement (If Any)
- Gift Letters
- Tax Return
Credit Report
The lender’s biggest concern is how much debt you carry; based on that, he will determine your capacity to repay the loan. The credit bureau uses this information to generate a credit score on your credit report. Higher credit scores will increase your chances of loan approval. Therefore, the credit report is very significant in terms of eligibility criteria for a mortgage loan.
Pre-Approval Letter
The initial step was related to the lender & criteria of budget for home buying. After the verification process of your credit score, assets, income & debts, the next step is the issuance of a pre-approval letter which will be determined how much you can borrow. Most agents are reluctant to show you houses until and unless you have the pre-approval letter. With the pre-approval letter, you have a bright chance to get a loan except for specific conditions. For instance, if you left the job OR applied for a further loan during the debt period.
Loan Estimate
It is a brief detail but gives you an idea about your finances. All terms & conditions of the loan mentioned which you agreed upon. It is a document consisting of three pages that proposed loan terms & it plays a vital role in submitting applications to different lenders. There are estimated costs related to interest rates, monthly mortgage payments, tax, insurance & closing cost. There is an obligation on the lender to send you the form of loan estimate within three business days after you receive your application.
Offer Letter
This letter contains personal information, details about you and why you like that house. In a real estate market where competition is very high, the personalization of your letter is an effective strategy because it plays the role of a bridge in creating a personal connection. Once you create a personal relationship with a specific seller, it will be very convenient for you to handle the remaining tasks.
Purchase Agreement
The purchase agreement consists of all financial information & nitty-gritty as well. It is a document signed by the seller & buyer. Both parties agreed on all terms.
Following are the details usually used in the purchase agreements.
- Property Detail & Condition
- Buyer & Seller Identification
- Purchase Price
- Duties & Obligations of both parties
- Signature of Both Parties
Seller’s Disclosure
Although it is not mandatory, sometimes this document is provided by the seller in which issues related to the home are mentioned, like roof leaking, water in the basement, and repair & renovation of doors, windows & walls, etc. History regarding home highlighted and necessary maintenance work. This document is essential from the perspective of the up-gradation of the house.
Home Inspection Report & Appraisal
The home inspection report is based on the condition of your home. Following are the details of the home inspection report.
- Details of cracks & gaps
- The exterior of the house
- Washroom fixtures
- Roof condition
- Plumbing system
- Electric & Gas Supply
Closing Disclosure
Closing Disclosure is a form given by the lender. It is similar to the loan estimate, but the figures are comparatively accurate & concrete. Your interest rate, monthly mortgage payment, tax, insurance & closing cost are highlighted in it.
Insurance Declaration Page of Homeowner
It is mandatory to get homeowner insurance; otherwise, the lender didn’t approve the mortgage. The bank is a stakeholder in your home’s condition until and unless you pay the entire mortgage amount. If you did not pay installments in the future, then home ownership has been reverted to the bank. The homeowner’s declaration page is a summary of homeowners insurance coverage & is also used as evidence.
Conclusion
We discussed all details regarding the paperwork required to buy a house. This information will be really helpful, especially for first-time home buyers in New Jersey. The purpose of this detailed discussion is to give valuable information to all participants of the real estate market to understand the complete procedure of paperwork step by step for a hassle-free home buying process. By completing the paperwork you will be able to buy a house without wasting your effort, energy & time.
FAQ Section
Question. Is seller disclosure mandatory in every state of America?
Answer. Sellers’ disclosure is not mandatory for every state.
Question. What is the purpose of a home appraisal?
Answer. The purpose of a home appraisal is to determine the value of the property in the current real estate market.
Question. Why do lenders need a credit report?
Answer. Lenders need a credit report for the assessment of their ability to pay back the loan.
Question. What is the purpose of the offer letter?
Answer. This is a short letter written to the seller in which you explained the reason why you are interested in the property. This is used as a tool of ice breaking & personalization in the relationship.