Whether a first-timer or seasoned home buyer, your home buying and selling process can be as challenging as learning a new language. Before you make your move, it's important to first understand the steps involved and the buzzwords of the "deal" to ensure the smoothest transaction possible.

Your best source of information will be from your Realtor.  The real estate industry and financing are constantly changing, so even if you've bought a home in the past the process may have changed.  Friends and relatives are often well-meaning, but they may not have purchased or sold recently either and could be giving you inaccurate information.

So how does this work?

Get prequalified by a lender so you know how much you can afford and how much your payments will be.

Choose a Realtor who will represent you (ask about Buyer Representation).  Your Realtor will have access to the Multiple Listing Service and can show you every house in town regardless of which agent or company has it listed.

Once you find a house you will make a written offer.  When it's been completely accepted you are officially Under Contract!

Your Realtor will help you schedule inspections, deliver the contract to the lender and review the title commitment.  There are a lot of things happening behind the scenes while you are under contract and your agent will be handling the details for you.

Once you've accepted the inspection, title commitment, and survey, and you have loan approval, you will be on your way to closing.

About a week prior to closing you can schedule utilities connections for the date of closing.

Closing typically takes place at the title company.  When you go to sign documents, you will need to bring identification (usually your driver's license or passport) and your funds for closing.  The funds for closing must be in the form of a money wire or cashier's check - the title company will not accept cash or personal checks.

A buyer’s market means it’s the seller’s turn to be flexible, especially with sale terms. Purchase price, closing dates, move-in dates, storage, appliances, window treatments, points and fees may all require a little negotiation. Whatever the terms, don’t let personal feelings stand in the way of a good deal.

The basics

In a buyer’s market, curb appeal, cleanliness, overall good condition and updates are especially crucial. Any little flaw should be taken care of before the first buyer drives up.

• Attend open houses in your neighborhood to see what “sell-ready” really looks like. If you’re shy, ask your Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate sales associate to walk you through a few sell-ready examples.
  
• Back home, start with the exterior to ensure you’re making a good first impression. Reseed or throw down some turf on lawn patches, change the lights in the lamppost, and if necessary, reset the walkway stone.
  
• Clean the interior beyond your standards. Even if they are impeccable, rent an industrial carpet cleaner or hire a professional cleaning service. Brighten the interior ambience with light fixture updates, as new lighting is one of the most inexpensive and noticeable improvements you can make prior to listing.
  
• Fix leaky faucets and make sure the water pressure is strong in both the kitchen and bathrooms.
  
• If necessary, a great way to improve the appearance of your home is to paint. Use only neutral colors that can easily lend themselves to different décor and styles of furniture.

Don’t reject low offers; negotiate

• Don’t dismiss lower-than-expected offers. Instead, consider buyer incentives that help you meet your asking price. Offer to pay the buyer’s closing costs, moving costs or loan origination fee. These can help the buyer with upfront costs. As well, you may consider offering a limited home warranty that covers HVAC systems and some appliances for a definitive period of time.
  
• Be careful of purchase offers that are contingent on the buyer selling their home first. Their home may be in a softer market than yours and you could be in for a long wait. Be sure that the purchase agreement includes a contingency-release clause. This way you’ll be able to sell if another buyer comes along.
  
• Work with your Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate agent to find creative solutions to make a deal come together. The purchase price is just part of the deal. Anything that makes your property stand apart from the competition will give it an edge in a buyer’s market.