Are you contemplating buying your home in Lexington? Jason Compton can help.

Purchasing a home is a stressful event for most people, but with some up-front planning, it isn't too difficult. I like to supply buyers with a road map of the entire deal so they'll know exactly what they can expect. Below are my nine steps to purchasing a home. Should you have any questions about this information or if you're ready to get started, just contact me here or e-mail me at .

Step 1 – Prepare to purchase a home
Before you start searching for a home, there are a lot of things you should consider. You'll want to make an index of features you need to have, plan for what school districts you want to live in, and begin planning around your budget. Keeping your mortgage payment less than or close to 30 percent of your monthly income is a good rule to follow.

Step 2 – Speak with a real estate agent
This is where I can help. I'd be more than happy to book a time to get together with you and speak with you regarding why you want to buy a home and get an idea of your upcoming plans. We'll talk about everything from neighborhoods, school districts in the Lexington area, the mortgage and housing industries, to any other economic factors that may affect your buying decision today or in the future.

I'll also help you get started on your loan. There are some excellent mortgage professionals in Lexington, and I partner with a lot of them, so you're in great hands. They'll help you determine which type of loan is best for you, as well as help you get qualified.

Step 3 – Start house-hunting
After we meet, I'll start finding available houses on the market that are a great fit for you. I'll preview many of the houses and throw out the duds, and then we'll book appointments to view the houses when it's most convenient for you.

When we view the houses, I'll identify positive features, as well as bad ones. I'll also ask you about things you like and don't like. Most often, buyers revise their wish list as we view homes and some features become far more essential than others. If that's the situation, I'll search all the listings again and narrow it down to the home of your dreams.

Step 4 – Know the housing market
An agent's knowledge of the Lexington home market is a fundamental agent in your home search. And I assure you I'm acquainted with all the neighborhoods and schools, and I will communicate what districts are "hot" and demand prompt action and some that are "cold" and allow for thoughtful examination.

As we tour houses, I'll make sure to communicate when the asking price has room for bargaining and also when I know the home is "priced to sell." Be mindful and make sure you ask your agent plenty of questions, as every REALTOR in Lexington will convince you they truly understand the market. If things don't add up, call me at 8036655253 or e-mail me at , and I'd be glad to answer any questions you may have. My understanding of the market will help you stay a step ahead throughout the entire process.

Step 5 – Find the home of your dreams
I'm confident we'll find the house of your dreams in Lexington. When that happens, I'll carefully develop your purchase offer. The offer will be tailored to suit your needs and the home, including several contingencies, such as obtaining financing, carrying out the inspection, and a clear title.

When we turn in your offer, you'll probably want to submit "earnest money." This is a cash deposit given to the seller to secure an offer to buy the property and is most often applied to the cost of closing. If the seller accepts the offer, we should close on the property about 30 to 60 days afterward. This allows sufficient time for your mortgage financing.

Step 6 – Negotiate
Most contracts don't close on the beginning offer. It's pretty common to receive a counter offer. But don't let it discourage you. We'll discuss whether or not to agree to the counter offer, present our own counter offer, or refuse the seller's offer and move on.

How aggressively we negotiate the deal depends on the state of the market. In addition, we'll work within your financing constraints. And at the end of the day, we'll put together a contract that is best for you.

Step 7 – Get financing
After we sign the final deal, you'll start working with your mortgage lender to close the loan. If you're pre-qualified, it shouldn't take very long at all. However, you'll want to stay in close contact with your lender. And I'll deal with all the property information your lender needs to close the loan.

Step 8 – Close the deal
Your lender will give you a Loan Estimate (LE) detailing closing costs within three days of receiving your application. You'll get a Loan Estimate (LE) outlining your closing costs from your mortgage lender within three days of receiving your loan application. The estimate rests on the loan amount, and RESPA requirements mandate that it has to involve all closing costs and be within a strict range of accuracy. I'll study the estimate and let you know if it all looks adequate.

Then it's time to close on your home. This will probably occur at a title company or escrow office and will probably be a smooth and peaceful event.

Step 9 – Move in
Congratulations! It's time to move into your new home. Enjoy it. And if you have any questions, simply contact me at 8036655253 or e-mail me at .