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Have you dreamed of waking up to a stunning sunrise, brewing coffee, and hiking in the Bitterroot National Forest? Or maybe you’ve long desired to live near the Blackfoot River, fly fishing by day and dining at Missoula’s Iron Horse by night. Sounds too good to be true? Well, it doesn’t have to be. It’s a new year, so why not stop dreaming and start making those home-buying dreams a reality.
Because at Windermere, we can help. And even if you’re still unsure about buying, our agents can answer all of your questions about Missoula and the Bitterroot Valley, from which areas have the best schools, to the neighborhoods that offer the most stunning mountain views. So, if you’re serious about buying a home but still need a little guidance, you’ve come to the right place.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to buying your dream home in Montana.
Step One: Choose an Agent for the Home-Buying Process
The first step to buying a home is probably the most important. After researching, you’ve decided Missoula is perfect for you and your family. Maybe it’s the breathtaking views of the snow-capped Bitterroot Mountains, the tight-knit community, or the close proximity to countless amazing restaurants. Whatever your reasons, you’re ready to begin finding a home in this vibrant Montana city.
Now that you’ve settled on the location, your next step is to find a real estate agent who knows Missoula inside and out. This step is crucial because a skilled real estate agent acts as your trusted guide throughout the entire home-buying journey — from finding your dream home to signing on the dotted line and getting the keys. You should also take the time to ask about their knowledge of the area and their experience handling properties within your price range.
Fortunately, the real estate experts at Windermere are deeply rooted in the Missoula community and the surrounding Bitterroot Valley. With their expertise, you can feel confident that you’re in good hands every step of the way.
Step Two: Mortgage Pre-Approval
Once you’ve chosen your real estate agent, they’ll start sending you listings. They’ll also arrange home tours for the properties that really catch your eye. Let’s say you’ve spent the last few months browsing and have set your sights on a single-family home in Missoula’s South Hills neighborhood. You’ve talked it over with your partner and after plenty of late night discussions, you’ve both come to the conclusion that you simply must own this home. It’s absolutely perfect and you can see your family growing old in it.
First, you’ll need to be pre-approved for a mortgage. This is where working with a real estate agent, like the ones at Windermere, puts you way ahead of the game. The Windermere team will guide you through every step, ensuring you understand the paperwork and details to begin. They essentially act as a bridge between you and the mortgage lender, and make the process a whole lot easier.
Step Three: Making An Offer
You’ve found the home of your dreams, and have just been pre-approved for a mortgage. What comes next is probably the most exciting part of the home-buying journey — making an offer. Once again, this is where you’ll need a real estate agent to guide you through the process.
Your agent will help draft a formal offer letter with price, contingencies, and earnest money to show your commitment. From there, the seller can either accept or reject the offer letter. They may also request some changes to the letter or even make a counteroffer. If they do make a counteroffer, your agent can once again assist you during the negotiations. It usually takes about one to three business days to hear back from the seller’s real estate agent after submitting the offer letter.
Step Four: The Closing Process
Congratulations! Your offer has been accepted! Now that the hard part is over, you and your family can move into your new home and start enjoying the ‘Last Best Place’, right? Well, not quite because you still have to close on the house to complete the final step.
Here’s how it works. It should be known that the closing process isn’t just something that happens overnight. In fact, if you’re taking out a mortgage, the time between making an offer and closing takes an average of forty-seven days, according to Value Penguin. Before closing day, you’ll complete a final walk through to confirm the property’s condition. From there, you’ll meet with your agent, the seller, and a closing agent to sign the required documents. These documents include the deed and purchase agreement. You’ll also pay closing costs, which may include property taxes and title services.
Once everything is signed and payments are processed, your agent will hand over the keys, and officially make you a homeowner! Now, you can immerse yourself in everything Missoula has to offer, whether it’s long hikes in the Rattlesnake Wilderness or watching live music at the historic Wilma Theater. And with the help of your trusted Windermere real estate agent, you can take pride in knowing you had expert support every step of the way.
Are you serious about buying a home in Missoula or the Bitterroot Valley? Windermere can help! Contact one of our real estate agents today and start your home-buying journey with confidence!
