insurance

It’s like winning the lottery, right? You’ve searched and searched, and finally found the house you love. You put in an offer, you hope it’s good enough, you prayed that the seller liked you best . . . and just like that, all your worries disappear! The seller accepted your offer and you’re thrilled! Woo-hoo! And then you think, “So, what do I do now?”

To be honest, you have a gajillion things to do. Okay, maybe not quite a gajillion, but between getting all the steps done to finish your home purchase – and having to pack and move – it may seem like that.

But the good news is, you went into this with an experienced Realtor®, and you have the comfort of knowing this very important thing: Your Realtor™ has your back for everything that comes next. After all, they are the ones who got your offer submitted and accepted!

Just to make sure you have a good idea of the next steps in your journey to becoming the new owner of this perfect home, we’ve got a quick checklist to get you prepared. (Keep in mind, though, that your specific transaction may have additional steps because every home purchase is different.) Many of these things will be automatically handled either by your Realtor™ or your mortgage lender – but it’s wise to be aware of the status of each item during this process. So always feel free to ask questions!

1. If you haven’t already, shop for your mortgage lender and choose which one you’ll be working with. (Although an experienced Realtor® should have made sure you did this before submitting your offer – just FYI.)
2. Ensure all the necessary “earnest money deposit” funds are paid into escrow.
3. Order the home inspection.
4. Ensure you know which documents and information your mortgage lender needs – and get that to them in a timely manner.
5. Review the home inspection report with your Realtor™ to discuss the findings and any repairs needed (as well any costs).
6. The lender will order the appraisal.
7. Get your closing funds ready, according to the instructions from your lender.
8. Select your home insurance company.
9. Schedule your walk-through.
10. Close escrow at the title company and get your keys!

Of course, in-between all of these steps, you also need to find time to notify your landlord that you’ll be moving, pack, schedule utilities to be turned off and then on again at your new home, change your mailing address and online account addresses – and make sure that someone is going to plan you a nice, big housewarming party! (Okay, that last part is optional, but it sure would be nice, huh?)

During this time of busy transition, you may get a little anxious, perhaps a little stressed, have a lot of questions, or need help finding solutions for some things. That’s part of the process and it happens to everyone. But always remember that your Realtor™ is there to help you and hold your hand through it all.

In fact, we know that’s actually a huge part of our job. Of course, it’s important that you have someone you can rely on that knows all the proper steps to take and the legalities involved – plus make sure that your interests are being looked out for.

Choosing the right Realtor® ensures you’ll have someone on your side who wants you to understand every step of the process, and makes sure that at the finish line, you’re happy with your purchase and with the service they provided to you, too.

New Home Resource helps current and future homeowners with all of their Las Vegas real estate needs. Whether your preference is for property management, a newly built home from a local builder, or a resale property in just the right location, a New Home Resource Realtor® is here to provide the service you’re looking for. Please contact a New Home Resource Realtor® today at 702-365-1000 or visit www.newhomeresource.com. Broker Joanna Piette, and agents Denise Moreno Thrasher, Jessica O’Brien, Evelyn ‘Beng’ Kern, and Kathy Paterniti are all here to help!

The process of moving into a home can be a daunting task. With New Home Resource, the process becomes much less daunting. Prior to choosing the right color scheme for your master bedroom or whether or not to maintain a media room, you must get Homeowners insurance before you close escrow. Natural Disasters are rare occurrences, but you will have the coverage you need when you need to build, repair, or even relocate. Individual coverage can be pricy, so it may make more sense to combine home coverage with your car insurance coverage

A security system will grant you the peace of mind you need to sleep at night. Protect your family and your most valuable asset with a security system that will contact the police, fire department or private security team. At the very least, invest in sturdy deadbolt locks for your doors and solid latches for your windows. Man’s best friend, particularly if he’s big, won’t hurt either.

Obtain a list of recommended handymen who are helpful in emergency situations. Having a helpful, reliable, plumber, electrician, or security tech, handy will be there in moments when you least expect the need to arise.

A set of garden tools, a lawnmower, plants for the backyard or front lawn for landscaping. Whether you’re an expert gardener or not, there are tools you need for the general maintenance of your yard: a sprinkler system, hose and rake. If you’ve considered growing an herb garden, maybe now would be good time.

Whether you’re into outdoor entertaining, family gatherings or if you simply want to take that steak to a whole new level, the right barbecue can bring out the spring spirit in all of us.

Your new home information should contain warranty information on all the home appliances within the home. The first few months in your home should not be spent worrying about whether the stove, water softener or heater will work. The general maintenance of appliances are the most common things overlooked.

Without ruining the joy of moving into a new home, a disaster kit that includes flashlight, non-perishable items, bottles of water, blankets, batteries, and portable radio, and even a first aid kit will be helpful in any emergency situation.

Once the important items have been covered, you can consider investing in simple high quality furniture that will endure your lifestyle for years to come like a cozy transitional couch, a frat-like futon, or a cozy recliner you can look forward to sitting in after a hard day’s work. Let your new home reflect your style, lifestyle and the comfort level you deserve.

If you are looking for a new home or things to buy for your new home, please contact a New Home Resource Realtor® today at 702-365-1000 or at www.newhomeresource.com. Broker Joanna Piette, and agents Denise Moreno Thrasher, Jessica O’Brien, Evelyn ‘Beng’ Kern, Lance Partin and Kathy Paterniti are all here to help!

1. One of the most common “sayings” that continues to pop up is Shop Around. Get multiple quotes for homeowners insurance before deciding. You want to make sure that you are getting the best savings. We suggest getting at least 2 different quotes before committing to one.

2. Your house and its contents are all that is covered in a burglary, fire or (natural) disaster, not the land. Insure only the value of your home if you are looking to safe money and still stay safe.

3. Contact your associations or places that you have memberships. Many groups are affiliated with insurance companies offering discounts on your premium. It never hurts to ask!

4. House fires occur more often when smokers are residents. If you stop smoking, be sure to contact your insurance provider about a lower rate! Things like smoke detectors, security gates and alarm systems also reduce insurance costs, make sure your agent knows!

5. Any items that could cause injury can also increase the amount of your homeowners insurance. If you have a trampoline or a swimming pool, contact your provider for safety features that will reduce the risk of an accident.

If you are looking for a new home or wanting to sell your current home, please contact a New Home Resource Realtor® today at 702-365-1000. Broker Joanna Piette, and agents Denise Moreno Thrasher, Jessica O’Brien, Evelyn ‘Beng’ Kern, Lance Partin and Kathy Paterniti are all here to help!