5 Steps for First- Time Homebuyers FROM PREPARATION TO CLOSING
Buying a home is equal parts exhilarating and terrifying, especially for those going through the process for the first time. Our team of experienced real estate attorneys can help guide you through every step in the process, including these five crucial steps. GET YOUR FINANCES IN ORDER Before you even begin looking at properties, you need to ensure that you’re financially prepared. Only after assessing your finances can you determine a realistic price range for your budget. You must have enough funds for a down payment. It’s also a great idea to get pre-approved for a loan before you begin house hunting, as many agents require a pre-approval before they will work with you. FIND YOUR IDEAL HOME Shopping for your home is surely the most fun part of the process, but it pays to be exhaustive in your search. Online tools like Zillow help you search in your ideal area and can narrow your search according to criteria like price, specific features, and nearby schools. A buyer’s real estate attorney can also provide you with options that meet your needs.
NEGOTIATE YOUR DEAL With the perfect home in your sights, you will want to negotiate a fair price. You should look to comparable sales in the area to determine what price is right. Your ability to negotiate the price of the home will depend in part on market conditions. In a hot market, you won’t have as much negotiating room. CONDUCT YOUR INSPECTION Before you close, you need to have a thorough inspection performed by a licensed home inspector. An inspection will tell you if there’s any hidden issues with the property. If major repairs are needed, you may be able to further negotiate the price of the home or walk from the purchase. PREPARE FOR YOUR CLOSING The closing is the final chapter of your home purchase process. A real estate attorney will ensure that your legal rights are protected before and after the closing. Your attorney will have you ready to smoothly and efficiently close on your home so that you can start unpacking.
GRILLED LEG OF LAMB MICHELE’S RECIPE CORNER
take a break
INGREDIENTS
• 1 4–5-pound boneless leg of lamb, not butterflied • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil • 8 cloves garlic, smashed and coarsely chopped • 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, minced • Salt and pepper, to taste
DIRECTIONS
1. On a large cutting board, cut between the muscles on the leg of lamb to divide into 4 pieces, pulling apart with your fingers if need be. 2. In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, and rosemary. Add lamb and toss to coat. Marinate for 4 hours at room temperature. 3. Heat grill to medium-high. Season lamb with salt and pepper and grill until lamb reaches an internal temperature of 130 F (medium rare). Cook time will vary depending on size of lamb pieces. 4. Let lamb rest, covered with tin foil, for 15 minutes. Slice thinly and serve.
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