The Buying Process

  • Get Pre-approved

    1 - The first step in the home buying process is gaining a clear understanding of what you can comfortably afford. Connecting with a licensed lender will help you assess your financial position and secure a pre-approval. They’ll review factors like your income, credit, and overall financial profile to determine how much you’re qualified to borrow—giving you a realistic price range for your search.

    In addition, having a pre-approval letter ready when you begin making offers can strengthen your position, especially in competitive situations where sellers are weighing multiple offers.

  • Search For Homes

    2 - Once you’ve established your budget and secured a pre-approval, you’re ready to find the right home. This is where your agent becomes an essential partner in the process. Together, you’ll outline your must-haves, nice-to-haves, preferred locations, and lifestyle goals to create a clear vision of what you’re looking for.

    Your agent will set up a customized search through the MLS, giving you access to homes that match your criteria the moment they hit the market. You’ll receive real-time updates so you never miss an opportunity.

    From there, you’ll tour homes in person. As you walk through properties, your agent will help you evaluate each oneon how it fits your needs, long-term goals, and overall value. This stage is all about refining your preferences and identifying the home that feels like the right fit.

  • Make An Offer

    3 - Once you find the right home, your agent will advise you on making an offer based on neighborhood comparables, pricing and market conditions. Your agent will prepare all the paperwork needed for you to submit your strongest offer to the seller. The terms of your offer will include price, inspections and other contigencies, financing and closing date. There may be negotiation or a counter-offer and your agent will guide you through this process to achieve your best possible outcome. Once all parties agree you are under contract!

  • Under Contract

    4 - Once your offer is accepted, you’ll officially be under contract. The transaction isn’t finalized until closing. At this stage, if you’re not paying cash, you’ll submit your earnest money deposit and move forward with your mortgage application. Because lenders offer a variety of loan options, it’s important to partner with someone you trust who can guide you toward the program that best fits your financial goals.

6 - Your lender will order a professional appraisal to determine the home’s fair market value. This is completed by an independent third-party appraiser who evaluates the property and comparable sales to ensure the price aligns with the market. If the appraised value comes in lower than the agreed-upon purchase price, we may have the opportunity to renegotiate the terms—or, depending on your contract, you may choose to walk away.

Home Inspections

5 - Evaluating the condition of your future home is an important step in the buying process. A licensed home inspector will thoroughly review the property, assessing its structure, systems, and overall condition, and identify any areas of concern. They may also look for issues like pest activity or signs of mold. Based on what’s uncovered—and the terms of your agreement—we can negotiate repairs, credits, or other solutions to address any findings before moving forward.

Appraisal
Available Homes

8 - Your lender will issue a final Closing Disclosure outlining your loan terms, monthly payment, taxes, and all costs associated with the transaction. Once you’re cleared to close, you’ll sign the necessary documents to finalize both your purchase and your financing. After everything is fully executed and funds are disbursed, you’ll receive the keys and officially step into your new home. Now the celebration can begin!

Final Walkthrough

7 - Before closing, we’ll complete a final walkthrough to confirm that any agreed-upon repairs have been completed and that the home is in the same condition as when you first made your offer. This is your last opportunity to identify and address any issues before settlement. Depending on the terms of your agreement, you may also sign an addendum acknowledging that the walkthrough has been completed and that the property’s condition is satisfactory.

Closing