The Complete Home Buying Process

Step One - Understand the Process and Requirements

Before diving into the home buying journey, it’s essential to understand the process and requirements involved. This includes familiarizing yourself with the steps you'll need to take, the financial commitments, and the legalities associated with buying a home. Our team is here to guide you through these steps, ensuring you have a clear understanding of what to expect.

Recent changes to the National Association of Realtors (NAR) policies also affect how home buying works. If you are a buyer and your agent is using an MLS, you will need to sign a written agreement with your agent before touring a home so you understand exactly what services will be provided, and for how much.

For more detailed information on these changes and how they may affect you, please click here.

Step Two - Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage

The next step is to get pre-approved for a mortgage. This involves meeting with a lender and providing your financial information, so they can determine how much they're willing to lend you. Being pre-approved gives you a clear idea of how much you can afford to spend on a home and makes you a more attractive buyer to sellers.

Step Three - Contact Us

Having a good real estate agent on your side can make all the difference when buying your first home. We'll guide you through the process, help you find properties that fit your needs and budget, and negotiate on your behalf. Look for an agent who has experience working with the type of situation and home you are interested in; someone who understands the local real estate market.

Step Four - Search for Homes

Now it's time to start searching for your dream home. Your agent will help you create a wish list and set a budget. You can search for homes online or attend open houses to get a feel for different properties. It's important to be patient and not rush into buying the first home you see.

Step Five - Make an Offer

Once you find a home you love, it's time to make an offer. Your agent will help you craft a competitive offer that takes into account the home's value and local market conditions. They'll also help you negotiate with the seller to ensure that you get a fair price.

Step Six - Home Inspection

After your offer is accepted, it's important to have a home inspection. This is a thorough evaluation of the home's condition, including the structure, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems. Based on the inspection report, you may be able to negotiate repairs or a credit towards the purchase price with the seller.

Step Seven - Home Appraisal

After the inspection, your lender will order a home appraisal to determine the market value of the property. The appraiser will visit the property and assess its condition, size, location, and comparable sales in the area.

Step Eight - Wait for Clear to Close

Once all of the contingencies have been met, such as the home inspection, appraisal, and financing, you will be issued a "clear to close" from your lender. This means that all of the necessary requirements have been satisfied, and you're ready to close on your new home.

Step Nine - We're Here for You

After you've closed on your new home, our service doesn't stop there. We're committed to providing ongoing support and assistance with any real estate needs you may have. Whether you need recommendations for home service providers, or you're ready to sell your home in the future, we're here to help.