Home Buying Guide

What to Expect From Start to Finish

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you'll ever make, but it doesn't have to be overwhelming. Every transaction is a little different, but most follow the same basic process.

My job is to guide you through every step, answer your questions, explain your options, and help you make informed decisions without ever feeling pressured.

Step 1: Let's Talk About Your Goals

Before we ever start looking at houses, I want to get to know you.

We'll discuss things like:

• Your budget

• Preferred locations

• Number of bedrooms and bathrooms

• Yard or acreage

• Garage, basement, or one-level living

• Must-have features

• Deal breakers

• Your ideal timeline

The more I understand what you're looking for, the better I can narrow down the search and save you time.

Step 2: Get Pre-Approved

Getting pre-approved helps us know your budget and shows sellers you're a serious buyer.

In today's market, homes can go under contract quickly. Having your financing ready allows us to move fast when the right home comes along.

Step 3: Buyer Broker Agreement

Before I can officially represent you, we'll complete a Buyer Broker Agreement.

This does NOT mean you're agreeing to buy a home.

It simply allows me to represent your interests while we search for your new home.

Most of the time, the seller pays the broker compensation. When we write a purchase offer, that compensation can be negotiated just like the purchase price, closing costs, repairs, and other terms.

Step 4: Searching for Homes

Once everything is in place, we'll begin searching.

You can:

• Send me listings you find online.

• Receive listings directly from the MLS.

• Ask me to research any property you're interested in.

I'll gather additional information before we spend your time looking at a home.

Step 5: Touring Homes

Pictures never tell the whole story.

When we walk through a home, we'll look beyond the paint colors and furniture.

We'll evaluate things like:

• Overall condition

• Roof

• Foundation or crawl space

• Heating and cooling

• Plumbing

• Electrical

• Signs of water issues

• Property layout

• Neighborhood

• Future maintenance

You're never obligated to make an offer just because we viewed a house.

Step 6: Researching the Property

If you really like a home, I'll dig deeper.

That may include:

• Comparable sales

• Property disclosures

• Flood zone information

• Tax records

• Previous listing history

• Questions for the listing agent

I may also prepare a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) to help determine whether the asking price is reasonable.

Step 7: Writing an Offer

When you decide you've found the right home, we'll prepare a purchase offer.

We'll discuss and negotiate items such as:

• Purchase price

• Closing cost assistance

• Broker compensation

• Earnest money

• Inspection contingency

• Financing contingency

• Repairs

• Appliances or personal property

• Closing date

• Possession date

I'll explain every section before you sign.

Step 8: Under Contract

Once both parties agree and sign, the home goes under contract.

From here, there are important deadlines that I'll help keep track of so nothing gets missed.

Step 9: Home Inspection

Most buyers choose to have a professional home inspection.

After reviewing the report, we can decide whether to:

• Move forward

• Request repairs

• Ask for a credit

• Renegotiate

• Walk away (if allowed by the contract)

The inspection helps you understand exactly what you're buying.

Step 10: Appraisal

If you're financing the home, your lender will order an appraisal.

This confirms the home's value for the lender.

If issues come up, we'll discuss the available options together.

Step 11: Loan & Title Process

While inspections are happening, your lender and closing company continue working behind the scenes.

They'll finalize:

• Your loan

• Title search

• Insurance

• Employment verification

• Final underwriting

During this time, avoid making large purchases or opening new credit accounts until after closing.

Step 12: Homeowners Insurance

Before closing, you'll choose a homeowners insurance policy.

Your lender will need proof of coverage before final approval.

Step 13: Clear to Close

Once everything is approved, your lender will issue what's called a Clear to Close.

You'll also receive your Closing Disclosure, which outlines your final loan terms and closing costs.

We'll review it together if you have questions.

Step 14: Final Walkthrough

Before closing, we'll walk through the home one last time to make sure:

• The home's condition hasn't changed.

• Repairs were completed.

• Included items are still there.

• Everything is ready for closing.

Step 15: Closing Day

This is the exciting part!

You'll sign the final paperwork, the funds will be transferred, and once everything is complete, you'll receive the keys according to the contract.

Congratulations—you've officially become a homeowner!

My Promise to You

✔ I'll answer your questions.

✔ I'll explain every document before you sign it.

✔ I'll point out things you may not notice.

✔ I'll negotiate on your behalf.

✔ I'll keep you informed throughout the process.

✔ I'll never pressure you into buying a home that isn't right for you.

My goal isn't simply to help you buy a house—it's to help you find the right home and make the entire process as smooth and stress-free as possible.