Buying a Home

Buying a home is one of the most exciting milestones of your life. To prepare yourself for this moment, you need to know what to expect during the process. This step-by-step first time buyer’s guide created by your agent will help reduce the stress of buying a home and help you enjoy the journey as much as possible.

The Typical Home Buying Process

1 Research

Research locations, types of homes (condo, townhome, single-family), and features. Keep an eye on market trends in your desired neighborhoods.

2 Decide on Your Budget

Before speaking to a lender, determine what monthly payment you’re comfortable with. This includes considering additional costs like garbage, water, or HOA fees.

3 Get Prequalified

Talk to a mortgage professional to understand how much you can qualify for. Being prequalified is also essential for making a competitive offer.

4 Choose a Real Estate Agent

While it's possible to buy a home without an agent, working with one saves time, reduces stress, and provides expertise. Your agent will help identify homes, arrange showings, and negotiate offers.

5 Find the Right Home

Explore homes within your budget, paying attention to details like lighting, water pressure, and the neighborhood. Consider proximity to necessities like schools and grocery stores.

6 Make an Offer

Once you've chosen a home, your agent will help craft a fair offer. Depending on the market, you might offer below, at, or above the asking price.

7 Have the Home Inspected

The offer is typically contingent on a home inspection to check for structural issues or needed repairs. You may renegotiate or withdraw based on the results.

8 Select Your Loan

Choose the right mortgage type (fixed-rate, variable-rate, etc.) with your lender. Consider your long-term financial comfort before making a decision.

9 Get a Home Appraisal

Your lender will appraise the property to ensure it is priced fairly.

10 Finish Paperwork

After all inspections and approvals, you'll complete the necessary paperwork and legally become the owner of your new home.

make your next move the right move

Wherever your dreams take you, use the Move Meter^® to help you get there. Compare locations based on living affordability, average home prices and other important factors. Try it out with whatever city you dream of moving to.

Buying a Home

The Typical Home Buying Process

1

Research

2

Decide on Your Budget

3

Get Prequalified

4

Choose a Real Estate Agent

5

Find the Right Home

6

Make an Offer

7

Have the Home Inspected

8

Select Your Loan

9

Get a Home Appraisal

10

Finish Paperwork

make your next move the right move

START YOUR SEARCH HERE

Contact me to take the first steps toward making your real estate dreams a reality.