Your Ultimate Guide: Step-by-Step Process to Buy a Home
Buying a home can be both exciting and daunting. To navigate the journey successfully, you need a well-thought-out plan. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process of purchasing your dream home. If you want a bit more info, you can see our Buyer’s Guide here.
Talk to a real estate agent: Call us first! An experienced real estate agent is your greatest asset. We’ll map out a timeline and connect you with a lender if you need recommendations. We’ll lay the foundation in an initial buyer consult and establish your real estate team. Having the right team in place makes all the difference.
Get pre-approved for a mortgage: Secure your finances by getting pre-approved for a mortgage. A lender can typically do this fairly quickly once they have the documents they need. We’ll submit a preapproval along with offers to show sellers you’re serious.
Start shopping: Now comes the fun part — we’ll make a list of potential homes that align with your criteria and set up tours.
Make an offer: We’ll review the contract and answer any questions prior to submitting. Let’s get you under contract.
Home inspection and appraisal: Once your offer is accepted, arrange for a home inspection and appraisal. Inspection usually happens about a week after going under contract, and appraisal happens after that. You can expect to spend about $600-$800 on each.
Finalize the mortgage: With a satisfactory appraisal and inspection, you can proceed to finalize your mortgage. Your lender will ensure that you’re all squared away.
Review closing documents: Your team will guide you through this crucial step to make sure you’re ready to go. Make sure to ask any final questions before the deal gets done.
Closing day: Congratulations! Make sure you transfer utilities and change your address. Once you get the keys, it's time to move into your new home.
Buying a home is a significant life milestone that requires careful planning and execution. By working with the right team, you'll be well-prepared to navigate the real estate market and make a confident purchase decision. Grab a spot on our calendar and let’s get started!