Buyer's Roadmap: Step by Step Guide to the Home Buying Process.
Here’s a quick overview of the home buying process.
Talk to a realtor (that's me!). We’ll start by discussing your goals, potential timeline, what you think you’re looking for, etc. This is a great time to ask questions!
Get pre-approved. Before we can start searching you need to know what you can afford and what you’re comfortable with. I can help you find a lender for this. Think of us as team – we’re all going to be working together through this process.
The search begins! I’ll set you up on an auto search from MLS so you’ll see new listings that fit your criteria as soon as they hit the market. I’ll also search online with other tools. Showings: I always tell clients to look at as many homes as they can in person, at least in the beginning of your search. It’ll help you start figuring out what’s important and what’s not so important to you. Plus, sometimes a home looks much different in person than it did online. For homes you’re interested in we’ll do more research on the home and on the location. I’ll give you as much information as I can about the home to help you figure out whether it’s for you or not.
Once you’ve selected a home, we’ll write an offer. The offer will include things like purchase price and timeline, as well as other terms like who pays what fees, what things in the home are included, etc.
When we submit the offer to the listing agent they’ll review it with the seller. The seller can accept the offer, counter the offer or they can reject it.
If/when you and the seller have agreed on terms and have both signed, you are now under contract!
The next phase is due diligence. During this part of the process you will want to have the home professionally inspected, your lender will order an appraisal to assess the value of the home and will work on the details for your loan, and we’ll review documents from the title company in preparation for transfer of ownership.
Then, you’ll start preparing for the closing. This will include things like calling utility providers, changing your address, and we’ll do a final walk-through of the house to make sure the home looks just as it did when you went under contract.
Closing day! You’ll sign real estate closing documents and as well loan documents. Once both the seller and you have signed, you’re a homeowner!
Buying a home can be overwhelming and confusing whether it’s your first time or you’re 10th! This quick how-to video gives you an easy-to-reference roadmap, but every situation is different and I’m here to help you understand each step in the process and help you navigate through it.