There are nine typical steps to successfully buying a home. I’ll be there to guide you through them when you choose me as your agent.
1) Get Pre-approved – If you need to purchase with a mortgage, the first step to buying a home is to get pre-approved by a reputable lender. They will help you determine what you can afford as well as the type of mortgage that would be best for you. The lender that you choose can make a difference on whether or not your offer is accepted and how smoothly things go, so feel free to reach out to me for lender recommendations. Also, you can use the mortgage calculator on this page to get a general idea of what you might be able to afford.
2) Sign a Buyer Agency Contract – In order for me to show you homes and assist you in purchasing a home as your representative, you’ll need to sign a Buyer Agency Contract. I’d be happy to meet with you in person or virtually to discuss the kind or service I’ll provide and answer any questions you may have before you commit.
3) Buyer Consultation – A buyer consultation enables me to do a detailed analysis of your needs and learn about the kind of home you’re wanting to buy. During the consultation, I’ll share current market insights, home buying tips, and helpful tools and resources. I’ll also answer any questions you might have.
4) Listing Awareness – After the consultation, I’ll begin sending you new and updated listings through an MLS portal that I’ll set up for you. You can use the portal, my website, or other popular websites to search on your own as well.
5) Schedule Showings – Homes can sell very quickly, especially if they are priced correctly, so I’ll work with you to get them scheduled as soon as possible. I’ll schedule the showings through the ShowingTime app that we use as realtors.
6) Make a Winning Offer – I’ll provide you with information and insight to help you make a winning offer, and use skill and tact to help it get accepted.
7) Do a Home Inspection – A good inspector will find any issues that may need to be addressed and help you learn about the home. I can recommend some reputable inspectors. Negotiation may be necessary if issues of concern are discovered.
8) Order the Appraisal – If you’re satisfied with the home inspection results and you’re using a lender, then the next step will be to order the appraisal. Unless you offer an appraisal guarantee, further negotiation will likely be necessary if it doesn’t appraise at or above the contracted sales price.
9) Close & Celebrate – After final underwriting is complete and we have a “clear to close” from your lender, we’ll set the closing date and time. Closing day is always an exciting day. You’ve reached your goal of home ownership. It’s time to celebrate!
I’d be happy to send you a Buyer Information Packet that includes the contract as well as further insight into each of these steps. Feel free to reach out for assistance and we’ll go from there.
