Steps to Buying a Home

Step One: Attend Your Buyer's Consultation

Your home buying journey starts with a personal conversation with your real estate agent. This first meeting is all about getting to know you—what you’re looking for, your budget, your timeline, and any other details that matter to you. We’ll use this information to create a plan tailored specifically for you.

During our conversation, your agent will ask some key questions to truly understand what you want in a home—your ideal floor plan, yard space, must-haves, neighborhood, location, and desired amenities, to name a few. We’ll then set up a customized home search through the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) and give you access to a portal where you can browse homes that match your criteria anytime.

If you have questions about your credit, how much you qualify for, or how to get preapproved for a mortgage, we go above and beyond most real estate professionals. Your agent will work with you to review your situation and create a comprehensive plan to help you overcome any hurdles and move forward with purchasing your next home.

Finally, we’ll break down the home-buying process step by step—covering all the costs, timelines, and what to expect. By the end of our conversation, you’ll have a clear understanding of whether we’re the right fit for you and a solid plan in place to confidently move forward with buying your next home, including the best time to apply for a mortgage preapproval and the lenders we recommend who will give you the best interest rates and lowest fees to save you money.

Step 2: Obtain Your Mortgage Preapproval

Before we tour homes, you'll need to obtain a mortgage preapproval. This means working with a lender to determine how much you can borrow based on your finances. For this step, we don’t just send you to any lender; we handpick a list of mortgage brokers who match your needs—whether that’s for down payment assistance, jumbo loans for luxury properties, VA loan expertise, construction-to-permanent loans, simply the best rates and fees, or anything else your circumstances may require.

When you’re ready, applying for preapproval online can be quick—sometimes as fast as 10 minutes, depending on your situation (during your Buyer’s Consultation, we’ll let you know if your situation might need a bit more time and review).

Your preapproval letter will tell you what type of loan is recommended and your maximum approval amount, whether that’s based on your ideal monthly payment or the highest amount possible for your scenario. If you have questions during this step, we’ll be right here to guide you through the process and help to explain complex documents so that you have a personal advocate the entire way.

Step 3: Tour Homes and Submit an Offer

When it’s time for your home tours, the fun really starts! We’ll begin touring homes that fit your criteria. Your agent will set up showings for you, and as you explore different properties, you’ll get to visit neighborhoods and compare home features to find what suits you best.

Your agent will be with you every step of the way, asking questions to fine-tune your preferences and making sure you have all the details you need about each home and neighborhood. The goal is to help you find the perfect place to call your own.

Once you've found the perfect home, your agent will ask you questions and make recommendations to craft a competitive offer. This step includes helping you determine the best offer price, contingencies, and other terms for your needs and home.

After submitting your offer, the negotiation process begins. Your agent will work to reach an agreement with the seller that is favorable to you. It's important to be as upfront with your agent as possible during this step so that they know exactly what's most important to you. It's our job to help you get the best terms possible for your home.

Step 4: Celebrate Your Contract Acceptance and Immediate Next Steps

Congratulations! Your offer has been accepted, and the contract is signed by everyone—you're officially under contract! This is a major milestone in your home buying journey, marking the official start of the closing process.

After celebrating, our real work begins. Our administrative team will step in, coordinating with everyone involved—agents, the lender, the title company, the inspection team, and you—to keep you updated every step of the way. Of course, your agent is still walking alongside you as an advocate and guide along the way.

Your lender will likely ask for some additional documentation. Meanwhile, we’ll handle scheduling appointments, guiding you through the process, answering your questions, and providing the necessary paperwork.

You’ll also need to provide a binder deposit (also known as earnest money) to the title company. This deposit is usually 1% to 2% of the sales price and shows your commitment to the purchase. These funds are held in an escrow account for safekeeping until closing, when it will be applied toward your down payment or closing costs. 

Step 5: Attend Your Home Inspection

Next up is your home inspection. You can choose any inspector you like, or we can recommend trusted professionals to handle it for you. Most importantly, you can leave the scheduling up to us to take as much off of your plate as possible.

The home inspection itself usually takes 2-3 hours, and your agent and you will join for the last 30 minutes so the inspector can provide a thorough summary of the major findings. The inspector will also answer your questions and share useful tips, such as where to find the main water shutoff valve, electrical panel, GFCI information, and other important details that could prove crucial in an emergency.

Most importantly, the licensed inspector will evaluate the property’s condition, flag any potential issues, and provide a written report with details on all findings. After reviewing the inspection report, your agent and you will decide if you want to negotiate repairs with the seller and prepare any necessary addendums to present to begin the repair request process.

Step 6: Pay for the Appraisal, Obtain Insurance and Receive Final Mortgage Approval

The next big step in your home-buying journey is the appraisal process. Your lender will reach out to request payment for the appraisal, which usually costs between $550 and $750. The appraiser will visit the home to verify that no repairs are needed for lending purposes and to confirm that the home is worth the contract price.

During this time, you'll also need to choose a home insurance provider. You can go with any provider you like, but if you need recommendations, we’ve got some tried-and-true options for you.

Meanwhile, the mortgage company will ask for additional documents as they wrap up the underwriting process. Once everything’s in order, they’ll provide what's referred to as a "clear-to-close"—meaning congratulations! You have received final mortgage approval!

Step 7: Wire Final Amount Due, Attend Your Final Walkthrough and Head to Closing

Once you receive final mortgage approval, your lender will provide your final amount due to close, and the title company will provide wiring instructions so you can send the funds. It's important to wire your final funds due at least 24 hours prior to closing whenever possible.

Immediately prior to closing, your agent and you will head back to your soon-to-be home one last time to walk through and ensure the seller removed all items required, as well as to ensure it's in the same acceptable condition. This usually takes approximately 15-30 minutes.

Closing is usually held at the title company's office and takes approximately one hour. You'll need your driver's license for identification purposes, and as always, your agent will be there for moral support right beside you. You'll sign documents, and once complete, you will officially own the home!

Step 8: Move In and Beyond!

Unless otherwise agreed to, you'll receive keys to your new home at closing. You are free to move in as quickly as you wish! We can help to provide recommendations for movers, cleaners, handymen, and basically anything you need. We will continue to check on you, provide resources, send timely home maintenance checklists, provide special offers, and even invite you to complimentary customer appreciation events. We're here for you for life and not simply a transaction. Congratulations on your home purchase!