Step 1:  Find a Realtor 

• If you made it to this site consider this step COMPLETE!​

Step 2:  Get pre-approved for a mortgage

• ​Whether you are already working with a lender you trust or you need me to recommend one, getting a pre-approval is an important step in the home buying process.  It is a good idea to determine a payment amount you feel comfortable with prior to speaking with a lender and stick to it. 

Step 3:  Find the home of your dreams

• Every buyer has a unique set of wants and needs in their property search but the one thing that never changes is my commitment to the process.  Whether it takes two showings or two hundred we will work together to find the property that is right for you. 

Step 4:  Make an offer - negotiate 

• Now that we found the property that is right for you it is time to make an offer.  We can negotiate things like purchase price, buyers' closing cost, closing date, possession date, contract contingencies, home warranty, etc. 

Step 5:  Get into contract

• Once we have a fully executed contract I will submit all needed documents to the lender that you have chosen.  Your lender will begin collecting financial documents from you.  It is important to get the documents to your lender quickly to stay on schedule.

Step 6:  Schedule the home inspection

• Most contracts will be contingent on inspections.  This gives the buyer an opportunity to have the property evaluated by professionals.  Buying a home is a major purchase and I always recommend having an inspection.  I have a list of quality home inspectors that can complete any inspection needed. 

Step 7:  Pick a real estate attorney

• Even though real estate agents deal with purchase contracts daily they are not legal professionals.  It is advised that you have a real estate attorney to evaluate all binding agreements and aspects of any transaction.​

Step 8:  Drop off your earnest money check

• Most sellers will want buyers to offer earnest money as part of the contract.  The amount of earnest money is negotiable and typically ranges from $500 - $5,000 based on the purchase price of the property.  Here is a good article that explains what earnest money is and why it is important.

Step 9:  Give notice to your landlord (only applies to tenants who are currently renting)

Step 10:  Don’t spend extra money

• It is imperative that throughout ​the purchase process you do not make any large purchases, open new lines of credit, or make changes that could impact your credit score as this could negatively affect your ability to obtain your home loan.

Step 11:  Schedule the closing on your calendar

Step 12:  Attend the home inspection

• Although inspectors will give you a detailed report of their findings it can be beneficial to attend the home inspection.​  This gives you a chance to ask the home inspector questions about the property or have them take a deeper look into any specific concerns you may have.  This is also probably the last time you will have access to the property before our final walkthrough so it is a good time to take any additional notes or measurements you may need to start planning decorations and room layouts. ​

Step 13:  Read home inspection and negotiate request to remedy

• After the inspections, we will go over all reports and determine what we would like to ask sellers for in our Request to Remedy.  ​Keep in mind this is not the time to nitpick things like paint color, small stains in floors, a dent in the refrigerator, or other cosmetics but rather a time to make sure the home is safe and all major components are in good working order.  Unless the home is new construction it is reasonable that there will be minor issues.  This is also why new construction comes at a premium price.

Step 14:  Review the HOA documents (If applicable)

• If the property has an HOA it is always a good idea ​to read through a copy of their rules and regulations.  This will give you an opportunity to see if the community has limitations on fences, playsets, boat / RV parking, landscaping, etc.

Step 15:  Set up homeowners insurance

• ​Homeowners ​insurance is an important part of your new home.  Not all insurance is created equal.  Do your due diligence by getting multiple quotes and comparing policies.  

Step 16:  The appraisal

• Your lender will schedule an appraisal of the property to confirm the value of the home is in line with the purchase price.  Buyers will not be present at the time of the appraisal but you will receive a report detailing the findings.  If for some reason the property does not appraise for the purchase price we can renegotiate the said price, the buyer can make up the difference with cash at closing, or you can walk away from the purchase. 

Step 18:  Hire movers and start packing

• It is never too early to start packing.  Doing a little each day will save you from a last-minute frenzy.  If you are considering hiring movers it is also better to schedule them early.  Especially if it is in the busy summer months as they book up fast.  As with most things get multiple quotes and choose the company you feel most comfortable with.  The cheapest option is not always the best option when it comes to moving all your possessions.

Step 19:  Set up utilities for new residence and schedule shut off for old residence

• To ensure a smooth transition buyers/sellers should ​call all utility companies and set up new service/cancel old service at least one to two weeks prior to closing.  Schedule the transition date for utilities as of the date of possession.  Failure to set up utilities could result in utilities being turned off which could cause headaches and increased cost to reconnect. 

Step 20:  Clear to close

• After finalizing your loan the lender will give us the "clear to close".​  The only thing left to do is wait for the title company to finish closing documents and prepare for our closing date.

Step 21:  Attend the final walkthrough

• Typically within 48-72 hours of closing, we will do a final walkthrough​.  This gives us an opportunity to make sure the property is in the same condition it was prior and that sellers completed any repairs outlined in the agreed-upon request to remedy.

Step 22:  Prepare down payment/closing costs

• Prior to closing, we will receive a Settlement Statement which outlines all costs associated with the transaction for both the buyer and seller.​  It will also state how much money the buyer must bring to close the transaction.  Typically funds under $1,000 can be paid with personal check, $1,001 - $10,000 paid with a certified bank check, and all funds over $10,000 must be wired to the title company for closing.

Step 23:  Attend closing

• Closings are held at the title company that the seller chooses.  Closings are ​generally held at the top of every hour and scheduled from 9 am - 4 pm. If buyers are married or buying the property jointly both buyers will need to be present at closing. All parties involved in the transaction will need to bring a valid picture ID to closing.​

Step 24:  After Closing

• Just because the transaction is closed does not mean I am done working for you.  I will continue to be available 24/7 for any issues or concerns that may arise throughout your transition. ​