Welcome to the thrilling and epic journey of homeownership! Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned investor, the process of purchasing a home can be both exhilarating and complex. In this guide, we’ve distilled the home-buying process into 12 easy steps to help you navigate the real estate market with confidence. From defining your priorities to unlocking the door to your dream home, let’s embark on this exciting adventure together. Be Epic.

Step 1: Decide to buy a home.

In this first step of our homebuying guide, we’ll explore the essential aspects of making the decision to buy a house and setting the foundation for your path to homeownership.  Consider factors such as your stability in terms of career, personal life, and financial situation. Are you ready for the responsibilities of homeownership, including maintenance and potential unexpected expenses?

Step 2: Develop criteria and budget.

This is such an important step as it sets in motion all of the steps to follow.  First and foremost – budget.  Whether paying cash or seeking a mortgage, setting a realistic budget needs to be done upfront.  If you need a mortgage, now is this time to go talk to a lender about your financial situation and loan options.  Get your pre-approval which becomes your ticket to opening up working with your real estate agent because now you become a qualified buyer.    For criteria – LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION.  You can change many things about a home, but you cannot change the location.  Also, for criteria, what do you need and what do you WANT?  We all have must-have’s and nice-to-have’s.  Know the difference.

Step 3: Research Online.

Use my website to get an idea of what is available in the location’s you like.  This will be helpful when we start to work together because it will help you to narrow down your like’s and dislike’s.

Step 4: Select an agent.

Well, this should be easy.  You are here already.  Just click on my Contact information and we can setup a meeting or give me a call.  In all seriousness, why do you want to work with a licensed agent?  Licensed real estate agents possess in-depth knowledge of the local real estate market. They can provide valuable insights into neighborhoods, property values, and market trends, helping you make informed decisions.  Buying or selling a home involves complex processes, paperwork, and legalities. A licensed real estate agent is trained to navigate these intricacies, ensuring that all transactions adhere to local and state regulations. Real estate agents have access to the MLS, a comprehensive database of available properties. This gives them real-time information on homes for sale, enabling them to match your criteria with suitable listings efficiently.

Step 5: Choose a lender.

Wait, didn’t we already talk to a lender and get a pre-approval.  Why, yes you did!  But, it always a good idea to shop around.  Things change, your area might change.  You might find a lender with a better rate and terms.

Step 6:  Select a loan.

There are a lot of loan products available to you along with programs for first time buyers, USDA, veterans, etc.  Your lender and loan officer will guide you through the options that are best for you.

Step 7: Visit homes.

Let the games begin!  That is right, we are going to see properties.  This is the really fun part but can also be frustrating, especially in today’s market.  Don’t worry though, because I am here to support and navigate.  In today’s market, many homeowners want to know that verified buyer’s are looking at their home.  In some cases, I will need to share your pre-approval to schedule a showing.  Rarely does anyone buy the first home they tour, or even the 10th home.  We will scour the market, kiss a few frogs to find the best place for you to call home.

Step 8: Make an offer.

We found the diamond in the rough.  The right location.  The right amenities.  It’s time to write that offer up.  This is where working with an agent like me is critical.  We will look at the market, identify the pricing that is reasonable and appropriate and propose the deal that protects and benefits you!  Here is where having your pre-approval from the lender is also critical.  In multiple bid situations, your pre-approval helps you to stand out from others that do not have their own letters.

Step 9: Negotiate.

Oh yes, we may have to get into reviewing counter offers from the sellers.  Not to worry.  Working with me, I have a few certifications, such as Accredited Buyers Representative (ABR) and Real Estate Negotiations Expert (RENE) which demonstrate my skills with navigating the counter offer.

Step 10: Get the home inspected.

It does not matter if you are buying that brand new smell or the old farmhouse.  Get that home inspected.  Even if you are not going to require the seller to make any repairs, getting the inspection helps you to KNOW what you are getting into.  In cases where we are going to ask the seller for repairs, working with an agent like me will assist you in focusing on those critical repairs identified by the inspection and writing up and negotiating the repairs.

Step 11: Get the home appraised.

While I can talk to you about market pricing, I am not an appraiser.  Getting a professional appraisal will make sure that market value and appraised value are in sync.  If you are getting a mortgage, your lender will require an appraisal – after all the bank wants to make sure that they can recoup their costs if needed.

Step 12: Close.

That’s right – it is time to close.  Whether paying cash or getting a mortgage, here is where you exchange money for keys and move from home buyer to homeowner.