Home > Buyer Guide
Your Roadmap to Buying a Home
A clear process helps you make better decisions and keeps the transaction from feeling overwhelming.
1. Start With the Big Picture
Before searching listings, decide what you are really trying to accomplish. Consider location, lifestyle, timing, budget, must-have features and the items you are willing to compromise on. The clearer the priorities, the more productive the search.
2. Prepare the Financing
If you are financing the purchase, a strong pre-approval should come before serious shopping. If you are paying cash, be prepared to provide proof of funds when making an offer. Knowing the financial parameters early prevents wasted time and gives you a stronger position when the right property appears.
2. Prepare the Financing
If you are financing the purchase, a strong pre-approval should come before serious shopping. If you are paying cash, be prepared to provide proof of funds when making an offer. Knowing the financial parameters early prevents wasted time and gives you a stronger position when the right property appears.
3. Search Strategically
Online searches are useful, but they can also become overwhelming. We help narrow the inventory, identify meaningful new listings and compare properties based on value—not simply on photos or list price.
4. Write the Offer
An offer includes much more than price. Escrow deposit, financing, inspection period, appraisal terms, closing date, seller concessions and other contingencies all affect the strength and risk of the contract. We structure the offer around the specific property and the current market.
4. Write the Offer
An offer includes much more than price. Escrow deposit, financing, inspection period, appraisal terms, closing date, seller concessions and other contingencies all affect the strength and risk of the contract. We structure the offer around the specific property and the current market.
5. Complete Due Diligence
Once under contract, the inspection period is your opportunity to learn more about the property. Depending on the home and location, that may include general inspection, four-point or wind mitigation reports, septic, well, WDO, surveys or specialty evaluations.
6. Appraisal, Title and Underwriting
If there is a loan, the lender will work through underwriting and appraisal. At the same time, the title process confirms ownership, identifies liens or title issues and prepares the file for closing.
6. Appraisal, Title and Underwriting
If there is a loan, the lender will work through underwriting and appraisal. At the same time, the title process confirms ownership, identifies liens or title issues and prepares the file for closing.
7. Final Walkthrough and Closing
The final walkthrough is the last opportunity to confirm that the property is in the expected condition before closing. After documents are signed and funds are properly received, ownership transfers and the keys are yours.
Want Help From the Beginning?
A short buyer consultation can save a tremendous amount of time later.
