Explore The City Girl's Guide to Loving Suburbia

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LEARN MORE ABOUT BUYING A HOME

Explore The Home Buying Process

Start your journey to homeownership with our step-by-step guide. we will advise you through each step, from assessing your buying power to the final walkthrough. our strategic approach will ensure you're equipped to make informed decisions for a successful and rewarding home purchase.

1

A Buyers Consultation

Our team takes a very proactive approach to finding the home you want. During our consultation we will discover your needs and wants in your next home, define your financial comfort zone, as well as discuss roles and expectations we would have for one another in a successful working relationship.

2

Get Pre-Approved

The first step to buying a home is to understand your buying power and establish a price range. A licensed lender can help evaluate your financial standing and provide a pre-approval. They will review your income and credit history to determine how much the bank will lend you, which will help you determine the price range for your search. Having a pre-approval letter in-hand can also increase the attractiveness of your offer, particularly when a seller has multiple offers to choose from. We can recommend trusted lenders to help.

3

The Home Search

Once you sign a Buyers Representation Agreement with your agent, you can start your search for the perfect home right here with up-to-date MLS listings in your favorite neighborhoods. We will set up a Collection based on your search criteria which will include COMPASS Private Exclusives. As your REALTOR® Team, we will also search for homes on your behalf. When you find a home that you like, we'll schedule a showing tour for you to preview the property in person.

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4

Making An Offer

When you're ready to move forward with a purchase, we will advise you on constructing the strongest offer possible. Then we will draw up the necessary paperwork on your behalf. There is a lot to consider when making an offer. We'll discuss the purchase price, the closing date, sale contingencies and any special stipulations for your particular purchase. Once an offer is submitted, the seller may accept, reject or counter the offer. If the seller returns a counter, we will enter a negotiation period until an agreement is reached, or the offer is rejected by either party.

5

Home Inspection

Inspecting the physical condition of your next home is a vital part of the home-buying process. A licensed home inspector will conduct a comprehensive evaluation and report any problems with the condition of the home's structure or systems. We can recommend inspectors and coordinate scheduling the inspections for home, septic, oil, well, etc. The inspector will also investigate potential issues such as pest infestations or mold. In some cases, additional inspections by specialists may be desirable, such as a structural or roof inspection. Depending on the purchase agreement, we may enter additional rounds of negotiation to resolve any problems discovered during the inspection process.

6

Going Under Contract

If your offer is accepted, the attorneys will bind the agreement. You will be required to make an earnest money deposit. Your attorney will order a title and municipality search to ensure that the home is transferable. The purchase will not be complete until closing, but the home cannot be sold to anyone else while the contract remains in effect. At this point you may be required to make an earnest money deposit, and you will also need to secure your mortgage loan, unless you are making a cash purchase. Lenders offer a wide range of loan programs, so it's important to work with a lender you trust to help you determine the best loan for your specific circumstances.

7

Home Appraisal

Your lender will arrange a professional appraisal of the home. An appraisal is an unbiased estimate of the fair market value of a home and is conducted by an independent third party. The appraiser will confirm the appraisal value of the property for all parties involved. If the home appraises at less than the expected value, you may have the option to renegotiate the purchase agreement or terminate the contract depending on contingencies.

8

The Final Walkthrough

Prior to closing, we will conduct a final walkthrough of the home to ensure that all negotiated repairs have been completed and that the home is in the same (or better) condition as when the original offer was made. This is the final opportunity to call out any new problems identified with the home before closing.

9

Closing

Time to celebrate! Your lender will provide a final closing disclosure that summarizes the loan terms, monthly payments, taxes, and other costs associated with the closing. They will also confirm that you are clear to close, and you will sign all of the paperwork required to complete your purchase and loan agreement. Once the paperwork is signed by all parties and your loan is funded, you will receive keys, and you'll be ready to move into your new home!

Register Your MLS Search Account

By registering an account, you'll gain access to special features that make the home search process easier and more convenient. This will help you stay up-to-date with the latest homes for sale in your preferred area.

Home Search

Access interactive search features with real-time MLS listings to help you find your new home. Save and rate your favorites!

Email Alerts

Save your searches and get email alerts with the latest listings that match your criterion sent direct to your inbox!

Market Analysis

Make smart decisions with local market reports. Subscribe today and access up-to-date housing market data!

Featured Listings

Browse our exclusive featured listings in your favorite area. Sort homes by price, location and more!

Moving Checklist

Make planning your move less stressful with our Moving Checklist, your essential guide to a successful move. From getting organized two months before moving day, to packing, updating personal records, and final home preparations, this complete guide is designed to keep your move on track and stress-free.