Buying a home is one of the most exciting milestones of your life. To prepare yourself for this moment, you need to know what to expect during the process. This step-by-step first time buyer’s guide created by your agent will help reduce the stress of buying a home and help you enjoy the journey as much as possible.
Do you already know where you want to buy? Do you want a condo, townhome, or single-family home? Which features do you like and dislike? We will start with a short, focused conversation about your must-haves, lifestyle, timing, and confidentiality preferences. From there, I translate your brief into a clear plan with milestones and communication rhythms you’ll love.
Notice I said to decide on your budget—not determine how much the mortgage company will give you. In many cases, a mortgage company will pre-approve you for more than you’re comfortable spending. Before talking to a lender, determine the monthly payment you feel comfortable with.
Homeownership includes more than just a mortgage - property taxes, insurance, HOA fees, maintenance and repairs all add up. Leave room for savings, emergencies, and lifestyle choices like travel or hobbies. Determine what feels sustainable for your lifestyle.
Before we tour, I help you align your budget and financial comfort level, then coordinate pre-approval or proof-of-funds to keep you competitive while protecting your privacy. Pre-qualification gives you a clear picture of what you can afford. It can save time by narrowing your search to properties within your reach and helps you move faster when you find the right home. You’ll know exactly what you can pursue—and how fast we can move when the right home appears.
Can you search, tour, and ultimately make an offer on a home without a real estate agent? Yes, but why not let an agent like me take much of the stress off your shoulders? I will guide your through every step of the process with confidence to find your dream home. Finding the perfect home can be a daunting task, this is where my expertise and wealth of knowledge come into play. I am committed to making the journey smooth, stress-free, and successful.
I present a short list of properties and coordinate showings around your calendar that match your brief—focusing on on-market and select off-market opportunities—paired with nuanced intel on schools, clubs, commute patterns, and micro-market trends, so decisions are informed and easy. You’ll see the best, not the most.
When it’s time to act, I structure an offer that aligns price, terms, and risk tolerance—leveraging comps, seller priorities, and timing to secure an advantage without overpaying. At this point, the house will go into escrow.
In most cases, your offer will be contingent on having the home inspected to ensure there is no major structural damage or large repairs needed. I manage inspections, insurance reviews, association docs, and title work. If issues surface, I renegotiate with solutions—credits, repairs, or revised terms—so you stay protected and in control.
Now is the time to go back to the mortgage lender who pre-approved or pre-qualified you and choose your mortgage. You will be presented with various options based on your unique financial situation, including fixed-rate, variable-rate, 15-year, 30-year, or special programs. Your lender finalizes the loan program that best suits your goals; I manage timing and appraisals, keeping all parties aligned to the closing date.
Your lender will have your new home appraised, so they have their independent value of it. The appraisal is to ensure that all parties involved are paying a fair price for the house.
I coordinate the final documents, walkthrough, and keys—then connect you with trusted pros for move-in, design, and ongoing care. When all documentation has been satisfied, you'll know you are the legal owner of your new home. My relationship with clients continues long after closing.
After signing the final paperwork to complete the purchase, you are now the owner of a new house. It may take a few days for your loan to be funded once the paperwork has been returned to the lender, but once that check is delivered to the seller, you’ll be all set to move into the home of your dreams.
If you're ready for a dedicated real estate partner who will champion your success, let's connect and discuss how I can help you begin your next chapter.
