let's buy
a house
Buying a home is exciting but can also feel overwhelming.
Follow this step-by-step guide to make your journey from pre-approval to closing smooth, and even fun!
step #1
Get Preapproved For A Mortgage
Why is this important?
Pre-approval gives you the green light to start house-hunting seriously. Plus, it shows sellers you’re not just
dreaming. You’re ready to make a deal!
How do you do it?
Start by contacting a lender (your bank or a mortgage broker). They’ll ask for your financial details: income, savings, debt etc. Once approved, you’ll get a pre-approval letter, which tells you how much you can afford. Think of it as your VIP pass to the housing market!
Pro Tip:
Shop around for lenders! Even a slightly lower interest rate can save you thousands over the life of your loan.
step #2
Define Your Budget & Needs
Let’s get real:
What can you actually afford? Look beyond the sticker price of a house and think about down payment (typically
3%-20% of the home price), closing costs (about 2%-5%), and what your monthly payment will be (mortgage +
taxes + insurance).
Now the fun part:
Write down your must-haves and your “nice-to-haves.” Are you dreaming of a big backyard for summer BBQs, or
is a fancy kitchen with an island more your vibe? This is where you get to imagine your perfect home!
Pro Tip:
Be realistic, but don’t be afraid to dream a little! Focus on things that can’t change, like location and size, over
things that can, like décor.
step #3
Hire a Real Estate Agent
Why you need an agent:
Sure, you could look at homes online, but a great real estate agent knows the market inside and out and can give
you access to homes you might not find on your own. Plus, they’ll help you handle the paperwork, negotiate with
sellers, and guide you every step of the way.
How to choose one:
Look for someone who knows your local market and understands your goals. They should be a good communicator and make the process enjoyable.
Pro Tip:
Ask friends or family for agent recommendations. It’s like hiring a wingman for one of the biggest decisions of your life.
step #4
Start House Hunting
Here’s where the adventure begins:
With your agent’s help, start browsing online listings, attend open houses, and book private showings. Keep an
open mind, but stick to your must-haves.
Pro Tip:
Don’t just think about the house, think about the neighborhood! Walk around, talk to neighbors, visit nearby
shops, and imagine your life there.
step #5
Make An Offer
Exciting times:
You found the one! Now it’s time to make it official. Your offer will include the price you're willing to pay, contingencies (like an inspection or appraisal), and your desired closing date.
Negotiation 101:
The seller might counteroffer, asking for more money or a quicker closing. Don’t stress, this is normal! Work with
your agent to navigate the back-and-forth.
Pro Tip:
Include a personal note to the seller! It might give you a slight edge if they feel a connection to your story.
step #6
Conduct a Home Inspection
Inspector Gadget time:
Hire a certified home inspector to check for hidden issues. They’ll review everything from the foundation to the
roof, making sure there are no major surprises.
What to expect:
You’ll get a detailed report with any potential issues. If repairs are needed, your agent can help negotiate with the
seller to fix them or offer credits.
Pro Tip:
Attend the inspection if possible! You’ll learn a lot about the house and get a better understanding of any problems.
step #7
Finalize Your Mortgage
It’s time to seal the deal:
Once your offer is accepted, contact your lender to lock in your interest rate and finalize the mortgage. You’ll
need to provide updated financial documents, so keep everything organized.
Pro Tip:
Don’t make any big financial changes before closing! No new credit cards or car loans. This could jeopardize
your mortgage approval.
step #8
Appraisal + Underwriting
What’s an appraisal?
It’s the lender’s way of making sure the house is worth the amount they’re lending you. A third-party appraiser will
visit the home and determine its value based on the market and comparable properties.
Underwriting:
This is where the lender takes a deep dive into your finances to make sure you’re a good risk. It’s a waiting
game, but stay calm, your lender will let you know if they need more info.
Pro Tip:
If the appraisal comes in low, don’t panic! You can negotiate with the seller or come up with a creative solution
with your lender.
step #9
Perform a Final Walk-through
Last chance to check things out:
On the day of, or one day before the closing, you’ll do a final walk-through of the home. This is to make sure everything is in order, including any agreed-upon repairs and that the home is still in the same condition as when
you made your offer.
What to look for:
Double-check all appliances, faucets, windows, and doors. Make sure any items the seller agreed to leave are
still there.
Pro Tip:
Take your time and bring a checklist! This is your home-to-be, so be thorough.
step #10
Closing Day
You made it!
Closing day is when all your hard work pays off. You’ll meet with your attorney to sign the final documents.
What to bring:
A valid ID and a cashier’s check or wire transfer for your down payment and closing costs. The attorney will guide you through signing paperwork. There’s a lot, but it’s worth it!
The best part:
Once everything is signed and your lender funds the loan, you’ll get the keys. You’re officially a homeowner.
Congrats!
Pro Tip:
Celebrate! Take some photos with your new keys, pop a bottle of champagne, and enjoy your new home. And of
course share with the world what an awesome realtor you got to work with 
.
With these steps, you’ll go from dreaming of a home to making it a reality, stress-free and fun!
Enjoy your homebuying journey!
Ready to work with us?
Ring or text us at 860.406.4060
Past Clients
Why They Love Us
