Purchasing a home is a significant milestone, and clearly understanding what to expect can make the process smoother and more enjoyable. With a keen eye for potential future resale value, we’ll help you make informed decisions that meet your current lifestyle and serve as a wise investment. We’re here to advise, advocate, and provide you with the tools and insights needed to make a confident decision. Together, we’ll find a home that suits your present needs and positions you for future success in the ever-changing real estate market. Whitney’s experience in extensive renovations and design positions her to guide you through the possibilities of transforming a space to match your vision and ensuring your new home becomes everything you imagine.
1. Pre-Qualification and Planning
We’ll introduce you to our preferred lending partners, who can help you determine your buying price range. The lender will review your finances and tell you what you can borrow to purchase a home. Understanding the monthly payment that fits your household budget, including potential new expenses like utilities, garbage, water, or HOA fees, is important. Being clear about your financial comfort zone will help guide your home search.
2. Buyer Consultation
Once you’re ready, we’ll schedule a meeting to discuss the overall home-buying process, your timeline, and general home criteria. We’ll lead and support you every step of the way, and you’ll receive a copy of our exclusive buyer’s guide for quick reference throughout our time together.
3. Home Search and Showings
Once we understand your timeline and needs, we’ll set up a customized MLS search that alerts us when a potential property hits the market. We’ll also send you “coming soon” homes and any potential off-market or pocket listings that fit your criteria. This personalized approach will help you focus on the homes that truly match your needs, reducing the stress of the search process. We’ll schedule viewings of the homes you’ve loved from our listing alerts and properties that are coming soon, ensuring you have a clear and manageable path to finding your dream home.
4. Offer and Acceptance
When you’re ready to make an offer, we’ll research the property and craft a competitive offer based on comparable homes in the area. Depending on the market, your offer could be below, at, or above the asking price. The house will officially be “under contract” once all parties have signed and the seller receives the due diligence fee and/or earnest money deposit. You will now begin the loan process with your lender.
5. Inspection and Appraisal
Once the contract is executed, the due diligence period begins. This period generally lasts 2-4 weeks; it is your time to review the property to ensure no significant issues are found. If any major problems are found, you can renegotiate your offer during this period. Your lender will order an appraisal to guarantee the property’s price matches its condition and reflects the home’s true market value. This thorough process is designed to give you complete peace of mind about your investment.
6. Closing
The closing attorney completes the title search and works closely with your lender to finalize the necessary paperwork to legally transfer ownership. All parties will have the opportunity to review the settlement statement before closing. Once the final paperwork is signed and the deed has been recorded with the county, you are the new owner! This exciting moment marks the end of your homebuying journey and the beginning of a new chapter in your life.