Buying a house can be an exciting yet overwhelming journey. From navigating a competitive market to understanding complex paperwork and negotiations, the process can involve countless hours spread across 50 steps. 

Partnering with a full-service realtor alleviates this burden, allowing you to focus on finding your dream home. Their expertise streamlines the process, saving you valuable time, reducing stress, and ensuring a smooth transaction from start to finish.

Pre-approval and preparation

• Assess your financial readiness.
• Research mortgage options and get pre-approved.
• Define your needs and wants in a home 
• Set a realistic budget for purchase price, down payment, and closing costs.
• Choose a real estate agent who understands your needs.
• Gather necessary documents.
• Research different neighborhoods and school districts.
• Determine if you'll need a home inspection or other inspections.
• Research potential lenders and compare interest rates and fees.

• Pre-qualify for down payment assistance programs.

   

Home search and Offer Process

• Review new listings with your real estate agent.
• Schedule appointments to view homes that interest you.
• Take detailed notes and pictures during home tours.
• Discuss pros and cons of each property with your agent.
• Research property history and potential issues.
• Once you find a home you love, research recent sales in the area.
• Work with your agent to determine a competitive offer price.
• Draft an offer letter outlining your proposed purchase price and terms.
• Include contingencies in your offer.
• Negotiate the offer with the seller through your real estate agent.
• Address counteroffers and reach a mutually agreeable purchase agreement.
• Sign the purchase agreement and provide earnest money deposit.

 

Financing and underwriting 

• Officially apply for a mortgage with your chosen lender.
• Provide all requested documentation to the lender.
• Undergo a credit check and income verification by the lender.
• The lender orders an appraisal on the property to determine value.
• Negotiate with the lender on interest rates and closing costs.
• Provide additional documents requested by the lender during underwriting.
• Address any appraisal issues that may arise.
• Secure final loan approval from the lender.

 

Due diligence and inspections

• Schedule a home inspection with a qualified inspector.
• Attend the home inspection and ask questions about any identified issues.
• Review the home inspection report and determine necessary repairs.
• Negotiate with the seller to address any repairs identified in the inspection.
• Schedule additional inspections if necessary.
• Obtain homeowner's insurance quotes and choose coverage.
• Order a title search to ensure ownership is clear and free of liens.
• Review the title report and address any identified issues.
• Secure any required permits for renovations planned after purchase.
• Schedule a final walk-through of the property before closing.

 

Closing process

• Review the closing disclosure statement from your lender.
• Review final closing documents carefully with your agent or attorney.
• Sign all closing documents, including mortgage loan documents.
• Wire or transfer funds for down payment and closing costs.
• Purchase homeowner's insurance and provide proof of coverage.
• Obtain keys to your new home!
• Change your address with the post office and other utilities.
• Schedule home improvement projects or renovations.
• Set up utilities and trash service in your new home.
• Update your homeowner's insurance policy with details of your new home.

 

Post-Closing Tasks 

• Register your new home with the local government.
• Consider flood insurance if your property is in a flood zone.
• Schedule maintenance for your HVAC system and other appliances.
• Update your driver's license and registration with your new address.
• Explore homeowner association (HOA) rules and guidelines.
• Settle into your new home and personalize it to your taste!