STEP 1

Clarifying Your Goals and Establishing a Budget

Buying a home is an exciting milestone—and being well-prepared makes all the difference. The first step is getting clear on your “why.” Are you looking for a starter home, an upgrade, an investment property, or your forever place? From there, we’ll narrow in on the type of home that fits your lifestyle and needs.

Because buying and financing go hand in hand, it’s also important to take a close look at your financial picture. We'll explore what makes sense for your budget, factoring in not just the purchase price but also ongoing costs like taxes, insurance, and maintenance.

STEP 2

Getting Pre-Approved and Ready to Buy

You’ve got a budget in mind and a sense of what you can afford—now it’s time to find out how much a lender is willing to lend. The first step is getting pre-qualified. This involves a lender reviewing your financial situation, including your income, debts, and credit history, to determine how much they’re comfortable lending you.

We highly recommend getting pre-qualified before you begin seriously shopping for homes. Not only does it streamline the process, but it also shows sellers that you're a serious buyer with the financial backing to make a deal. This can give you a competitive edge in a crowded market, making sellers more likely to work with you.

STEP 3

Identifying Your Ideal Property

Now that you’re ready to start your home search, it’s time to get focused. The first step is narrowing down your ideal neighborhoods and creating a list of must-haves versus nice-to-haves. If you’re finding it challenging to pinpoint the right area, I can offer recommendations based on your preferences. Ultimately, the key to a successful home search is knowing exactly what you’re looking for.

To help you get started, here are some of my top tips to guide your home shopping:

1. Create Your Home & Neighborhood Wishlist
   List out your top priorities—from the number of bedrooms to location—and rank them from most important to least. This will help keep you focused as you search.

2. Choose Your Preferred Neighborhoods
   Consider factors like local schools, parks, future development plans, and safety when narrowing down 3-4 neighborhoods that align with your lifestyle.

3. Understand There’s No “Perfect” Time
   The right time to buy is when you find the right home. Don’t wait around trying to predict the market or interest rate shifts—if it’s the home for you, don’t let it slip away.

4. Limit Outside Opinions
   It’s natural to want advice, but too many opinions can make decision-making harder. Focus on the needs and preferences of those who will actually be living in the home.

5. Accept Imperfections
   Every home will have its pros and cons. A small yard might come with the ideal location, or a perfect kitchen might need some repairs elsewhere. Stay focused on what matters most to you and be ready to compromise on minor details.

6. Consider the Bigger Picture
   Don’t get so caught up in the house itself that you overlook things like noise levels, proximity to amenities, and neighborhood dynamics, all of which impact your day-to-day life.

7. Prepare in Advance
   Don’t wait until you find a home to get pre-approved for a mortgage, explore insurance options, or plan your move. Being prepared will make you a more attractive buyer and streamline the process.

8. Choose a Home You Love, Not Just an Investment
   While it’s important to think about future appreciation, choose a home because it feels right for you. A great home is first and foremost a place to live, not just an investment opportunity.

9. Be Ready to Act Quickly
   In competitive markets, homes can move fast. If you love a property, don’t hesitate—others may already be considering it, and waiting could cost you the opportunity.

10. Don’t Aim to Be a “Killer” Negotiator
    Negotiating is part of the process, but don’t risk losing the home you want by trying to drive down the price too aggressively. Especially in seller’s markets, being flexible can help you secure the deal.

11. Factor in Maintenance and Repairs
    Even new homes need upkeep. Be sure to include potential maintenance and repair costs in your budget to avoid future surprises.

12. Think Long-Term
    While it’s important to address your current needs, remember to think about future resale potential. Most first-time buyers stay in their homes for about 10 years—make sure it will continue to meet your needs down the road.

STEP 4

Submitting a Competitive Offer

Now that you’ve found the home you want to buy, it’s time to make your move. Depending on the seller, you may encounter an offer-review date or a more flexible approach where they’ll consider offers as they come in.

When you’re ready, I’ll guide you through determining the right offer price and deciding on which contingencies to include. Once your offer is submitted, the seller will review it with their agent and either accept, decline, or issue a counteroffer.

In competitive markets, counteroffers are common and often expected, so don’t be discouraged if that happens. If you find yourself in a counteroffer situation, I’ll be there to help you negotiate effectively and secure the best possible deal.

STEP 5

Navigating Financing and the Closing Process

Once you have a pending agreement on your new home, it’s time to work with your lender to finalize the details of your mortgage. This includes confirming your down payment, interest rate, payment schedule, and any other financial conditions related to the closing.

If you've already been pre-approved for a loan, this phase will be relatively smooth as it mainly involves finalizing the loan terms and signing the necessary mortgage paperwork. On average, the closing process takes between 30 to 45 days, depending on the specifics of your situation.

Buying a home is a big step, no matter how many times you’ve done it. Whether it’s your first home or your fourth, I’m here to ensure the process is as seamless and enjoyable as possible. The information above is meant to give you a clear understanding of the journey ahead and what you can expect as you search for your perfect home.