THE HOME BUYING PROCESS

01 —

GET PRE-APPROVED

The first step to buying a home is to understand your buying power and establish a price range. A licensed lender can help evaluate your financial standing and provide a pre-approval. They will review your income and credit history to determine how much the bank will lend you, which will help you determine the price range for your search.

Having a pre-approval letter in-hand can also increase the attractiveness of your offer, particularly when a seller has multiple offers to choose from.

02 — 

THE HOME SEARCH

You can start your search for the perfect home right here with up-to-date MLS listings in your favorite neighborhoods. Create your free account to save your favorite properties, request showings and more. As your REALTOR® Team, we will also search for homes on your behalf. When you find a home that you like, we'll schedule a showing tour for you to preview the property in person.

03 —

MAKING AN OFFER

When you're ready to move forward with a purchase, we will advise you on constructing the strongest offer possible. Then we will draw up the necessary paperwork on your behalf. There is a lot to consider when making an offer. We'll discuss the purchase price, the closing date, sale contingencies and any special stipulations for your particular purchase. Once an offer is submitted, the seller may accept, reject or counter the offer. If the seller returns a counter, we will enter a negotiation period until an agreement is reached, or the offer is rejected by either party.

04 —

GOING UNDER CONTRACT

If your offer is accepted, we will bind the agreement, and you will be officially under contract. The purchase will not be complete until closing, but the home cannot be sold to anyone else while the contract remains in effect. At this point you may be required to make an earnest money deposit, and you will also need to secure your mortgage loan, unless you are making a cash purchase. Lenders offer a wide range of loan programs, so it's important to work with a lender you trust to help you determine the best loan for your specific circumstances.

05 —

HOME INSPECTION

Inspecting the physical condition of your next home is a vital part of the home-buying process. A licensed home inspector will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the entire property and report any problems with the condition of the home's structure or systems. The inspector will also investigate potential issues such as pest infestations or mold. In some cases, additional inspections by specialists may be desirable, such as a structural or roof inspection. Depending on the purchase agreement, we may enter additional rounds of negotiation to resolve any problems discovered during the inspection process.

06 —

HOME APPRAISAL

Your lender will arrange a professional appraisal of the home. An appraisal is an unbiased estimate of the true (or fair market) value of a home and is conducted by an independent third party. The appraiser will confirm the appraisal value of the property for all parties involved. If the home appraises at less than the expected value, you may have the option to renegotiate the purchase agreement or terminate the contract.

07 —

THE FINAL WALKTHROUGH

Prior to closing, we will conduct a final walkthrough of the home to ensure that all negotiated repairs have been completed, and that the home is in the same (or better) condition as when the original offer was made. This is the final opportunity to call out any problems identified with the home before closing. Depending on the purchase agreement, you may sign a formal contract addendum confirming that the walkthrough is complete, and the condition of the home is acceptable.

08 —

CLOSING!

Time to celebrate! Your lender will provide a final closing disclosure that summarizes the loan terms, monthly payments, taxes, and other costs associated with the closing. They will also confirm that you are clear to close, and you will sign all of the paperwork required to complete your purchase and loan agreement. Once the paperwork is signed by all parties and your loan is funded, you will receive keys, and you'll be ready to move into your new home!

Register Your MLS Search Account

By registering an account, you'll gain access to special features that make the home search process easier and more convenient. This will help you stay up-to-date with the latest homes for sale in your preferred area.

Home Search

Access interactive search features with real-time MLS listings to help you find your new home. Save and rate your favorites!

Email Drips

Save your searches and get email alerts with the latest listings that match your criterion sent direct to your inbox!

Market Analysis

Make smart decisions with local market reports. Subscribe today and access up-to-date housing market data!

Featured Listings

Browse our exclusive featured listings in your favorite area. Sort homes by price, location and more!

Moving Checklist

Make planning your move effortless with our Moving Checklist, your essential guide to a successful move. From getting organized two months before moving day, to packing, updating personal records, and final home preparations, this complete guide is designed to keep your move on track and stress-free.

  • Start A File: Create a moving file to keep track of vendor quotes, receipts and other records associated with your move.
  • Create A Budget: Evaluate your resources and establish a realistic budget for making your move.
  • Request Estimates: Contact reputable moving companies or compare truck rental quotes.
  • Get Some Help: Select and reserve your moving company.
  • Gear Up: Order boxes, tape, bubble wrap, labels and markers.
  • Sort & Purge: Organize closets, garage and storage areas.
  • Out With The Old: Donate or sell unwanted items.
  • Update School Records: Arrange transfer of records if needed.
  • Change Your Address: Submit your address change.
  • Put Out The Word: Notify banks, insurance providers and service companies.
  • Box It Up: Begin packing items you won't need immediately.
  • Label Your Life: Clearly label every box.
  • Disconnect: Schedule utility disconnections and new connections.
  • Discontinue: Cancel subscriptions and recurring services.
  • Take A Day: Notify your employer of your moving schedule.
  • Take Out The Laundry: Empty furniture and storage spaces.
  • The Survival Kit: Pack essentials you'll need right away.
  • Final Scrub: Complete a final cleaning of the home.
  • Book A Sitter: Arrange care for children and pets.
  • Double-check The Details: Confirm moving-day logistics.
  • Emergency Cash: Keep some cash available for unexpected expenses.
  • Rest Up: Get a good night's sleep.
  • Say Bye: Take time to say goodbye to neighbors and friends.
  • Final Walk Through: Check every room, turn off utilities and secure the property.
  • Take Inventory: Verify all belongings are accounted for before movers leave.