As you prepare to buy a home, we have prepared a simplified step-by-step guide on how the home buying process works. You can refer to this throughout your home buying journey to guide you each step of the way, from now to closing day.
Before doing anything else, get your finances in order to make sure that you can buy a home at this time. Meet with a lender to get pre-approved, prepare your credit score, and set a budget. Connect with a trusted lender from our list of Preferred Vendors to get started!
Meet with a real estate agent and discuss your budget, areas and neighborhoods, your schedule to view homes, your timeframe to purchase, and your wants and needs. Meet our knowledgeable real estate agents!
Your real estate agent will scan the market regularly for suitable listings, and you can also search for properties online. Tour your homes of interest and adjust criteria if necessary. Let us help you find the home you are looking for with our custom Home Search tool.
Once you find a home you’d like to purchase, you and your agent will work together to prepare the best offer based on current local market trends. Negotiations may occur during this step of the process.
All negotiations for the purchase and sale of the property are finalized. The offer is signed by both parties and you give the agreed deposit amount as a sign of good faith.
Schedule the home inspection and negotiate any repair requests and issues found. Meanwhile, your lender will order an appraisal to ensure the property is worth the loan and purchase price.
Finalize your loan and review documents to make sure everything is in order before closing. The day before closing, you will perform a final walk-through with your agent.
You will sign closing documents. The transfer of funds to the seller and the transfer of ownership to you will occur. You will receive the keys to your new home and get to celebrate buying a new home!
