First Time Buyer? The steps to get you home.

If you are considering taking that first step towards owning your first home your probably thinking "Where do I start?".

Here are the basic steps to buying a home and if follow them you will be well prepared to handle whatever the buying process can throw at you.

1. Select your Real Estate Agent.
If you need help with this part you can give me a call!
Your agent will guide you throughout the process.

2. Get pre-approved!
With a pre-approval you will know how much you can afford, what your approximate payment will be and you will be able to purchase with confidence.
Without a pre-approval you will be shopping blind!

2. Determine where you would like to live.
Find the location or locations that work for you.

3. Preview listings.
Your agent will be able to email you listings. Pick out the ones you like and weed out the bad ones.

4. Visit the homes that you like.
Your agent will be able to show you the homes that you like. Rank the ones you like from 1 to 10.

5. Put an offer on a home (or two).
Now that you have seen a few homes and you think you found "the One", you and your agent will put an offer together and send it to the seller or listing agent.

6. Negotiate
Once the Seller has the offer they can accept it, reject it or counter.
This process can take a few days.
If an agreement is made you are in contract!

7. Escrow is Opened
Escrow is the time period needed to complete inspections, get a full loan approval and complete any other terms and condition stipulated by the contract. This process usally takes 30-45 days.

9. Become a homeowner!
Once all the contract terms and conditons have been executed, the loan has been funded and the title has been recorded- You are a homeowner!


If you have any questions about buying a home, finding a home or real estate in general, feel free to give me a call. I am here to help.

-Mark