What Are the Steps Buying a Home?

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions most people make in their lifetime — and while it might feel overwhelming, the process is much more manageable when you understand the key steps involved. Let’s break down the home buying journey in a simple, high-level guide so you know what to expect.

1️⃣ Start Your Home Search

The first step is to team up with a trusted REALTOR® who will help guide you through the process from start to finish.

Here’s what happens during this stage:

• Sign a Buyer Brokerage Agreement: This document makes it official that your agent is working on your behalf.
  
  
• Define Your Home Search: Talk through what you’re looking for — number of bedrooms, location, price range, style, and any must-haves.
  
  
• Tour Homes: Start viewing properties that fit your criteria.
  
  
• Get Pre-Approved with a Lender: Before making any offers, you’ll want to get pre-approved so you know exactly what you can afford.
  
  

2️⃣ Make an Offer on a Home

When you find the one, I’ll help you craft a smart, competitive offer. This includes the purchase price, earnest money deposit, closing date, and any contingencies you might need (like a home inspection). I’ll also help advise on strategy if we’re dealing with multiple offers or unique seller requests.

3️⃣ Offer Is Accepted

Congrats — your offer has been accepted! Now the real work begins.

Here’s what happens next:

• Schedule a Home Inspection: A professional inspector checks the property for any issues.
  
  
• Hire an Attorney: They’ll review contracts, handle legal documents, and represent your interests at closing.
  
  
• Work with Your Lender: Submit final financial documents so your lender can issue a formal loan commitment.
  
  

4️⃣ Lender Orders an Appraisal

The lender will hire an appraiser to confirm the home’s market value. This ensures the home is worth what you’re paying and protects the lender’s investment.

5️⃣ Finalize Lending Documents

Double-check everything — your lender will finalize your loan package, and you’ll review important documents like your Closing Disclosure.

6️⃣ Get Clear to Close

About three days before closing, you’ll get what’s called a Clear to Close. This means your lender has given the final thumbs-up and everything’s good to go. At this point, your closing time and date will be officially scheduled.

7️⃣ Closing Day

This is the best part! You’ll meet to sign all the paperwork, finalize the purchase, and officially become a homeowner. Once everything’s signed, you’ll get the keys to your new place!

Ready to Start Your Home Buying Journey?

If you're thinking about buying a home — whether it’s your first or your fifth — I’d be honored to help you through it. Shoot me a message, and let’s start the conversation!