Buying a home?

You don't have to do it alone. Let a Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate affiliated agent lend a hand. They have the tools, information, and expertise you can lean on to help you find a home that’s right for you.

Whether you are looking for your first home or if you’re an experienced buyer, our affiliated agents are ready to bring their local knowledge and dedication to guide you through the home buying process.

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Step by Step Guide to Buying a Home

Determine Your Budget

Assess Your Finances: Review your savings, income, and expenses to determine how much you can afford.
Check Your Credit Score: A good credit score will help you secure a better mortgage rate.
Use a Mortgage Calculator: Estimate your monthly payments and how much house you can afford.

Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage

Research Lenders: Compare mortgage lenders to find the best rates and terms.
Submit Application: Provide financial documents such as tax returns, pay stubs, and bank statements.
Receive Pre-Approval: Obtain a pre-approval letter indicating how much you can borrow.

Choose a Real Estate Agent

Find a Trusted Agent: Look for an experienced agent with a good track record.
Interview Agents: Ask about their experience, knowledge of the local market, and communication style.
Sign a Buyer’s Agreement: Formally agree to work with your chosen agent.

Start House Hunting

Create a Wish List: List your must-haves and nice-to-haves for your new home.
Search Listings: Use online tools, your agent’s resources, and neighborhood visits to find potential homes.
Attend Open Houses: Visit open houses to get a feel for different properties.

Make an Offer

Evaluate Properties: Narrow down your choices and decide on a property.
Consult Your Agent: Discuss a fair offer price based on market analysis.
Submit Offer: Your agent will submit a written offer to the seller.

Negotiate and Finalize Offer

Negotiate Terms: Be prepared for counteroffers and negotiate terms such as price, closing date, and contingencies.
Sign the Contract: Once both parties agree, sign the purchase agreement.

Secure Financing

Choose a Mortgage: Select the mortgage that best fits your financial situation.
Submit Final Documents: Provide any additional documentation required by the lender.
Receive Loan Approval: Obtain final approval from your lender.

Closing Process

Review Closing Disclosure: Review the final terms and costs in the Closing Disclosure form.
Conduct a Final Walkthrough: Inspect the property to ensure it’s in the agreed-upon condition.
Sign Closing Documents: Sign all necessary paperwork to finalize the purchase.

Move In

Get the Keys: Once the transaction is complete, you’ll receive the keys to your new home.
Move In: Arrange for movers, transfer utilities, and start settling into your new home.
Celebrate: Enjoy your new home and celebrate this significant milestone!

How I Can Help You Buy a Home

Happy Couple Whether it’s your first home or if you’re an experienced buyer, purchasing a home is a complex process. By working with me, you’ll find a home in the neighborhood where you want to live, one that fits your budget and meets your goals for features, quality and value. Once you’ve found the home that’s right for you, I will guide you through the process of making an offer; negotiating the terms of the sale; getting your potential purchase inspected, repaired and appraised; and closing the sale.

When you work with me, you will:

Be more likely to find the home that meets all your criteria.
Lessen the amount of time it will take to find your home.
Understand all the terms, processes and documents used when buying your home.
Have up-to-date market information that will allow you to make informed decisions.
Have a skilled negotiator working on your behalf, one who is committed to looking after your best interests.
Enjoy peace of mind, knowing that all the details of your purchase are being taken care of by an experienced and knowledgeable professional.

Find an agent

Ready to go? Start browsing through our exclusive listings, read up on our buying tips, or connect with us to get in touch with your local real estate office.