Buyer's Guide

Buyer Timeline

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Step 1: Mortgage Pre-Approval

Unless you’re paying cash for your home, you’ll need to get a pre-approval letter for financing. This will help you determine the price range for your search.

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Step 2: Buyer Consultation

We’ll discuss what you are looking for in a home, review available inventory, and answer any questions about the home-buying process. We’ll also discuss your timeframe and home ownership goals.

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Step 3: Visit Properties

We will schedule private viewings to see homes that not only fit your criteria but also have great resale potential. I’ll also send you notifications every time a new home comes onto the market that fits your criteria.

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Step 4: Make an Offer

Once you have found "The One", we will put in an offer. The seller can accept, reject or make a counter offer, based on the price and terms. I will guide you through the negotiation process and if all terms are agreed upon by the buyer and seller, the offer will be signed by both parties. Once this happens, you will be officially under contract and the earnest money will be due along with the option fee.

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Step 5: Inspection

You will have an option period, typically 7 days to conduct an inspection after the offer is signed. If any serious issues are uncovered, you can negotiate seller repairs or credits.

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Step 6: Loan Application

If you are obtaining financing, your lender will ask you for a list of financial documents necessary for underwriting (
bank statements, tax records, pay stubs, etc).

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Step 7: Appraisal & Underwriting

Once your lender has all of your documents, they will send them to underwriting to review. As part of this process, your lender will order an appraisal on the home. If you are using financing, you will have a contingency period to obtain loan approval. When underwriting has issued a clear-to-close, your loan is complete and the file will be sent to the title company for closing.

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Step 8: Insurance/Utilities

Obtain hazard and flood insurance. Turn on utilities.

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Step 9: Final Walk-Through

Before we head to the closing table, we’ll have a final walk-through of your future home. This is our chance to make sure the sellers made any repairs agreed to, all appliances and fixtures negotiated were left behind, and that the home is in the same condition as when viewed.

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Step 10: Closing

You will wire the closing funds to the title company. At closing, the escrow officer will explain each form you need to sign and will review the amounts on the settlement statement. Closings typically take about an hour. When closing is complete, you’ll receive the keys to your new home!

Closing Costs

The following fees are typically included with the purchase of a home.

Paid at Closing

  • HOA assessments
  • HOA transfer fee
  • Survey
  • Property taxes
  • Homeowners Insurance
  • Flood Insurance
  • Prepaid interest
  • Loan origination fees
  • Lenders title insurance
  • Title and escrow charges
  • Miscellaneous fees

Paid Prior to Closing

  • Inspections
  • Appraisal
  • Credit Report

Work With Marie

She is passionate and knowledgeable about local real estate. If you are interested in working with someone that is professional, experienced, caring, and easy to work with, contact Marie today!
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