If you’re starting to think about buying a home, first off… congrats! That’s a big step, and whether you’re seriously ready or just exploring, I’m here to walk you through what the process actually looks like.
I work with buyers all the time who tell me, “We’re thinking about it but don’t know where to start.” So I put together this quick breakdown of what happens next and what it looks like to have me by your side throughout it all.
🔍 Step 1: Get Pre-Approved (But Stay in Your Comfort Zone)
Before we start looking at homes, we need to know what budget makes sense for you. Not just what a lender says you can afford, but what feels good month to month.
I’ll connect you with a great lender (or work with yours) who can walk you through financing options like conventional, FHA, or even physician loans.
They’ll help you understand your numbers, and you get to decide what you're comfortable spending.
📲 Step 2: Set Up a Personalized MLS Search
I’ll ask you and your partner (if applicable) some questions to learn what’s important to you. Things like location, square footage, school zones, commute time, or even whether you need space for your dog or a home office.
Then I’ll set you up on a search that sends you real-time listings straight from the MLS. Not delayed or outdated like on Zillow or Realtor.com. You’ll even be able to favorite homes, which helps me get a feel for your style.
🏡 Step 3: Tour Homes That Actually Fit
Once we see something that checks enough boxes, we’ll go take a look. I’ll always gather important info before we step inside. Things like the age of the roof, AC, water heater, and what the seller has disclosed. So we’re never walking in blind.
This isn’t just about falling in love with photos. It’s about making smart decisions from the start.
💬 Step 4: Make an Offer (With Guidance Every Step)
Once you’re ready to move forward on a home, I’ll walk you through comps, pricing strategy, offer terms, and negotiations. Whether it’s a competitive situation or not, I’ll help you position your offer in a way that protects you and gives you the best shot at winning.
📄 Step 5: Under Contract, Inspections, and Closing
Once your offer is accepted, we’ll go into contract and begin the next phase: inspections, appraisal, title, insurance, and preparing for closing. I’ll coordinate with your lender and the title company to keep everything moving on track and on time.
💸 What Does It Cost You to Have Me by Your Side?
Great question. When I represent buyers, my goal is always to negotiate for the seller to pay for my commission so you’re not coming out of pocket for my services. It’ll be clearly outlined in the Buyer Broker Agreement I share with you, and I’ll go over everything so you know exactly what to expect.
You're never locked in unless we all agree it's a good fit, and I’ll always be upfront about what I can and can’t do for you.
🤝 A Final Note
You don’t have to be “ready” to reach out. I’m happy to be a resource even if you’re just in the early thinking stage. Whether you end up buying, renting, or waiting, I’m here to help you navigate the journey with clarity and zero pressure.
Whenever you're ready, I’ll be here.