Buying a Home

Choose a mortgage lender that you will feel comfortable working with. You will need to gather documents and set up an appointment to discuss your qualifications for prepproval.

To prepare for this appointment, you should gather:

• Recent pay stubs
• W-2s or tax returns (typically 2 years worth)
• Bank statements
• Identification
• Employment verification
• Documentation of any additional income or assets

For self-employed buyers: lenders may request business tax returns, profit-and-loss statements, or additional financial documents.

A preapproval shows agents and sellers that you are qualified to make an offer on homes. This should be the first step in your home buying process.

Choosing the right real estate agent is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when buying or selling a home. Your agent will guide you through pricing, negotiations, inspections, paperwork, and most importantly-- one of the biggest financial decisions of your life. Unfortunately, not all agents offer the same level of service or communication—and the agent you choose can dramatically impact your success. Interviewing more than one agent to find the perfect fit is highly recommended. 

Touring a home you’re considering buying is exciting, but it’s also a chance to look closely at the features, condition, and layout to make sure it truly fits your needs. While it’s easy to get swept up in décor or staging, it's beneficial for buyers to focus on the things that matter most.

Start by paying attention to the overall condition of the home—look for signs of poorly done maintenance, water damage, cracks, or anything that may indicate underlying issues.

Pay attention to traffic, noise, nearby amenities, and the general upkeep of surrounding homes. Remember, you’re not just buying the house—you’re buying the location.

Finally, take a moment to get a feel for the home. Does it feel comfortable? Can you see yourself  living there? Do the amenities surrounding the home meet your needs?

Buying a home is both a practical and emotional decision, and the right home should satisfy both!

A thoughtful, observant walkthrough helps ensure you’re choosing a home that fits your lifestyle today and your plans for the future.

When you have decided on a home, you will craft an offer with your agent. Price is only part of the negotiation-- this is also the time to negotiate for any concessions you might want included in the contract. Additionally, you will declare the items you were expecting to stay with the home on its sale (ex: refrigerator or shed in yard) at this time. Your agent will guide you through this part. A strong offer is what will help you secure the home of your dreams.

Due diligence is the research and inspection period where a buyer evaluates the property’s condition, legal status, and overall suitability. It usually happens after an offer is accepted but before closing, and it gives buyers the opportunity to confirm that the home completely meets their expectations. This is the time when you will have your inspections and the bank will order an appraisal if you are buying the home with a loan. This period comes with additional negotiations, for you will have the opportunity to negotiate for the repair of items deemed unfit following the home inspection or appraisal.

Closing day is so exciting! This is the day when you will sign all of your final paperwork for the purchase of your home to be completed. Closing costs will be calculated by the lender when you get pre-approved for your loan. This will equal about 3-6% of the purchase price of your home. If any seller concessions were negotiated into the purchase agreement, they will manifest on your closing statement. These might include paying buyer agent fees or closing costs paid by seller.