Buy
The Benefits of Working with an Agent
Market Analysis
Expert market analysts are at your disposal, each equipped with the resources needed to ensure an accurate outlook of the current market.
Negotiate
Negotiating your purchase is critical. That is why your agent is trained to handle the nuances of a real estate transaction in accordance with your wants and needs.
Coordination
Each and every detail of your purchase is coordinated by your agent, guaranteeing all that is needed to execute the perfect transaction.
Documentation Oversight
Real estate transactions are filled with copious amounts of paperwork. Your real estate agent will work diligently to procure and administer the proper paperwork to carry out a seamless transaction.
Representation
From start to finish, an agent of your choice will represent your best interests to help you succeed in every aspect of making a purchase.
Support
We provide our agents with the best resources in the industry. This includes mortgage brokers, escrow and title companies, and home inspectors to carry out a safe and expeditious sale.
The Buying Process
1
Getting Your Finances In Order
When you’re preparing to purchase a home, lenders will look at your overall financial readiness, including your credit score and history, steady income (typically two years of documented earnings), available down payment funds, and your debt-to-income ratio. Most lenders prefer a DTI of 43% or less, meaning your monthly debt obligations should not exceed that percentage of your gross income. Having these factors in order will help ensure a smoother loan approval process and put you in the best position to buy.
2
Mortgage Lender
Your next step is finding a trusted mortgage broker. With your agent’s guidance, you’ll be connected to someone well-regarded in the community who can guide you through financing options. The broker will review your income, down payment funds, and credit history, then present loan programs from their network of lenders. Together, you’ll compare rates, points, and terms to choose the option that best fits your needs. Having the right mortgage partner early on makes the rest of the buying process smoother and less stressful.
3
Pre-Approval
Getting pre-approved is very different from simply being pre-qualified. A pre-approval carries weight because you’ve submitted income, assets, and credit documentation, allowing the lender to verify your ability to buy. This gives you real leverage when making an offer. That said, never share your maximum pre-approval amount with the seller. Instead, ask your mortgage broker to tailor the letter to the specific price of the home you’re bidding on. Revealing your full buying power can weaken your negotiating position — a mistake many buyers and even agents make.
4
Hire a Real Estate Agent
Hiring a competent agent with excellent backing and resources is the way to go. A good agent will guide you through the process and serve your best interest. They should never break confidentiality, loyalty, or fall short of providing you with accurate information. Work with one that is communicative, knowledgeable, and patient. Doing so will benefit your transaction to the fullest and place you in a position of much needed security.
5
Shop
You are now are ready to buy a home. This process involves a detailed search with your agent. Together, you will gain access and inside knowledge of homes that are for sale, giving you the edge needed to find yourself in a favorable position. Understanding the current market will significantly shape your judgment. Discussing the specifics of your criteria with your agent is a great way to overcome the obstacles of the home selection process.
6
Offer
Constructing a balanced offer, where both parties benefit, is key. The offer should be nuanced enough to secure you the best possible terms while also appealing to the seller’s needs. By understanding what matters most to the seller — whether it’s timing, certainty, or specific conditions — your offer is more likely to be received favorably. Counteroffers may follow, but don’t worry — they simply open the door for a fair compromise that can lead to acceptance.
7
Escrow
The escrow process looks complex but is quite simple once you get the hang of it. A neutral third-party escrow company, typically chosen by mutual agreement, will oversee funding, deposits, disclosures, and closing documentation. A title company, often the same as the escrow company, will ensure that the title being vested is legitimate and unencumbered by liens and defects through the chain of title. As you can see, communication will be of utmost importance when trekking your way through the many phases of escrow.
8
Inspections and Appraisal
A home inspection gives buyers leverage by pointing out property issues, while an appraisal is based on the appraiser’s independent opinion of value. If the appraisal falls short of the purchase price, it can create hurdles that often require compromise from both buyer and seller to move forward. This makes it important to understand a home’s true value before submitting an offer, including whether all rooms, additions, and improvements were properly permitted. Doing this upfront can help prevent costly surprises later.
9
Closing Day
The final stage of your transaction is relatively straightforward. You’ll receive your closing paperwork, which includes your homeowner’s insurance policy and your newly vested title. You’ll also be given a Closing Disclosure, detailing your final credits and debits. With the process complete, you can take the keys knowing your purchase was finalized securely and correctly. While the home buying journey indeed has its challenges, the right knowledge and foresight make it much smoother. Congratulations on your new home!