Your home buying journey begins with a consultation with your real estate agent.

During this meeting you will:

-Discuss your goals and timeline.
-Determine your budget.
-Review the home buying process.
-Identify your preferred locations, home features, and priorities.
-Learn about current market conditions.

Before shopping for homes, obtain a mortgage pre-approval from a lender.

Your lender will review:

-Income
-Employment
-Credit history
-Assets
-Debts

A pre-approval:

-Shows sellers you are a serious buyer.
-Helps determine your price range.
-Strengthens your offer.

Your agent will:

-Set up a customized home search.
-Schedule private showings.
-Explain neighborhood values and market trends.
-Help compare homes and identify the best options.

As you tour homes, consider:

-Location
-Condition
-Floor plan
-Future resale value
-HOA rules (if applicable)

Once you find the right home, your agent will prepare a purchase contract.

Your offer may include:

-Purchase price
-Earnest money deposit
-Financing terms
-Inspection period
-Closing date
-Seller concessions
-Personal property included with the sale

The seller may:

-Accept
-Reject
-Counter your offer

Negotiations continue until both parties agree.

After the contract is accepted:

-Earnest money is deposited with the escrow company.
-Escrow opens.
-Important deadlines begin.
-The title company begins researching ownership and prepares for closing.

During the inspection period, buyers should investigate the property's condition.

Common inspections include:

-General home inspection
-Termite inspection
-Roof inspection
-HVAC inspection
-Sewer inspection (when applicable)
-Pool inspection (if applicable)

Also review:

-Seller's Property Disclosure Statement (SPDS)
-Insurance Claims History (CLUE Report)
-HOA documents (if applicable)
-Preliminary Title Report

If concerns arise, buyers may negotiate repairs or request seller concessions according to the purchase contract.

If financing is involved, the lender orders an appraisal.

The appraisal confirms:

-The home's market value.
-The property supports the loan amount.

If the appraisal is lower than the purchase price, additional negotiations may be necessary.

The title company confirms:

-Legal ownership
-Outstanding liens
-Easements
-Property taxes
-Legal description

Title insurance is issued to protect the buyer and lender against certain ownership claims.

Typically completed within a few days before closing.

Your agent will verify:

-Agreed-upon repairs have been completed.
-The home is in substantially the same condition.
-Included appliances and fixtures remain.
-The property is vacant if required by the contract.

The buyer meets with the escrow officer to sign:

-Loan documents
-Closing disclosures
-Settlement statements
-Title documents

Bring:

-Government-issued photo identification
-Certified funds or arrange a wire transfer for closing costs and down payment (if applicable)

After all documents are signed:

-The lender funds the loan.
-The deed is recorded with the county recorder.
-Ownership officially transfers to the buyer.

Once recording is complete:

-You receive your keys.
-Utilities are transferred into your name.
-You officially become a homeowner.

Congratulations on your new home!