Free Buyer's Guide
Your Complete Guide to Buying a Home
Step-by-step, what to expect, what to avoid, and how to win in any market.
The Buying Process
8 Steps to Your New Home
01
Get Pre-Approved
Before you tour a single home, meet with a lender to get a full mortgage pre-approval. This tells you exactly how much home you can afford and makes your offers competitive.
02
Define Your Criteria
Write out your must-haves vs. nice-to-haves: school district, bedroom count, commute time, price range. The clearer your criteria, the faster we find your perfect home.
03
Partner with a Buyer's Agent
Your buyer's agent represents your interests exclusively — and the fee is typically paid by the seller. You get experienced local advocacy at no out-of-pocket cost.
04
Tour Homes
We'll schedule showings for homes that match your criteria, point out features and potential issues, and help you evaluate each property objectively.
05
Make an Offer
When you find the right home, we'll craft a competitive offer — price, earnest money, contingencies, and timeline — to give you the best chance of acceptance while protecting your interests.
06
Inspections & Due Diligence
Once in contract, you'll order a professional home inspection. Based on findings, we may negotiate repairs or credits. We'll guide you through every disclosure.
07
Secure Financing
Your lender will complete their appraisal and underwriting. We'll coordinate with all parties to keep the transaction on track and address any issues before closing.
08
Close & Get Your Keys
Sign your closing documents, fund the transaction, and get your keys. We'll be there at every step and available long after closing for any questions about your new home.
Plan Your Purchase
Mortgage Calculator
Estimate your monthly payment based on home price, down payment, and interest rate.
Mortgage Calculator
$450,000
$100K$2M
20% ($90,000)
3%50%
6.75%
3%10%
Estimated Monthly Payment
$0/mo
Loan amount: $360,000 · 30-yr fixed
Principal & Interest$0
Property Tax (est.)$0
Home Insurance (est.)$0
*Estimates only. Contact a lender for an accurate pre-approval.
Connect with a LenderCommon Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do I need for a down payment?
Down payment requirements vary by loan type. Conventional loans can require as little as 3–5%, FHA loans require 3.5%, and VA/USDA loans may require 0% down. A larger down payment can help you avoid PMI and reduce your monthly payment.
What's the difference between pre-qualification and pre-approval?
Pre-qualification is a basic estimate based on self-reported information. Pre-approval involves verifying your income, assets, and credit — it's a much stronger indicator of your actual buying power and what sellers expect in today's market.
How long does the buying process take?
From initial search to closing typically takes 30–90 days. Once you're under contract, closing generally takes 30–45 days depending on the loan type and any contingencies.
What are closing costs?
Closing costs typically run 2–3% of the purchase price and include lender fees, title insurance, escrow fees, prepaid taxes and insurance, and more.
Should I buy now or wait for rates to drop?
This depends on your personal situation. 'Marry the house, date the rate' — when rates drop, you can refinance. But waiting for rates means competing with more buyers and potentially higher prices.
Do I need a buyer's agent? What does it cost?
A buyer's agent is your advocate throughout the transaction and is typically compensated through the transaction (often from the seller's side). You get experienced representation at no out-of-pocket cost.
Ready to start your search?
Let's talk about what you're looking for and how to position yourself to win in today's market.
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