From Dream to Address
Buyer’s Guide:
A step-by-step home buying roadmap
Buying a home is exciting but it can also feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time. This guide is designed to make the process clear, calm, and confidence-building from day one. With the right plan and the right support, your dream home doesn’t stay a dream for long - it becomes your new address.
Welcome to Your Dream Project
You’re just a few steps away from finding the right home for you. As your trusted advisor, I’ll guide you through the home buying process one step at a time, bringing professional experience to every decision while delivering a high-end, concierge-level customer experience throughout our journey together.
Home Buying Steps
A clear roadmap from planning to keys.
This is meant to be illustrative in nature. Not every step is required in every transaction, and the order may vary.
Step 1
Discuss Representation
We’ll start by reviewing how I will represent you and discuss the Consumer Information Statement (CIS). This ensures you understand your options and what it means to have professional representation working in your best interest.
Step 2
Buyer Consultation
Next, we’ll walk through the buying process from start to finish and clarify your goals. We’ll determine your home needs, review current active inventory, and design a game plan tailored to your budget, timeline, and lifestyle.
Step 3
Pre-Approval
A strong offer starts with a strong pre-approval. Without it, your offer has little weight—especially in competitive situations. A pre-approval positions you for acceptance and helps us shop confidently within the right range. If needed, I can connect you with trusted mortgage lenders to choose from.
Step 4
View Homes
Once we’ve defined your criteria, we’ll tour homes in an organized, efficient way. I’ll help you evaluate each home’s relevance based on our plan, provide guidance on current market value, and keep you informed when new homes become available that match your search.
Step 5
Make an Offer
When you find the right home, I’ll prepare a written contract, review disclosures, include your pre-approval documentation, present your offer, and negotiate the price and terms on your behalf - so you feel protected and confident throughout the negotiation.
Step 6
Reach an Agreement
Upon acceptance of your offer by the seller, I’ll deliver contracts to all parties so the transaction can move into the next stage smoothly and without delays.
Step 7
Attorney Review Begins
At this stage, you’ll communicate with your attorney while the contract is reviewed. Once all parties agree to attorney changes, the home becomes officially Under Contract.
Step 8
Attorney Review Concludes and Inspections Begin
Once the attorney review concludes, it’s time to schedule inspections. It’s best to schedule all inspections on the same day whenever possible. Timing should be mutually agreed upon by the buyer, seller, and Realtors.
Step 9
Identify a Home Inspector
You may choose an inspector from my recommended list or use your own. The inspection is your opportunity to understand the home’s systems and condition so you can make fully informed decisions moving forward.
Step 10
Mortgage Application and Escrow Deposit
You’ll complete your mortgage application and provide necessary documentation to your lender. Your escrow deposit is due based on the date defined in your sales contract and will be held in escrow until closing, then applied toward your down payment.
Step 11
Appraisal and Title Work
Your mortgage representative will schedule the appraisal, and your attorney will order title work. These steps ensure the property value supports the loan and that the title is clear for transfer.
Step 12
Mortgage Commitment
Upon acceptance of your offer by the seller, I’ll deliver contracts to all parties so the transaction can move into the next stage smoothly and without delays.
Step 13
Final Walk-Through
Within 10 days of closing, I’ll schedule a final walk-through. This allows you to confirm that requested repairs (if any) have been completed and that the home is in the same condition as when you made your offer.
Step 14
Closing Day
Your attorney will provide final closing costs a minimum of three days prior to closing. You may be required to secure bank or certified checks to bring to closing, depending on the instructions from your lender and attorney. On closing day, you’ll meet with your attorney and the seller’s attorney to transfer the title into your name.
Managing Expectations
Smart decisions start with clarity.
How Much Home Can You Afford?
The first step is getting pre-approved so we understand your affordability and which towns or neighborhoods to focus on. This saves time and helps us only view homes that match your criteria and your budget.
Competitive Mortgage Rate
I can connect you with local mortgage companies that communicate quickly and can help secure strong rates. More importantly, I know the lenders who get the job done seamlessly and provide the personal attention you need.
Maintain Your Credit Score
During this time, it’s important to avoid large purchases that could impact your ability to secure a loan. Holding off on buying furniture, purchasing a new car, or making large credit card purchases can help protect your financing.
Your Wish List
Needs vs. wants - then we build your custom search.
We’ll sit down together and clarify what you need in a home versus what you want. Using that, along with your budget, I’ll create a custom search that balances lifestyle goals with financial reality. Then I’ll work hard to find homes that closely fit your criteria and present only the best options.
Because of my affiliation with Christie’s International Real Estate, I also have access to a wide network of inventory - some that may not have hit the market yet. Once we narrow down your favorites, I’ll schedule a highly organized tour so you can compare homes efficiently and choose the best fit. If you find a property online, hear about a home, or spot a “For Sale” sign, contact me immediately so I can schedule a private viewing.
Things to Consider:
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RESALE VALUE - Will this home be easy to sell again or is there something about the home which cannot be changed, such as location or style that will affect its "resale" value?
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LOCATION - Is the home in a desirable location, is it close to the things that are important to you such as schools, access to transportation and shopping?
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SIZE - Is the square footage appropriate for your current and future needs?
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CONDITION - Are you looking for "move-in ready" or would you consider a "fixer-upper"?
Making an Offer
It's time to make an offer and start negotiations.
Fair Market Offer
I will prepare a CMA (Comparative Market
Analysis on the home to give you the facts on what other homes with similar features are selling for. Together we will review the details so you are able to make an educated decision on your initial offer. You will tell me what you are willing to pay and I will work diligently to get you the best possible end result.
Details
Once we have executed the contracts. I will present your offer, along with your pre-approval letter, to the listing agent. The seller may choose to accept, reject, or counter your offer. I will guide you through the negotiation process. Once the terms have been agreed upon, the seller will sign the contract and the documents will be sent to you and your attorney for review.
Deposit Money
Within a specified time noted in your contract, your escrow deposit money should be delivered to the seller's attorney for deposit in a trust account to be held in escrow until closing and will be applied to your down payment upon title transfer.
Congratulations!
We are now ready to move to the next step, “contract-to-close". We will schedule your inspections at this point. Until things are finalized, it is possible that additional changes may be considered. I will be there every step of the way to guide you through any challenges that may arise.
Contract to Close
Under contract doesn’t mean done - this is where details matter.
You are now Under Contract.
There are many steps that need to take place before you get the keys to your new home. I will help you navigate all the critical pieces such as inspection, appraisals, and mortgage concerns so you can experience a stress-free and seamless transaction. I will always be available to answer your questions and keep things moving toward your closing.
Home Inspection
This is your opportunity to learn about the systems in the home. Some things may come up, for example, the air conditioning may need service or a faucet may have a drip. We will review the report together and determine if there is anything major we want the seller to address.
Appraisal
The mortgage company will send an appraiser to appraise the value of the home. This will ensure the loan can move forward. Simultaneously, you will be required to provide financial documents to your lender.
Clearing Title
Together with your lender, your attorney will be working with the title company to ensure the home has a clear title.
Final Walk-Through
We will schedule an appointment within 10 days of closing to determine if the requests for repair were completed and that the home is in the same condition as it was when we made our offer.
All About Our Story
Closing costs and your final checklist.
✓ Down payment
✓ Loan application fee
✓ Attorney fee
✓ Deed recording fee
(Detailed costs provided by your attorney)
Home Sweet Home
To do list:
✓ Obtain homeowner's insurance
✓ Change of address
✓ Change utilities into your name
✓ Cancel utilities of current residence
✓ Arrange for movers
✓ Confirm commitment with lender
Buyer's Anticipated Closing Costs
Legal and Title costs:
✓ Attorney Fee
✓ Survey
✓ Recording Fees for Mortgage and Deed
✓ Title Search/Title Policy
✓ Title Insurance: Ask for a rate schedule
Mortgage costs
✓ Application Fee
✓ Appraisal Fee
✓ Points (if applicable): to be determined by your lender
✓Fee paid to lender to "buy down" interest rate on mortgage
Inspection costs
✓ Home Inspection
✓ Radon Inspection
✓ Wood Destroying Insect
✓ Oil Tank Scan
✓ Well and Septic Inspection - where applicable
Miscellaneous costs
✓ Homeowner's Insurance
✓ Mansion Tax on homes valued over $1,000,000
✓ 1% consideration if applicable
✓ Flood Insurance
Ready to Start?
Let’s turn your dream into your address.
If you’re thinking about buying your first home and want a clear plan before you begin touring, I’m here to help. With step-by-step guidance, simple explanations, and strong strategy, we’ll move forward with confidence - one clear step at a time.