Buying a home is exciting, but there are a lot of moving pieces between deciding you're ready to buy and getting the keys to your new home.
This guide walks you through what to expect along the way — from preparing your finances and getting pre-approved to making an offer, inspections, negotiations and closing.
Whether you're buying your first home, relocating, or you've been through the process before, I'll be here to help you understand your options, answer questions and guide you from the first conversation through closing.
THE HOME BUYING PROCESS
01 — PREPARE YOUR FINANCES
Review your budget, credit and savings so you have a clear picture of what you're comfortable spending.
02 — GET PRE-APPROVED
Connect with a lender to discuss financing options and determine a comfortable price range before beginning your home search.
03 — START YOUR HOME SEARCH
We'll narrow the search based on your needs, priorities, location and budget and begin touring homes that may be a good fit.
04 — MAKE AN OFFER
Once you find the right home, I'll help you evaluate the property and market conditions and prepare an offer with terms that support your goals.
05 — UNDER CONTRACT
After an offer is accepted, we'll work through the contract deadlines, inspections, financing, appraisal and any negotiations that arise.
06 — CLOSING DAY
Once the final details are complete, you'll sign your closing documents and take ownership of your new home.
BEFORE YOU START SHOPPING
KNOW YOUR BUDGET
Before beginning your home search, take a close look at your finances and consider not only the purchase price, but also your down payment, closing costs and other expenses that come with homeownership.
GET PRE-APPROVED
A mortgage pre-approval can help you understand your buying power and puts you in a stronger position when you're ready to make an offer. Your lender will review information such as income, employment, credit, debt and available funds.
NEEDS VS. WANTS
Think about the features you truly need in your next home versus the things you'd simply like to have. Location, commute, number of bedrooms, property size and lifestyle can all help us narrow the search.
LOOK BEYOND THE PHOTOS
Online photos are a great starting point, but they don't always tell the whole story. I'll help you evaluate properties, understand the local market and determine which homes are worth seeing in person.
MAKING AN OFFER
Finding a home you love is exciting, but deciding what to offer involves more than simply choosing a price. We'll look at the property, current market conditions, comparable sales and your priorities before putting your offer together.
PRICE & TERMS
The purchase price is important, but it's only one part of an offer. Closing date, financing, earnest money, due diligence or inspection terms, seller concessions and other contract terms can all play a role.
NEGOTIATION
Negotiation may continue beyond the initial offer. Inspections and other contract terms can create additional opportunities for negotiation along the way. The goal isn't simply to "win," but to reach terms that protect your interests while keeping the transaction moving forward.
MAKING INFORMED DECISIONS
I'll help you evaluate your options, communicate with the seller's side and negotiate on your behalf so you can make informed decisions throughout the transaction.
ONCE YOU'RE UNDER CONTRACT
An accepted offer is a big milestone, but there's still important work to do before closing. Once you're under contract, we'll keep track of the important dates and work through each step of the transaction.
EARNEST MONEY & DEADLINES
Your contract may include deadlines for earnest money, inspections, financing, appraisal and other requirements. I'll help you keep track of the dates that apply to your purchase.
HOME INSPECTION
A professional home inspection can help identify potential concerns with the property. Depending on the home and its features, you may also choose additional inspections or evaluations.
REVIEW & NEGOTIATION
After inspections, we'll review the findings together and discuss the options available under your contract. Depending on the circumstances and contract terms, this could include requesting repairs, negotiating other terms or deciding how you'd like to proceed.
FINANCING & APPRAISAL
While inspections are taking place, your lender will continue working on your loan. If your financing requires an appraisal, the lender will typically order it to help determine whether the property supports the value needed for the loan.
PROTECT YOUR FINANCING
Once you're under contract, it's important to keep your financial situation as consistent as possible until after closing. Even changes that seem small can affect your loan approval.
Before making a major financial decision, talk with your lender first.
AVOID NEW DEBT
Don't finance a vehicle, furniture, appliances or other large purchases without first speaking with your lender.
BE CAREFUL WITH CREDIT
Avoid opening new credit cards, closing existing accounts or making other significant changes to your credit.
CHECK BEFORE CHANGING JOBS
A change in employment or income could affect your financing. Talk with your lender before making an employment change whenever possible.
KEEP YOUR FUNDS TRACEABLE
Avoid moving large amounts of money between accounts or making unusual deposits without discussing them with your lender. Your lender may need documentation showing where funds came from.
WHEN IN DOUBT, ASK YOUR LENDER
If you're considering a financial change before closing, check with your lender first. A quick conversation can help prevent an unexpected problem with your loan.
PREPARING FOR CLOSING
You're almost home! As closing approaches, there are a few final details to take care of so everything is ready for closing day.
FINALIZE YOUR LOAN
Stay in contact with your lender and provide any final documents they request. Your lender and closing attorney or title company will provide information about the funds you'll need for closing and how those funds should be delivered.
SET UP UTILITIES
Arrange for utilities and necessary home services to be transferred or activated for your ownership date so you aren't left without essential services after closing.
UPDATE YOUR ADDRESS
Update your mailing address with the post office, financial institutions, insurance providers, subscriptions and other important accounts.
FINAL WALK-THROUGH
Before closing, we'll typically complete a final walk-through of the property. This gives you an opportunity to confirm the home's condition and that any agreed-upon items have been addressed.
CLOSING DAY
You'll review and sign the documents required to complete your purchase. Once everything is signed, funded and the transaction is complete, it's time for one of the best parts — getting the keys to your new home.
READY TO START YOUR HOME SEARCH?
Buying a home is a big decision, and you don't have to figure out every step on your own. Whether you're ready to start looking now or you're just beginning to think about buying, I'm happy to answer your questions and help you decide what comes next.
Let's find the right home for you.
Kim Worthington, REALTOR®
Licensed in Georgia & Alabama
Realty ONE Group Edge
Direct: 770-773-0071
Office: 706-528-1000