Looking to buy your first, or next, home but need some direction? Not to worry. We have the answers to make this major decision in your life a positive experience. Whether you are a first time buyer or a seasoned buyer, we offer more personalized step-by-step guidance according to your needs. With that in mind, this is an outline of how the process should work:

1. Decide on a Real Estate Professional you want to work with. The person you choose to represent you should be a Realtor, a member of the National Association of Realtors. Realtors abide by a Code of Ethics. Click here for more information on hiring a Realtor.
2. Write down your goals. Like just about anything in life, writing down your goals will lead you to a more clear path of your intentions. Your Realtor, or Real Estate Consultant, can help guide you in whatever those goals may be. Discuss if you'd like to buy a home to fix up, if you want a home that is move-in ready, or if you just don't have any idea what you want. It is also a good idea to make a list of your needs and your wants. Decide on what you absolutely must have in your new home versus what you really want, but could potentially live without.
3. Know your credit score. Credit score directly affects your ability to buy a home. Although not imperitive to start, it's a good idea to know your credit score ahead of time. Click here for more information about your credit score.
4. Talk with a lender or mortgage broker. If you already know your credit score or you opt to wait, then the next step is to talk with a lender or mortgage broker. At the very least, you must inquire about pre-qualification for a mortgage. This step enables you to realize how much you can afford for your first home purchase. In order to make an offer and buy a home, you must be qualified. Click here to see the importance of talking with a lender or mortgage broker.
5. Research cities and neighborhoods. If you don't already know where you'd like to live, talk to your Real Estate Consultant about potential areas that might be a good fit. Figure out what amenities you want in your new neighborhood. For example, if it's important to be near shopping, parks, public transportation, bike trails, etc, then that's what your Realtor should help you look for. While you will soon be living in your new house, you are also a part of the neighborhood you choose to live in.
6. Search for available listings. Once you determine your home buying goals, price range and neighborhood(s) to consider, you are finally ready to see what's out there! If you have established more than one neighborhood or area to search, then it's smart to pick a few homes in each. This will give you a sense of the style of homes and how each corresponding neighborhood "feels" to you. You have several different avenues to search for listings. Your Real Estate Consultant can search the Multiple Listing Service, or MLS, to find up-to-date information. MLS data is usually more extensive than what you can find online. Searches outside of MLS can be confirmed by your Realtor. Another option is to search a real estate website, like this one. Click here to search for properties on our site. You may also find magazine or newspaper publications with real estate listings.
7. Making an Offer. After narrowing down the choices, you have chosen a property to make an offer. At this point, your Real Estate Consultant should already have researched the sales data in the neighborhood or condo/loft building(s) to help determine a realistic offer price. Your Consultant will look at similar properties in size, style and amenities relative to the property on which you are making the offer. When your Realtor presents the offer to the listing agent, three items are needed. (1) The completed purchase contract; (2) a copy of the pre-qualification letter (or, preferably a pre-approval letter); (3) an earnest money check. This is a personal check that, upon contract acceptance, is deposited into a trust account and will be used to pay for some, or all, of your closing costs.
8. Negotiating the Offer. As a first time buyer, it is important to understand that many items in the contract are negotiable. Also, be aware that the seller on the other end is trying, just like you, to get the best possible deal, within reason. If the property is lender-owned, you may have more leverage. However, the bank is still a seller and has a bottom line of what it needs to come away from closing with. Some of the common negotiable items include price, contract timeline, financing, appliances and/or property inclusions, closing costs, and repairs visible at the time of seeing the home.
9. Lining up Vendors and Pre-Close Information. Once you have an accepted contract, there are a number of dates and deadlines that must be followed leading up to closing. A physical inspection, by a professional inspector, is highly recommended. You will need to make arrangements for homeowners insurance prior to closing.The lender will use an appraiser to determine if you are buying the property at or above market value. Your Realtor will be communicating with the Title/Closing company and your lender to make sure the necessary documents are in order prior to final closing date. If you are required to bring funds to closing, your lender or mortgage broker will inform you of the exact amount.
10. Closing on Your Home. The day of closing has finally arrived. Closing refers to the signing of paperwork between buyer and seller whereby ownership is transferred to You, the buyer. Closing usually takes place at the Title Company's office. It is necessary that you bring your driver's license to the closing. The closing representative has assembled the necessary paperwork for buyers and sellers to sign including real estate and loan documents.
11. Post Closing. Congratulations! You have just purchased a home. Now that it is officially your home, you need to transfer over the electricty into your name. Closing companies usually transfer the water for you. Also, make sure to set up your cable, phone, internet and any other service you may need. Your Realtor should have a list of vendors to make those arrangements right away.