Home Buying Steps
Guidance you can count on from conception, pre-approval to closing
HOME BUYING STEPS
Your roadmap from first search to front door
1 Getting Ready
Interview & Choose Your Agent
Strategy, timeline, goals, and expectations.
Start Browsing Listings
Get on the MLS for daily updates directly from agents.
Get Preapproved
Know your payment range and strongest loan options.
Start Touring Homes
Visit properties and narrow down your favorites.
2 When You Find a Property
Tell your agent right away. They will pull key information — seller’s disclosure, flood zone, utility details, and a property tax estimate.
Write Your Strongest Offer
Price, terms, timing, and strategy with your agent.
Start Insurance Quotes
Confirm availability and ballpark cost early.
Agent Submits Offer
✕ Not Accepted
Move on to the next property.
Offer Accepted
You are officially under contract!
Counteroffer
Terms change and we respond with a plan.
Agreement Reached
Move forward under contract.
✕ No Agreement
Move on to the next property.
3 Under Contract
Buyer & Inspection Track
Pay Earnest Money
Sent to title company or escrow holder as good faith deposit.
Title Work & Due Diligence Starts
Title commitment and initial paperwork begins immediately.
Conduct All Inspections
Home, roof, sewer, radon, survey, and any other due diligence.
✕ Major Issues
Mutual release, earnest money returned per terms.
Issues to Negotiate
Repairs, credits, or adjustments.
Minor Issues
Move forward toward closing.
Negotiation outcome →
Agreement Reached
Proceed toward closing.
✕ No Agreement
Mutual release, earnest money returned per terms.
Complete Title & Due Diligence
Final title commitment and all verifications complete.
Lender Track
Provide Lender Documents Promptly
Income, assets, ID, explanations, and updated statements as requested.
Pay for Appraisal
Timing varies by loan type and lender.
Appraisal Completed
Lender and agent review results with you.
At or Above Value
Proceed toward final approval.
Value Too Low
Renegotiate, bring cash, or explore options.
If value is too low →
Solution Found
Proceed toward closing.
✕ No Solution
Mutual release, earnest money returned per terms.
Finalize Insurance Coverage
Policy bound before closing, lender added as needed.
🎉 Both Tracks Complete 🎉
4 Go to Close
Schedule Closing
Coordinate the closing date with your agent, lender, and title company.
Confirm Insurance for Closing Day
Call your insurance agency and have coverage set to activate on closing day.
Final Walk-Through
Typically right before closing. Confirm the property condition and any agreed repairs.
Attend Signing at Closing Office
Documents are signed and shared between all parties. Lender funds the loan. Keys and possession follow the contract terms.
THE HOME IS YOURS!
Congratulations — you did it.
Move In
Switch Utilities
🛏️ Enjoy your first sleep in your new home sweet home.
🏡 Why Buy? Six Big Advantages of Homeownership
- Build Equity Over Time
Every mortgage payment increases your ownership stake—equity you can tap for renovations, education, or retirement. - Stable Monthly Payments
A fixed-rate mortgage means predictable principal + interest—no annual rent hikes. - Potential Tax Benefits
Mortgage-interest and property-tax deductions may lower your annual tax bill. (Check with your tax pro.) - Creative Freedom
Paint, renovate, expand—make your home truly yours, no landlord approval needed. - Community & Stability
Deepen connections to neighbors, schools, and local events. Homeownership brings a sense of belonging. - Long-Term Investment
Historically, real estate appreciates. Your home can be a cornerstone of lasting wealth.
🤝 How I Support You Throughout the Buying Journey
- Local Market Knowledge
I preview homes every week in Southwest Michigan—spotting resale value, off-market gems, and upcoming listings you won’t find on Zillow. - Guidance on Financing
From Conventional and FHA to VA and Physician loans, I explain your options in plain language and introduce you to trusted local lenders. - Property Showings
I handle all scheduling and prep. You walk into each tour informed, focused on what matters most. - Paperwork & Compliance
Contracts, disclosures, deadlines—I manage every document so you never feel lost in the fine print.
🛡️ Buyer Safeguards: Four Must-Have Contingencies
| Contingency | Protects You From | SW-MI Cost/Timeframe | If Issues Arise |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Inspection | Hidden structural, plumbing, electrical, roofing | ~$400 • 5–10 days | Renegotiate, request repairs, or cancel |
| Pest Inspection | Termite or wood-destroying insect damage | Slightly less than inspection | Ask seller to treat/repair or cancel |
| Appraisal | Over-paying—when value < offer | Paid by lender | Renegotiate price, add funds, or exit |
| Financing (Loan) | Losing deposit if mortgage falls through | Deadline in contract | Cancel without penalty if not approved |
💳 Pre-Qualification vs. Pre-Approval
| Feature | Pre-Qualification | Pre-Approval |
|---|---|---|
| Affordability estimate | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Document verification | ❌ | ✔️ |
| Credit pull | ❌ | ✔️ (soft or hard) |
| Offer-ready letter | ❌ | ✔️ |
Pro Tip: Shop multiple lenders within a 14–45 day window—your credit score only takes one hit.
🏦 Common Loan Types—Which Fits You?
| Loan Type | Who It Helps | Down Payment | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conventional | Solid credit & income | 3 %–20 % | Competitive rates; drop PMI at 20 % equity |
| FHA | First-time or lower-credit buyers | 3.5 % | Flexible credit/DTI guidelines |
| VA | Veterans, active service members, spouses | 0 % | No down payment or PMI; lower fees |
| Physician | Doctors, dentists, other professionals | 0 %–5 % | No PMI, higher loan limits, student-loan flexibility |
Not sure? I’ll connect you with lenders who specialize in your loan type.
📞 Ready, Curious, or Just Have Questions?
You don’t have to be “ready” to reach out. Even if you’re months away, I’m here to answer questions—no pressure, just real help.
- Book a free 15-min consult: [Calendly link]
- Call/Text: 269-235-9910
- Email: letsgetrealtywithalex@gmail.com