Five Steps to Buying a Home As complicated as it is, there are usually only five basic steps to purchasing a home. We can help you through Step-by-Step buying process. 1. Choosing a Realtor® Find someone that you are comfortable with and feel you can trust. Ask friends and coworkers who they recommend. Meet with your Realtor® for an initial counseling session to talk about what you would like in a home and what your time frame is for purchasing. Discuss the real estate market, does the Realtor® know the market conditions and the market factors that influence it? Ask your Realtor® to recommend a few reputable lenders in the area. 2. Get prequalified by a lender. Sit down with the lender of your choice and find out how much you qualify for, how much you will need as a down payment and for closing costs. Be honest and up front with your lender. This will only work in your favor. Once you have been prequalified you will have a good idea of what price range you should be looking. 3. Look at available properties with your Realtor®. Be sure to let him/her know your likes and dislikes so they can direct you to properties that meet your criteria. Don't look out of your price range. This can be a cause for great disappointment. 4. Make an offer. Once you find the home that you like have your Realtor® draw up an offer to purchase. Don't forget that you will need an earnest money check to go with the offer. Make sure that you read the contract carefully and fully understand it before you sign it. 5. From the offer to the closing table. Your Realtor® should make sure that this process goes smoothly. You have the right to an inspection of the physical condition of the home that you are buying. Your loan will be finalized during this time as well. Once all of the papers have been signed the home is yours! Congratulations!