Buying a home is one of the most exciting milestones of your life. To prepare yourself for this moment, you need to know what to expect during the process. This step-by-step first time buyer’s guide created by your agent will help reduce the stress of buying a home and help you enjoy the journey as much as possible.
Start by getting familiar with the home buying process and your local market. Browse listings to get a sense of what homes cost in different areas. Look into school ratings, commute times, safety, and amenities that matter to you. Also, learn about different loan types, closing costs, and down payment options. The more you know upfront, the more confident you’ll feel when it’s time to make decisions. This step is all about getting clear on what you want and what to expect.
Before you start touring homes, talk to a lender and get pre-approved. This gives you a clear budget and shows sellers you're a serious buyer. The lender will check your credit, income, debt, and savings. The pre-approval letter tells you how much you can borrow—and gives you a competitive edge if multiple buyers are interested in the same home. It's more solid than pre-qualification and can help speed things up once you’re under contract.
A good agent can make the process much less stressful. Look for someone who knows the local market, listens to your needs, and communicates well. Your agent will help you search for homes, schedule showings, write offers, negotiate terms, and guide you through inspections, appraisals, and closing. They’ll also help you avoid common pitfalls and keep everything on track. Make sure you understand how your agent gets paid and what’s included in your agreement. Choosing someone you trust is key—they’ll be your go-to throughout the entire process.
Make a list of what you truly need in a home—like number of bedrooms, location, yard size, or one-story layout. Then list your nice-to-haves, like an updated kitchen, home office, or walk-in closet. Be clear on what you can’t compromise on. This will help your agent filter out homes that don’t fit and keep you focused while house hunting. You probably won’t get everything on your Wishlist, but having clear priorities will keep you grounded.
My goal is to provide you with the most personalized service that is designed to help you buy your dream home
Now the fun begins. Your agent will send listings based on your criteria, but you can also browse online and flag ones you like. Go to showings and open houses with a critical eye—look past staging and focus on layout, storage, natural light, and overall condition. Pay attention to the neighborhood too: traffic, noise, parking, and how close it is to your daily spots like work or grocery stores. Take notes and photos to compare homes later. Don’t rush just to “win” something—stay focused on your must-haves and what feels right. A great home should work for both your lifestyle and your budget.
When you find a home you love, your agent will help you write a competitive offer. This includes the price, any contingencies (like financing or inspection), and your preferred closing date. Your agent will look at similar recent sales to guide your offer. Be ready for some back and forth—negotiations are common. Sometimes sellers accept right away, and sometimes they counter. Stay flexible, and don’t be afraid to walk away if it’s not the right fit.
Once your offer is accepted, schedule a home inspection. A licensed inspector will check the property’s condition—roof, structure, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and more. You’ll get a detailed report outlining any issues. If there are big problems, you can ask the seller to fix them, offer a credit, or lower the price. If the issues are too serious, you may be able to walk away without penalty depending on your contract.
Your lender will require a home appraisal to confirm the property is worth the agreed purchase price. A licensed appraiser visits the home and compares it to similar recent sales in the area. If the appraisal comes in at or above your offer, you’re good to go. If it’s low, you might need to renegotiate with the seller or cover the difference out of pocket. This protects both you and your lender from overpaying for the home.
Before closing, you’ll do a final walkthrough—usually within 24–48 hours of signing. This is your chance to make sure the home is in the condition you expect. Check that agreed-upon repairs are done, nothing has been removed or damaged, and all appliances are working. Test lights, toilets, faucets, and appliances. It’s not a full inspection, just a final check to make sure everything’s as it should be before you sign the paperwork.
Closing is the last step. You’ll review and sign a stack of legal documents, pay your closing costs, and officially take ownership. Bring your ID, any requested documents, and certified funds if needed. After everything is signed and the transaction is recorded with the county, the keys are yours. Congrats—you’re now a homeowner! All that research, planning, and paperwork pays off here.
After signing the final paperwork to complete the purchase, you are now the owner of a new house. It may take a few days for your loan to be funded once the paperwork has been returned to the lender, but once that check is delivered to the seller, you’ll be all set to move into the home of your dreams.
Get assistance in determining current property value, crafting a competitive offer, writing and negotiating a contract, and much more. Let Raquel guide you through your home-buying journey.
