Buyer's Guide

Do you already have a location in mind for your new home? Are you leaning toward a condo, townhome, or single-family home? What features are on your must-have list, and which ones are deal-breakers? And do you know what’s currently available on the market?

If you’re unsure about any of these, now is a great time to start doing some research. Browse homes that catch your eye and keep an eye on how asking prices change over time. Paying attention to these trends can give you valuable insights into specific neighborhoods and help you feel more confident when it’s time to make an offer.

Just because you think you can afford a certain monthly payment doesn’t mean the mortgage company will see it the same way. While they might approve you for more than you’re comfortable spending, they could also approve you for less—or even deny you a loan altogether. Things like limited time at your job, credit issues, past bankruptcies, or other financial factors can make it harder to get approved.

That’s why it’s so important to talk to a mortgage professional before you start falling in love with homes. Knowing what you qualify for upfront can save you a lot of stress down the line and give you a big advantage when it’s time to make an offer. Some sellers won’t even consider offers unless you’re prequalified for a loan, so having that step done early can make the process a lot smoother.

This should be one of the most exciting parts of the entire process (aside from moving in, of course!). We’ll arrange showings for homes that fit your budget and preferences. As you tour, take notes on what stands out—both the things you love and the things you’re not so sure about. Pay close attention to the condition of the home, including areas like storage spaces, windows, and the overall layout, to see how well it fits your needs.

And don’t stop at just the house—explore the neighborhood. Check out the traffic flow during different times of the day, the parking situation, and the proximity to essentials like schools, grocery stores, and other amenities. This is your chance to imagine what living there would really feel like, so take your time and soak it all in.

In most cases, your offer will include a contingency for a home inspection to ensure there are no major structural issues or significant repairs needed. This is a critical step, and we’ll help coordinate the inspection quickly—usually within a few days of your offer being accepted.

Once the inspection is complete, we’ll review the results with you and discuss your options. If no major problems are found, we’ll move forward to the next step. However, if the inspection reveals significant issues, we’ll step in to help you renegotiate the terms of your offer, whether that means asking for repairs, a price adjustment, or other concessions. And if the issues are too much, we’ll help you withdraw your offer and explore other options, ensuring you’re fully protected every step of the way.

Your lender will arrange for an appraisal of your new home to get an independent assessment of its value. This is an important step in the process, as it ensures the home is priced fairly based on its condition, location, and comparable sales in the area. The appraisal helps protect both you and the lender by making sure you’re not overpaying for the property. If the appraisal comes back lower than the purchase price, we’ll work together to explore options, whether that means renegotiating the price or reevaluating next steps. It’s all about making sure you’re making a smart investment.