Your Guide to Buying a Home (Step-by-Step)

kpacker1
Sep 27
3 min read

Buying a home is exciting—but let’s be honest, it can also feel a little overwhelming. The terms are unfamiliar and the process can be confusing. Don't worry! There is good news! With the right guidance (and a great realtor by your side), the process becomes so much simpler. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you understand what to expect when it’s time to buy your dream home.

Hi! I'm Kristi Packer, a realtor with Red Fox Realty. I am really excited to walk with you on your home buying journey. I will help you find your perfect home and answer all your questions along the way so you are informed and can make the best decision for you! I will walk you step by step through the entire process.

Step 1: Get Pre-Approved BEFORE Buying Your Home

Before shopping for your perfect home, you need to know your budget! A pre-approval tells you how much house you can afford, which saves you from the disappointment of finding a home you love and then realizing you can't afford it. That is devastating! A pre-approval shows sellers you’re serious and it will allow you to submit a timely offer as soon as you find "the perfect one".

Why this matters: A pre-approval not only sets a realistic price range, it also gives you buying power. Sellers know that you are serious because your pre-approval is included in all offers to sellers. In most cases, you cannot even submit an offer if you don't have a pre-approval.

Step 2: Find Your Agent

Partner with an agent who knows the market, negotiates for you, and keeps things stress-free (HI! 👋 that’s me!).

The right agent is more than a door-opener. They’re your guide, advocate, and problem-solver. A good realtor helps you avoid costly mistakes and makes sure you feel confident at every step. The right agent will be your partner and walk along side you every step of the way answering questions and explaining things as they come up.

Step 3: Start House Hunting

It's time to start looking at homes! Your agent will schedule home tours for you. You'll take notes on what you like, don't like, and love about each one. You will imagine your life inside each house you find. Don’t worry—I’ll help you spot red flags and notice hidden gems along the way and assist you with any questions that arise.

This is the fun part! Keep an open mind, but also stay focused on your needs vs. wants. I’ll help you look beyond the shiny finishes to make sure you’re choosing a home that fits your lifestyle and budget.

Step 4: Make an Offer

You have found the one and it's time to write an offer! I’ll guide you through the pricing, the terms, and the negotiations.

Submitting an offer is both exciting and nerve-wracking—but don’t worry. I’ll answer all your questions. I'll explain everything clearly. I'll work closely with your lender and negotiate to put you in the best possible position to get your offer accepted.

Step 5: Inspection & Appraisal

Think of this as your home’s ‘health check-up.’ We’ll make sure everything’s in good shape and worth the price you are paying.

The inspection makes sure there aren’t any hidden issues, and the appraisal confirms the home’s value. Together, they protect you from surprises and give you peace of mind.

Step 6: Closing Day

Today is the big day! It is time to sign the final papers, grab your keys, and cue the happy dance 💃—you’re officially a homeowner!

Call your family and friends, get the moving truck, and load up. You will be walking through your new front door shortly! This is the day we’ve been waiting for and it's time to celebrate! 🎉

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Are you are you thinking about buying, now or any time in the future? Let’s chat about where you are in the process and what your specific circumstance is. I’ll answer your questions and guide you every step of the way.