Kickoff Consultation
Home Hunting Adventure
Home Hunting Adventure
Laying the Groundwork
3-6 months from closing
Your home buying journey starts with a Buyer Consultation. This is where you’ll meet with your Realtor to discuss your goals, budget, and timeline.
Key items covered include:
- Pre-approval for a mortgage
- Understanding current market trends
- Identifying must-have features
- Outlining successful strategies for a competitive offer
This step ensures you enter the market prepared, with realistic expectations and financial clarity.
Home Hunting Adventure
Home Hunting Adventure
Home Hunting Adventure
Showings & Tours
2-4 months from closing
Once your plan is set, it’s time to Tour Homes! You and your Realtor will send listings back and forth to eachother, and schedule tours of the ones you love. It is important to remember to compare homes objectively while considering immediate and long-term needs; proper expectations can reduce the chances of analysis paralysis.
Making an Offer
Home Hunting Adventure
Due Diligence Period
Submit, Negotiate & Accept
~45 days from closing
Found the perfect Home? Now it’s time to submit your offer.
This step involves:
- Determining a competitive offer price
- Receiving acceptance or counter offers
- Negotiating terms with the Seller
Your Realtor will guide you through strategies which can maximize your chances while protecting your interests.
Due Diligence Period
Appraisal & Underwriting
Due Diligence Period
The Investigation
~25 days from closing
After your Offer is accepted, you enter the due diligence period, which includes:
- Home Inspections (whole home, pest, sewer, etc)
- Securing financing contingencies
- Negotiating repairs or credits if necessary
This step is crucial for avoiding surprises after closing.
Appraisal & Underwriting
Appraisal & Underwriting
Appraisal & Underwriting
Lender Conditions
~20 days from closing
Your lender will now conduct the Appraisal and Underwriting. The Appraisal ensures the home’s value matches the purchase price. Underwriting reviews your financial documents and loan eligibility. They will issue "conditions". These are items the lender will need to see to confirm certain things from your finances.
Once approved, you move one step closer to owning your home.
Clear to Close
Appraisal & Underwriting
Appraisal & Underwriting
Final Lending Approval
~5 days from closing
Receiving a Clear to Close means your mortgage has been fully approved and your lender has everything needed to finalize your loan.
At this stage, your Realtor will coordinate with the title company, lender, sellers, and all necessary parties to schedule the official closing date.
Final Walkthrough
Key Exchange & Move-In
Final Walkthrough
Your Pre-Move-In Inspection
1-3 days from closing
Before closing, you’ll do a final walkthrough to ensure the home is in the agreed-upon condition. Repairs have been completed, No new damages or issues. This is your last chance to confirm everything is ready.
Closing Day
Key Exchange & Move-In
Final Walkthrough
Signing on the Dotted Line
Today is the Day
At closing, you’ll review and sign all necessary documents, including the mortgage and deed. Funds are transferred, and the sale is finalized. Your Realtor will guide you through this complex paperwork process to ensure accuracy and compliance.
- Bring IDs / Drivers License with correct names
Key Exchange & Move-In
Key Exchange & Move-In
Key Exchange & Move-In
Welcome Home!
0-60 days after closing
Finally, the moment you’ve been waiting for: key exchange and possession. If occupancy was negotiated; Seller has “up to” the agreed upon days after closing to vacate the property. You receive the keys, officially take ownership, and can start moving in.
Celebrate your accomplishment—your dream home is now yours!