Home Buying Process

Buying a home can be an exciting and emotional experience. As your local agent, I'll guide you through every step so you feel comfortable and confident along the way. Buying your first home? Start here.

Home Buyers Consultation

The first step is a consultation with me. We'll walk through the home buying process from start to finish and sign a buyer representation agreement, which Texas now requires before I can advise you on homes.

Get Pre-Approved

A licensed lender reviews your income, savings, debts and credit to tell you how much you can borrow. That sets the price range for your search, and a pre-approval letter makes your offer stronger, especially when a seller has more than one offer. How to get pre-approved · Mortgage Calculator

The Home Search

Start your search right here with up-to-date MLS listings in your favorite neighborhoods. Browse all listings and create a free account to save homes and request showings. As your REALTOR®, I'll also search for homes for you, and when you find one you like, I'll set up a showing so you can see it in person. Before you go, read my touring tips.

Making an Offer

When you're ready to move forward with a purchase, I will advise you on constructing the strongest offer possible. Then I will draw up the necessary paperwork on your behalf. There is a lot to consider when making an offer. We'll discuss the purchase price, the closing date, sale contingencies and any special stipulations for your particular purchase. Once an offer is submitted, the seller may accept, reject or counter the offer. If the seller returns a counter, we will enter a negotiation period until an agreement is reached, or the offer is rejected by either party.

Going Under Contract

Once your offer is accepted, you're officially under contract. The home isn't yours until closing, but the seller can't sell it to anyone else while the contract is in effect. Your option fee and earnest money go to the title company within 3 days, and if you're financing, you'll finish your loan application with your lender. Your option period starts now, too.

Home Inspection

A licensed home inspector will look over the whole property and report any problems with the home's structure or systems. You can add other inspections, like pest, sewer or foundation, if you need them. Schedule inspections early in your option period, so we have time to negotiate repairs or credits before it ends.

Home Appraisal

If you're getting a loan, your lender will order an appraisal: an independent estimate of the home's market value. If the home appraises for less than the price, you may be able to renegotiate or, depending on your contract, end it. I'll walk you through your options.

The Final Walk

Prior to closing, we will conduct a final walkthrough of the home to ensure that all negotiated repairs have been completed, and that the home is in the same (or better) condition as when the original offer was made. This is the final opportunity to call out any problems identified with the home before closing. Depending on the purchase agreement, you may sign a formal contract addendum confirming that the walkthrough is complete, and the condition of the home is acceptable.

Closing!

Time to celebrate! Your lender will send a Closing Disclosure that sums up your loan terms, monthly payment and closing costs, and will confirm when you're clear to close. You'll sign your paperwork at the title company, and once everything is signed and funded, you get your keys. After you move in, don't forget to file your homestead exemption.

Get Started Now

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