Home Buying Guide

All You Need to Know

Your Guide to Buying a Home

GETTING STARTED

Knowing where to start when buying a home can be overwhelming. That’s why we’re here to guide you through the process. This guide has been designed as your introduction to all things home buying. Below you’ll find a step-by-step look at the home buying process, an introduction to the different parties involved in your transaction, and our recommended experts for each step of the way. We’ve also provided a number of quick links to helpful tools and resources to better prepare you for your journey. Whether this is your first home purchase or your fifth, our goal is to help reduce any uncertainty and stress you have about the process. We’re always a phone call or email away to answer your questions. Happy Home Buying!

NO COST FOR YOU

Our buyer agents receive a portion of the commission the seller pays to the listing agent, meaning buyers receive representation at no cost to the buyer.

NO CONTRACTS

Favoring handshakes over contracts, we prefer a no-pressure approach. We simply ask for your loyalty.

NO WORRIES

We’re experienced negotiators, having closed over 1000 transactions since 2003. We focus on protecting your best interest!

The Buying Process

We’ll leverage our extensive network to connect you with a trusted lender who will help you determine your price range and get pre-approved for a loan.

Listening closely to your needs and desires for your new home, we’ll begin vetting properties, touring, and helping you evaluate homes that match your criteria.

01

02

03

LOAN PRE-APPROVAL

PROPERTY SEARCH

FINDING YOUR HOME

You or your agent will create your property search portal where you can favorite properties and sign up for daily emails of new listings.

The Buying Process

Once we’ve found the right home, we’ll write a compelling, personalized offer that minimizes your risk, while negotiating the most favorable terms possible.

Earnest money is part of your down payment and is usually due within 3 days of mutual acceptance. It's held by the title company in an escrow account and is applied as a credit at closing. Typically it's 2% of the sales price of the home.

04

05

06

MAKING AN OFFER

ACCEPTED OFFER

EARNEST MONEY

After your offer is accepted, a preliminary title report will be issued for review and any remaining documentation for final loan approval will be requested by your lender.

The Buying Process

We’ll guide you through the process, schedule appropriate inspections, and negotiate repairs or credits on your behalf. Total inspection cost average around $1,000.

An appraisal will be ordered by your lender to ensure that the sales price and value of the house are in line. Further negotiations may be necessary if the property does not appraise at value. Appraisals are not required for cash purchases.

07

08

09

INSPECTIONS

FINALIZE REPAIRS

APPRAISAL

Once repair negotiations are complete, buyer’s inspection contingency is removed. We’ll monitor any agreed upon repairs to be completed prior to closing and obtain copies of final invoices for your records.

The Buying Process

After final loan documents arrive at the title company, your escrow officer will schedule your signing appointment (typically 1-2 days prior to closing). The balance of your funds to close will be due at this time in the form of a cashier's check or wire transfer.

Your lender will review your signed loan documents, then instruct the title company to disperse funds and record your deed with the county.

10

11

12

CLOSING ACTIVITIES

KEYS TO YOUR NEW HOME

FUNDING & RECORDING

Upon recording, you will take possession of your new home! We cheerfully hand you the keys to your new home and look forward to a continued relationship.

The Buying Process

We’ll leverage our extensive network to connect you with a trusted lender who will help you determine your price range and get pre-approved for a loan.

01

LOAN PRE-APPROVAL

The Buying Process

02

PROPERTY SEARCH

You or your agent will create your property search portal where you can favorite properties and sign up for daily emails of new listings.

The Buying Process

Listening closely to your needs and desires for your new home, we’ll begin vetting properties, touring, and helping you evaluate homes that match your criteria.

03

FINDING YOUR HOME

The Buying Process

Once we’ve found the right home, we’ll write a compelling, personalized offer that minimizes your risk, while negotiating the most favorable terms possible.

04

MAKING AN OFFER

The Buying Process

05

ACCEPTED OFFER

After your offer is accepted, a preliminary title report will be issued for review and any remaining documentation for final loan approval will be requested by your lender.

The Buying Process

Earnest money is part of your down payment and is usually due within 3 days of mutual acceptance. It's held by the title company in an escrow account and is applied as a credit at closing. Typically it's 2% of the sales price of the home.

06

EARNEST MONEY

The Buying Process

We’ll guide you through the process, schedule appropriate inspections, and negotiate repairs or credits on your behalf. Total inspection cost average around $1,000.

07

INSPECTIONS

The Buying Process

08

FINALIZE REPAIRS

Once repair negotiations are complete, buyer’s inspection contingency is removed. We’ll monitor any agreed upon repairs to be completed prior to closing and obtain copies of final invoices for your records.

The Buying Process

An appraisal will be ordered by your lender to ensure that the sales price and value of the house are in line. Further negotiations may be necessary if the property does not appraise at value. Appraisals are not required for cash purchases.

09

APPRAISAL

The Buying Process

After final loan documents arrive at the title company, your escrow officer will schedule your signing appointment (typically 1- 2 days prior to closing). The balance of your funds to close will be due at this time in the form of a cashier's check or wire transfer.

10

CLOSING ACTIVITIES

THE BUYING PROCESS

11

FUNDING & RECORDING

Your lender will review your signed loan documents, then instruct the title company to disperse funds and record your deed with the county.

THE BUYING PROCESS

12

KEYS TO YOUR NEW HOME

Upon recording, you will take possession of your new home! We cheerfully hand you the keys to your new home and look forward to a continued relationship.

Couple with their realtor deciding whether it's the right time to buy a home.

Home Buying Guide

All You Need to Know

Your Guide to Buying a Home

GETTING STARTED

NO COST FOR YOU

NO CONTRACTS

NO WORRIES

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Dennison Capen Group