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Eighty-eight percent of home buyers purchased their homes through a real estate agent or broker.

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When Buying a Home

I’m ready to buy! What do I need to do FIRST?

This is an excellent question, and the answer may differ from your expectations. Many prospective homeowners believe that once they are ready to purchase a home, they can simply browse immobilier21, schedule a tour, and consider the property sold. However, I must emphasize that this is not the correct approach. Before beginning your home search, the first step is obtaining a pre-approval, which serves as your essential credential for being taken seriously as a buyer in the market. Without a pre-approval, sellers are unlikely to regard you as a serious contender, and most agents will not fully engage with you until this step is completed. That said, it is entirely possible to connect with an agent prior to obtaining a pre-approval. In fact, agents are often the ones who can introduce you to the first key individual you need to work with throughout this process: your lender.

What information or documents do I need to get pre-approved?

During the pre-approval process, you will collaborate closely with a mortgage lender who will evaluate your financial situation and determine your mortgage eligibility by collecting information regarding your income, credit history, assets, and debts. Typically, the following documents will be required:

Personal identification, such as a driver’s license, ID card, or other government-issued photo identification.
Social Security card or number.
Pay stubs. – Bank statements.
Tax documents, including W-2 forms, tax returns, and other tax-related documents.
Investment account statements.
A list of monthly debts.
Rental information and a landlord reference.
Gift letters.
A credit report.
If you are self-employed, please contact us for further assistance.

Who are the different types of people that I’ll work with during my real estate transaction?

In the realm of real estate, while each transaction may vary, there are several key individuals you should be acquainted with, in addition to your real estate agent and mortgage lender.

These include:

Home Inspector
Appraiser
Title Company
Escrow Officer or Closing Agent
Real Estate Attorney

What happens after I’m pre-approved?

Once you have submitted all of your documents to your lender and received your pre-approval, it is time to collaborate with a realtor who can assist you in achieving your homeownership goals. This is where the excitement begins. When you identify a realtor you wish to work with, you will schedule a buyer’s consultation. This meeting, which can be conducted virtually or in person, is designed to discuss what the home-buying process will entail for you specifically. During your buyer’s consultation, your realtor will typically cover topics such as:

Your needs and preferences as a buyer
Buyer education and expectations
A review of the current market
Establishing a working relationship This meeting also provides an excellent opportunity for you to pose questions to your realtor.
If you are unsure about what questions to ask, please refer to this quick guide for assistance.

What does the home search process look like?

Once you have selected a realtor to assist you, they will guide you through their specific process for establishing a home search, ensuring that you focus exclusively on properties that align with the preferences and requirements discussed during your consultation.

While each real estate agent has their own approach, the Real Estate Collective follows a structured home search process as outlined below.

I prefer to refer to this as a process of elimination rather than seeking a needle in a haystack.

This approach allows us to avoid missing out on properties that may be miscategorized or present unexpected opportunities. The primary factors I concentrate on are location and home type, such as single-family homes or townhomes.

If there are certain non-negotiables, such as the number of bedrooms or bathrooms, we can incorporate those criteria.

However, I believe it is beneficial to allow room for personal decision-making rather than relying solely on automated systems.

It is important to remember that in real estate and the home-buying process, you never know what you may discover and fall in love with.

I frequently observe clients surprising themselves by choosing homes they never anticipated liking.

This is why I encourage everyone to maintain an open mind throughout the process and approach it with an optimistic outlook.

What do I do once I’ve found the home I want to buy?

Congratulations on discovering the house you truly wish to call home. This is an exhilarating phase of the home buying process; however, there is still work to be done.

It is now time to submit a compelling offer, and there is indeed a strategic approach to this. Before proceeding with an offer, I recommend that buyers conduct thorough market research (which I can assist with) and consider the seller’s unique circumstances and motivations.

By combining these elements, you can develop an offer that is highly likely to be accepted.

What happens once our offer is accepted?

Once your offer is accepted, you are one step closer to the closing table; however, there is still work to be done.

At this stage of the process, you will provide your earnest money, also known as your good faith deposit.

This amount signifies your commitment and seriousness as a buyer in a real estate transaction.

Typically, it is a percentage of the home’s purchase price and is held in escrow until the sale is finalized.

After submitting the earnest money, you will schedule a home inspection to identify any existing or potential issues that may impact the home’s value, safety, or livability.

Once the home you intend to purchase has been inspected and approved, the next step is the appraisal.

Similar to a home inspection, a home appraisal serves several purposes, primarily to establish the fair market value of the property.

What does under contract mean?

Being “under contract” on a home signifies that both the buyer and the seller have agreed to the terms of the sale and have signed a contract that details those terms. Subsequently, the appraisal and inspection processes take place.

Once both of these steps are completed, the process enters a waiting phase.

During this period, the lender becomes actively involved.

The lender will maintain regular communication with you leading up to the closing to ensure they have all necessary information to facilitate a timely closing.

After the appraisal is completed, your file proceeds to the underwriting stage, where it is evaluated by the bank’s underwriters to confirm that the loan conditions have been satisfied.

What is the typical closing timeline?

I must admit, this question presents some challenges in providing a straightforward answer, so I will use a phrase that may elicit a reaction:

IT DEPENDS. The timeline for closing is influenced by two primary factors:

1. The extent and complexity of the items you are required to provide.

2. The duration it takes for you to gather those items. With genuine regard for your journey, it is important to note that, at this stage in the process, the responsibility largely rests with you.

Rest assured, your agent and lender will be available to guide you through each step, ensuring you acquire the necessary documents and addressing any questions you may have.

However, it is ultimately your responsibility to submit the required materials as requested by your lender.

If you provide all documents in a timely fashion, the closing timeline can potentially be as short as 30 days—an ideal scenario for any home buyer.

However, more realistically, you should anticipate a timeframe of 45 to 60 days.

Once the underwriting team has received all requested items and is satisfied with the outcomes, you will hear the reassuring words that every real estate agent and home buyer cherishes: CLEAR. TO. CLOSE.

What exactly happens at closing?

Once you receive clearance to proceed with the closing, we will schedule your appointment.

The specifics of this process may vary depending on your location. In most country, closings are conducted at title companies, whereas some states utilize attorneys or specialized closing offices.

Regardless of the method, the closing appointment is where you will sign all necessary documents to transfer ownership of the home to you.

It is also when you will pay your down payment and closing costs.

This payment must be made via a certified check payable to the title company and should encompass all associated costs, including lender fees, appraisal fees (if not paid upfront), and the title company’s fees, which typically range from 1% to 3% of the purchase price.

Your earnest money will be credited toward your total amount due.

Before your closing appointment, your lender will provide an estimate of your total out-of-pocket expenses, ensuring you are adequately prepared with the required payment to receive your keys.

The entire process generally takes about one hour, during which the title officer will explain each document you are signing.

Upon completion, the information will be submitted to the courthouse, officially recording your status as a homeowner.

Your Trusted Partner in Real Estate Success

We believe that finding the perfect home is more than just a transaction—it’s a life-changing experience. With years of expertise in the real estate industry, we are committed to providing exceptional service to every client, whether you’re buying your first home, selling a property, or investing in real estate. Our mission is to simplify the real estate process, making it smooth and stress-free, while delivering results that exceed your expectations.

Our team is made up of dedicated professionals who are passionate about what they do. We understand that each client has unique needs, and we pride ourselves on offering personalized solutions tailored to your specific goals. From local market insights to expert negotiations, we are here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring that you feel confident and informed throughout the process.

With a deep understanding of the local market and a network of trusted professionals, we provide comprehensive real estate services that cover everything from residential sales to property management. Our success is built on trust, transparency, and a commitment to delivering the highest level of service.

We don’t just help you find a property—we help you find a place to call home. Let us be your partner in this important journey.