The Home Buying Process

Ready to buy your first (or next) home? Here’s what to expect step-by-step:

1. Meet With a Realtor

Let’s chat about your goals, timeline, and what you're looking for in a home.
✅ Complete a Buyer Agency packet
✅ Talk through your wants, needs, and budget

2. Get Pre-Approved

This is your first big step—chat with a loan officer to find out what you qualify for.
✅ Receive a pre-approval letter
✅ Know your price range and strengthen your offer

3. Start Your Home Search

Let the fun begin! I’ll help you explore listings, schedule showings, and find homes that check all your boxes.

4. Submit an Offer

Once you’ve found the one, we’ll write up and submit a purchase agreement.

5. Negotiate Terms

Offers often come with counter offers. I’ll walk you through everything and help you negotiate with confidence.
✅ Submit earnest money (usually 1% of the purchase price)
✅ Finalize your formal loan application
✅ Send all needed documents to your loan officer

6. Schedule a Home Inspection

You’ll hire a home inspector (I can recommend some great ones!).
✅ If issues are found, we may negotiate repairs or credits
✅ If an agreement isn’t reached, you can walk away or accept the home as-is

7. Appraisal

The lender will order an appraisal to ensure the home’s value matches the loan amount.

8. Loan Approval + Closing Date

Once your loan is officially approved, we’ll schedule your closing!

9. Get Homeowners Insurance

You’ll need proof of insurance before closing. Your lender will want to see it.

10. Transfer Utilities

Call ahead to set up utilities in your name for the day you take possession.

11. Final Walk-Through

We’ll do a walk-through just before closing to make sure everything looks good and is in the agreed-upon condition.

12. Closing Day! 🎉

You’ll meet at the title company, sign paperwork, and bring a valid ID.
Then… it's yours!

13. Move In & Celebrate!

You did it—welcome home! 🥂

👋 Questions? Let’s Talk.

I’m here to guide you every step of the way.
📞 317-645-6088
📩 bree@thestewarthomegroup.com