How to Buy a Home in Four Simple Steps
Step One: Get Pre-Approved
- You need to know how much home you can afford and what kind of down-payment savings you need to have to make an offer.
- Remember: your competition will most certainly be pre-approved--and in today's market, you must have that competitive advantage.
- To a seller, there is little difference between a pre-approval and a cash buyer. If cash is king, then pre-approval is queen.
- Give your pre-approval letter to your broker so it can be uploaded into your file.
Step Two: Find a Broker
- Find a seasoned real estate broker.
- Ask them how long they've been in the business, how many clients they've represented and how established they are in the community.
- Remember: you will pay for a realtor even if you don't use one. A buyer's agent's commission generally comes from the sale of the house--not your pocket--so doesn't it make sense to have representation in the biggest purchase of your life?
Step Three: Start Touring Homes
- Start your search online and narrow down your criteria. Get clear on all the features you are looking for and consider your must-haves, could-haves and nice-to-haves.
- Pick your Top 10 Favorites (so exciting!) and ask your broker to schedule a private tour to see them.
- Let the fun begin!
Step Four: Make an Offer
- Once you have selected your home, your broker will make an offer to the sellers. There may be some back and forth (or there may not be) to find terms agreeable for both buyer and seller.
- Once your offer is accepted, you will be asked to give an earnest money deposit to show the sellers you are serious in the purchase of their home.
- You will need to schedule a home inspection from a reputable home inspection company.
- Your lender will ask you to obtain a homeowner's policy from your insurance agent and you will also have to pay for an appraisal. If paying cash, it is HIGHLY recommended that you still obtain homeowner's insurance and an appraisal.
- Your broker will start title work, which is done to ensure that the title is free from any liens or encumbrances against the property when it is passed on from Seller to Buyer. The process takes about 30 to 45 days to complete.
- Once your mortgage is approved through your lender's underwriter and/or the title report comes back as "clear", all parties close the transaction. This can be done at the title company, broker's office, etc.
What Our Clients Say
Miriam was a pleasure to work with throughout the whole process. She was honest and fair. We listened to her expertise and we bought our first home. One of the best things was after we closed on the home, I walked into the new house and Miriam had made us a welcome home basket with snacks and treats. Goes to show that she really cares about her clients. It was a great …
-Jake N., Client
Miriam Odegard is a real go-getter as a realtor. She is consistently involved in real estate related events as well as being very busy assisting her clients in selling and buying the right home. Miriam is dedicated to an industry she thrives in! And besides being the ultimate professional, she is a great mother and a delight to be around!
-Lona N., Colleague
Five stars!
-Mark P., Client
We are so pleased with our decision to have Miriam Odegard be our realtor. We had a solid contract on our home within 6 days of our listing. Every step of the way she was professional and handled all the contract details with ease. I highly recommend her to anyone needing a realtor in the Greater Indianapolis area. She’s outstanding in every way.
-Julia W., Client
Miriam has your back! She is responsive and will bend over backwards to find that perfect property for you! She’s a go getter, intelligent and strong willed. She will get you the best possible property for the price. She is awesome!
-Andrew & Whitney K., Client
