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 Odegard is one of the most kind and professional Realtors I know. I enjoy working with Miriam and know her clients are lucky to have her working for them.
-Niki F., Colleague
A childhood friend of mine needing a hard working never quit Realtor licensed in Indiana and I was blessed to have found Miriam! She works hard for her clients. My friend was incredibly impressed with Miriams tenacity in finding them the perfect home. She honest, friendly and professional.
-Meghan G., Colleague
My lender was an absolute mess but even with that going on Miriam was on top of things, very personable and concerned about everything. She was interested in us as people, not just customers and I find her very pleasant to be around. It was my first time buying a house and she made sure I was involved and understood everything
-Ariell B., Client
She's there for you. That sums up our recent experience of selling a home with Miriam! We asked her for her best advice about prepping and selling our home and it paid off. She's the real deal. Miriam consistently goes above and beyond the call of duty. She's the person you want selling your home. Absolutely trustworthy and gifted in both the technical and interpersonal …
-Mark W., Client
Miriam transformed our house into a palace! Her knowledge on what works to sell a house is incredible! I recommend her to everyone I know!! She has an attention to detail including furniture placement, lighting, good photography, and she even set our house listing to classical music!
-Erin D., Client
