10 Steps to Home Ownership for First-Time Buyers

Ready to take the leap into buying your first house, but not sure how to get started or what the process will involve? With Golden Realty & Management, the road to home ownership can be smooth and fun! We’ve compiled a list of what it takes to become a first-time home buyer, from start to finish.

1. Meet with your real estate agent. Ideally, that’s us! We will help you determine the general price range, desired locations, the amenities you want in your new home, and any other needs and wishes you may have.

2. Get prequalified with a lending company. This will give you more leverage as a potential home buyer—in today’s local market, many sellers won’t accept a bid from a potential buyer without prequalification. Furthermore, you will have an exact picture of what you can afford.

3. Look for homes. As your agent, we will be looking for homes for you, but feel free to browse on your own using our free listing service. From these sources, make a list of the top six to ten homes that you would like to see and let us know. We will make arrangements to tour them with you.

4. Narrow the selection. Let us know which homes most pique your interest. We will conduct research and present you with more information about the homes to help you make your final decision.

5. Pick a home and decide on an offer. We will help you determine the best method for submitting your offer and will provide advice regarding amounts and contingencies.

6. Wait while your offer is presented. We will present your offer to the seller through their real estate agent. If they agree to the offer, the closing process can commence. If they don’t agree, they may either refuse or counter the offer, in which case you may counter back. We will advise on the available courses of action during this process.

7.  Begin closing preparations. Once all parties have agreed upon a contract, we prepare all of the paperwork and schedule all of the necessary home inspections, appraisals, attorneys, and any other tasks or inventory necessary for the closing.

8. Do a final walk-through of the property. Close to closing, you can do a final walk-through to confirm that any requested repairs have been completed and the property is ready for transfer of ownership.

9. Flex your fingers, and sign, sign, sign! At the closing meeting, your signature will be requested on many documents in multiple copies, which we will have provided in advance for you to read. After all signatures have been obtained, you will receive the keys to your new home!

10. MOVE IN! And enjoy!