Explore the neighborhoods, complexes, or subdivisions that interest you. Take a drive around to experience what it might be like to own a property there. Begin familiarizing yourself with the types of properties available in those areas.

Choose a few properties that interest you the most and have your REALTOR® schedule viewings. Inquire with your agent about the potential long-term resale value of the properties you're considering

Now you've found a house that you like and are ready to submit an offer between yourself and the seller. An offer is a binding contract which usually includes an option period for you to obtain an inspection and, if needed, third party advice from contractors. When submitting an offer you'll also need to provide the option money and earnest money to secure your offer.

Is the listed price the right price? A REALTOR® can provide you with a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) of the home’s value. Once the home inspection comes back, you might ask the sellers to lower the price or repair the items that need to be fixed prior to closing.

Be mindful that if a buyer is relying on lender financing, the property will have to be appraised. If there’s any shortfall between the purchase price and appraised value, that gap will have to be made up somehow, or the deal could fall apart.

Your REALTOR® will help guide you through this process. Remember, the best transactions are a win-win for all parties.

You're under contract! Now what? After signing the contract, there’s usually a period of six to eight weeks before the closing is final. During that time, you’ll have a few things to take care of to ensure that everything goes smoothly. In fact, this in-between time can be busier than most people expect! Plan for the following:

• The Option Period & Money: Under normal circumstances, the option period is anywhere from 7 to 10 days.  The option period money is nonrefundable money in the form of a personal check that goes to the seller.  This money must be delivered to the seller during the first three days of the contract. If selected in the sales contract, the option period money will go towards your closing costs at closing.

•  The Earnest Fee Money: Generally, the earnest fee money is 1% of the sales price that is delivered to the title company in the form of a personal check.  This money is refundable up until the end of the option period. The earnest money is refundable at certain points after the option period has expired but it is not an easy task to achieve. Therefore you should be confident moving forward that you are going to purchase the home. The earnest money is kept at title at an escrow officer of that title company.  At closing the earnest money is credited towards your closing costs.

• The Inspection: The inspection occurs during the option period by a licensed inspector.  During the inspection, you will receive a detailed report about your potential homes replacement and repair needs.  The inspection should also give you piece of mind about your purchase. 

•  Negotiating Repairs: After inspection is done, the seller and buyer negotiate repairs of the home.  This is done in two ways, 1) the repairs are done by the seller before closing and the seller furnishes receipts as proof of the repair OR 2) the seller gives the buyer closing costs in lieu of repairs. This way you will do the repairs or replacements after closing.

• The Home Insurance & the Home Warranty: It is important that during the option period you start researching home owner’s insurance policies as well as home warranty programs.  Home owner’s insurance is required if you are obtaining a loan on the property.  In general, home warranty programs cover certain items during the first year of home ownership.  Both should be selected a couple days after the option period has expired.

• The HOA Documents: The Home Owner’s Association Documents are delivered during the option period or escrow period.  The purpose of the documents is to give you information about the rules and regulations of the HOA you are purchasing a home in.  The documents will also give you an idea of the HOA’s budget, operating fees, and various other expenses. 

•  The Title Commitment: The title commitment is delivered by the title company during the escrow period.  This document will give you information on the current home owner as well as if there are liens on the property. 

• The Appraisal: Lenders require that homes have an appraisal to ensure that the value of the home meets their requirements. The appraisal is ordered by the lender after they confirm that you are qualified to purchase a home. The home must appraisal for the sales price listed on the sales contract. If the property does not appraise the buyer and seller will negotiate the sales price.

Some believe home inspections are a waste of money and time, but they're actually essential steps in the buying process. The cost of a home inspection may seem unnecessary, but it's well worth it, considering buyers could save thousands of dollars by avoiding costly repairs to their new home. In addition, home inspectors will tell you about problems you might miss during a walk-through, including problems with wiring, whether or not there has been water damage, and more! 

The home inspection usually takes place right after a seller accepts an offer from a buyer. After both parties sign the purchase agreement, the home goes into escrow. The buyer will select a home inspection company and schedule the visit as soon as possible. A home inspection typically happens before or during the same time as the home appraisal.

The length of home inspections can vary, but on average, a thorough inspection from a reputable inspector lasts about three or four hours. Your REALTOR® will coordinate with the buyer's REALTOR® on scheduling of the inspection. It's a good idea to schedule an inspection as soon as possible after signing a purchase contract, so it doesn't hinder the sale. The home inspection will cover all major systems, from the roof to the foundation. The inspector will also check for potential safety hazards, such as lead paint and asbestos. Potential buyers should plan to be present during the inspection to ask questions, point out concerns, talk with the inspector, and get a better understanding of the condition of their new home.