1. Select an Agent
√ Review recommendations and local agents
√ Interview and select your agent
√ Review and sign any upfront paperwork
√ Get references for mortgage brokers
√ Begin review of financing options
2. Prequalification
√ Run a free credit report on yourself
√ Interview mortgage brokers
√ Figure out how much you can afford
√ Determine which loan package is right for you
√ Select a mortgage broker
√ Fill out application and provide documentation
√ Get pre-approval letter confirming loan details
3. Home Search
√ Identify home needs and wants with your agent
√ Review optional areas based on needs and price range
√ Set plan with your agent for new listing updates
√ Preview homes and explore neighborhoods
√ See lots of homes and refine the best options
4. Purchase Offer
√ Identify a home you want to purchase
√ Discuss offer options, strategy and competition with
your agent
√ Determine offer details (price, financing, inspections, closing, etc.)
√ Agent to write and submit the offer and review response with you
√ Negotiations until an accepted offer
5. Open Escrow
√ Receive a copy of the ratified contract
√ Agent to open an escrow account
√ Deposit earnest monies
√ Review timeline and milestones in the offer
√ Initiate next steps in financing process
√ Take steps to meet all contractual obligations
6. Inspections
√ Agent to schedule all inspections
√ Meet the inspectors at the property for inspections
√ Review seller disclosures, inspection reports and agent visual inspection
√ Make requests and schedule any follow up inspections with your agent
√ Determine next steps with your agent
7. Secure Financing
√ Agent to provide mortgage broker with ratified contract
√ Buyer to provide additional requested documentation
√ Appraisal ordered and performed
√ Review appraisal results
√ Provide any follow up requests from the lender until final sign off
√ Receive final approval letter
√ Determine next steps with your agent
8. Final Processes
√ Continue to review all required contractual and
legal obligations
√ Review timeline and contingencies (conditions) of
the contract
√ Continued negotiations if applicable
√ Secure a Homeowner’s Insurance Policy
√ Sign all final paperwork
√ Sign loan and required documents through the
title company
√ Deposit remaining funds for down payment and closing costs
9. Close Escrow
√ Receive closing confirmation
√ Get Keys
√ Move In!