Steps in Your Home Buying Journey

1

Buyer Consultation & Lender Intro

We’ll sit down together and help you determine your needs wants and goals while offering my personal industry expertise and strategies for bringing your vision to life.
Image

2

Pre-Approval

Getting pre-approved will help you know exactly what you can afford so you can confidently focus on the right homes. Plus, it shows sellers you’re serious, giving you an edge when making an offer.
Image

3

Property tours

After you have reviewed and selected which homes you want to tour, we get to go shopping! This is where you can start figuring out what you really want in your new home.
Image

4

Write offer

Once we find the home of your dreams, we'll submit an official offer - including but not limited to sale price, inspection contingencies, and closing costs. The seller then has time to accept, reject, or counter your offer.
Image

5

Under Contract or Escrow

With your offer accepted, we enter a 30-day Escrow period. This involves a neutral third party company that holds funds while conducting a thorough underwriting process to ensure all aspects of the contract are upheld properly
Image

6

Inspections

Now that you've found your home we need to order the inspection. The inspection will let you know what repairs are needed, some are minor and some may be safety issues. Don't worry, you are still protected.
Image

7

Appraisal

The appraisal is ordered by your lender to protect their investment. They have their own checklist of things they look at for the final approval to move forward. The appraiser can demand repairs completed by the seller before they will give their approval.
Image

8

Closing

Congratulations! You now own a home and can get moved in. It's time to celebrate and have your housewarming and show off your home. We will be standing by to answer any questions you may have about home-ownership and have a list of contractors if the need arises.
Image
Image

Key Documents For Buyers:
Buyer Broker Representation Agreement
Purchase Contract

Image

Buyer Broker Representation-Who Represents You

What It Is: A legally required contract that makes a real estate agent your official representative to find homes, negotiate deals, and advocate for you.

What It Means for You: 
-Your agent works in your best interest-not the sellers.
-Details how agent is paid
-Guarantees professional guidance on legal documents, negotiation advice, and market value. 
Image

Purchase Contract/Agreement -Your Offer & Protection Plan

What It Is: A legally binding contract between buyer & seller that outlines the terms, conditions, and specific details for transferring ownership of property.

Whats Included:
-Purchase Price-What you are offering
-Terms & Timeline-Closing Dates & DEADLINES
-Contingencies-Your built-in protections

Importance of Contingencies (It Depends On)

  • Inspection Contingency-Gives you the right to inspect the home and negotiate repairs-or walk away.
  • Financing Contingency-Protects you if your loan isn't approved.
  • Appraisal Contingency-Ensures your home is worth you're paying.
Image

How Your Realtor Protects You & FAQs

Let our experience be your easy guide to a smooth home buying process

More Than Just Showing You Homes

Helps you understand what you're signing
Catches red flags before they become expensive problems
Advises you on offers, terms, and negotiations
Keeps your deal on track so you don't lose time. money, or the home

Frequently Asked Questions

How much house can I actually afford?
It depends on your income, debt, and monthly comfort—not just what you’re approved for. 

How much money do I need upfront?
Most buyers should plan for down payment + closing costs + inspections. In many cases, we can negotiate seller contributions to help reduce your out-of-pocket costs.
What does a Realtor actually do for me as a buyer?
A Realtor guides you through the process, negotiates on your behalf, explains contracts, and helps you avoid costly mistakes—while protecting you legally and financially.
What happens after my offer is accepted?
You’ll move into inspections, finalize your financing, complete the appraisal, and work through any negotiations before heading to closing.
What does a home inspection really cover?
It reviews the home’s major systems—roof, foundation, HVAC, plumbing, and more—so you can identify issues, negotiate repairs, or walk away if needed.
What could go wrong—and how am I protected?
Things like financing delays, low appraisals, or inspection issues can happen—but contingencies in your contract are designed to protect your money and give you options.

Nikita Franklin, Realtor
TG Real Estate
937-731-3059
Nikita.Franklin@tgrealestate.com