Buyer's Guide

While some home buyers might decide they want to buy on their own, having a trustworthy and reliable real estate agent can make things a lot simpler. Meet with Dave to discuss the homebuying process, the type of home you are looking for, including style, price & location.

The next step is finding a mortgage lender and getting preapproved for a mortgage loan. You can – and should – shop around different lenders to ensure you’re paired with the right lender for your situation. Doing your research can make a big difference. You will need pay stubs, W2’s and bank statements. Knowing what you can afford is critical to a successful home shopping experience.

Now the fun starts…house hunting! As you browse, keep your priorities in mind. It’s highly unlikely any listing will perfectly match your dream home, so try not to be too picky until you see the houses in person. Dave will schedule showings and help you keep your wants and needs top of mind.

When you find a home you want to buy, it’s time to begin the process of making an offer. Dave will run a comparative market analysis to determine a price range based on recent sales of similar homes in the area. He will assist in determining the appropriate terms for a great offer for you. Sometimes the longer a house has been on the market, the more power you may have to negotiate.

Once your offer has been accepted you will have any inspections of the property to determine the safety, function and condition of the home you are buying. In addition to a traditional home inspection, other inspections can include a Radon test, chimney inspection and scope of the sewer line. You may think you’ve reached the finish line when your offer is accepted, but a few critical steps remain.

It may take a few tries to get it just right. Now that your you and the Seller have agreed to the price and terms the next step is an appraisal of the home by the bank if you are financing your home purchase. This is your last contingency.

You are now pending and can start to arrange movers, keep packing and call to have your utilities ready to be transferred on the closing date. It gets a little quiet with your real estate agent at this point while you gather the last items needed for your Lender including obtaining Home owners insurance. At this point in the home buying process, you’re probably eager to be done – but don’t neglect the final walkthrough.

One last walkthrough of the property can help if something needs to be fixed by the seller before purchasing closing. Final walkthroughs typically take place a day before or the morning of closing allowing you to ensure all agreed-upon repairs have been completed. In Minnesota, a title company facilitates the closing between the Buyer and the Seller. At the closing you will sign papers which outline the terms, final closing costs and any outstanding charges or fees included in your loan. You get your keys to your new home!