Here for you! 785-608-0985
Buying a Home
Greg Ross, REALTOR® and Transition Consultant
Guiding you every step of the way.
Buying a new home is an exciting time. Navigating such a large financial purchase can also be stressful.
You aren’t alone in the process, though. I’m here to help and to look out for your best interests every step of the way.
Let’s make your goals happen.
Your goal is to find a home that meets your needs and budget. As your agent, it’s my goal to make that happen. Here are some ways I help my clients:
I'll meet with you to understand your goals and create a plan for finding the right home at the right price.
Being in the industry comes with expert neighborhood knowledge and insider secrets about properties going on the market, sometimes before they hit the MLS® (Multiple Listing Service).
Buying a home involves a lot of paperwork. Let me navigate the real estate contracts and educate you along the way so you know exactly what you are signing.
Feel confident knowing you’re with the top-producing solo agent in the market center! You can learn even more about me here!
Buyer’s Guide
Buying a home is likely the largest financial transaction you’ll ever make.
Download my full step-by-step buyer’s guide to get started. This is helpful whether this is your first time buying a home or the first time in a long time you’re buying a home.
Or, get an overview of the steps below.
9 Steps to becoming a home owner
Choose the right agent.
It’s important to choose an agent who understands your needs and goals. Together, we’ll make a plan so that we can find the right house within the right budget for you.
2. Prepare financial records.
Ensure your finances are in order and consider how much you can afford. A general rule of thumb is no more than 28% of your gross monthly income should be spent on a mortgage payment.
Mortgage lenders recommend not spending more than 3-5 times your annual household income on a home. If you are not purchasing with cash, you will need to find a mortgage lender and get pre-approved. I can help with this too!
You’ll also want to get a copy of your credit report. Review your credit report for erroneous debts. Resolving debts will increase your score.
3. Get pre-approval.
A pre-approval is an official document that says that a bank or credit union is willing to lend you a specific amount of money based on your income, assets and liabilities. A pre-approval means the bank has reviewed your financial information (income and assets) and decided it's safe to give you a home loan.
You can start your search knowing how much house you can afford—not just in terms of price but also in terms of monthly payments. The pre-approval is an integral part of an offer- it shows the seller that you can afford and are qualified to purchase their home.
4. Start home shopping.
Now the fun really begins!
I will create a custom search in the MLS that emails you all the homes that fit your criteria as well as real-time updates for new listings.
We will set up showings on suitable homes that match your wish list and budget.
Here are some things to consider as we look at different homes:
Traffic — Consider the noise level from street traffic. If you commute to work, consider revisiting the area during peak times to get an idea of traffic and travel time.
Take notes — You may forget some details when looking at other houses later on in this process, so keep track of them all now as they come up.
5. Make an offer.
Once we’ve found the home of your dreams, it’s time to put in a competitive offer. This critical step requires strategy and experience. Together, we’ll create an offer that’s competitive while also protecting your best interests.
Even in the most competitive markets, I’ve helped my buyers secure their dream homes by writing an offer that maximizes their chances. I have strategies that edge us above the competition.
6. Get a home inspection.
Once you’re under contract, we’ll schedule a professional home inspection. This can help identify potential issues with the house, which we’ll then address and negotiate with the seller. The last thing you want as a buyer is to end up with expensive, surprise repairs.
7. Get an appraisal.
Most lenders require an appraisal of the home you’re buying. The lender will send an appraiser to the home to evaluate it and ensure it’s worth the value they’re lending you to pay for it.
8. Complete final steps.
We’re getting close! During the pre-closing phase, the title company will conduct a title search. This ensures the seller truly owns the property and that all existing liens, loans, or judgments are disclosed and paid off.
9. Close on your new home!
The day has arrived! Closing will occur at the title company.
What to bring:
Driver’s License
Closing costs in certified funds (no cash or personal checks)
Once all the papers are signed, you’ve secured your mortgage, and the closing is officially complete, you’ll receive the keys to the property. Congratulations! Now, to get moving.
