How to Buy a home, Step-by-step

With a lot of moving parts and many potential pitfalls, the process of buying a home is is straight-forward, but often not easy.

Having sold real estate for over 20 years, I wrote this guide to break things down, step-by-step.

How to Buy a home, Step-by-step

The process of Buying a home

When it comes to buying a home, we have your best interests in mind. Whether you’re looking for a $100,000 property or a $10 million estate, our team is committed to providing you with 24/7 availability, access to top contractors and home inspectors, as well as honest advice.

We understand that this is likely the most expensive purchase you will make and therefore strive to ensure that not only do you get the perfect home but also at the best possible price. On top of this, we can provide assistance with finding movers and insurance companies as well as personally deliver pizza on moving day! To learn more about how our clients rate us, check out our reviews on Google and Zillow.

First, send me an email at harlan(at)RealEstatePDX(dot)com so I can set up a search set for you on the MLS and email you homes which fit your search criteria.  Third, check out the estimate of the buyer’s closing costs for Oregon.  This is the approximate amount of cash you will need to have available on the day of closing in addition to your down payment.

Lastly, read our blog posts which detail each step of the real estate transaction for buyers:

Step 1:  Find a Realtor

Step 2:  Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage

Step 3:  Finding the Home of Your Dreams

Step 4: Time for Showings

Step 5: Write an Offer

Step 6: Opening Escrow and Depositing Earnest Money

Step 7: Have the Home Inspected

Step 8: Reading the Inspection Report

Step 9:  Tips for Attending the Home Inspection

Step 10: Review the HOA condo documents (only applies to buyers who are purchasing condos)

Step 11: Have the Home Appraised

Step 12:  Schedule the Closing on Your Calendar

Step 13: Do NOT Spend Extra Money

Step 14: Start Packing and Hire Movers

Step 15:  Hook Up Utilities

Step 16:  What is Home Owner’s Insurance?

Step 17: Securing Your Home

Step 18: Clear to Close and Final Walk-Through

Step 19: Signing the Loan Documents

Step 20: Wrapping things up