Home Buying Timeline

Obtain a Pre-Approval letter or a "Proof of Funds" letter from your bank or local lender. This let's us know how much buying power you have & allows us to submit an offer on a house. Don't have a preferred lender? Scroll to the bottom of the page for our top 3 recommendations. 

We will sit down together and discuss what is most important to you in your new home! We will also go over the process and set up a personalized search so you can stop scouring the internet for your perfect home. We got you covered!

Together we will visit homes that fit your criteria until we find the PERFECT place to call home! Then we will review all necessary disclosures and documents on the home to make sure you have all of the information you need to make an offer!

We will discuss together any included items, Closing/Possession date, Inspections time frames, Home Warranties, etc. Then, all documents will be written up and sent to you for electronic signatures.

We might negotiate back and forth until we come to an agreement on your new home. Our goal is always to represent you to the highest level and get you the best deal on your purchase!

Once your offer is accepted it's time to submit earnest money! This is the money that the buyer puts forward as a good-faith gesture with their offer. It will be held in trust by the listing brokerage and upon closing, be given back to the buyer!

Home Inspections are a crucial part to the buying process. It is best to have the inspection done by a licensed professional to be sure nothing is missed! We will then negotiate remedies of any big items that came up with the sellers!   Don't have a preferred home inspector? Ask us for a recommendation!

If using a loan on your new purchase, an appraisal will be required by your bank! This is to make sure that you and your lender are acquiring the property at the appropriate value. The termite inspection is the Sellers responsibility and required in the state of Iowa for most Real Estate Transactions! If termites are found, the Sellers are responsible for treatment.

This would be the time to notify your insurance agent and secure your Home Owners policy! Unsure of who to contact? Let us know and we will refer you to a great agent! You will also need to call the appropriate utilities companies to let them know you will be taken ownership on your closing date. Don't worry, we have a hassle free weay to do this. See below for my Free utilities concierge service. 

The Final Walkthrough happens within days or hours before closing. During this, we verify the home is in the same condition it was at the time of offer and that all inspection items are complete!  

Closing takes place usually at a bank or law-firm, you will need to bring a Certified Cashier's Check and everyone's driver's license.  All parties on the loan will need to be present. Possession is usually the same as closing and is when you can legally enter your new home and start moving in!  

After you have closed and started getting settled in, you will want to file for your Homestead Tax Credit. If this is your primary residence, you can apply for the homestead tax credit for the upcoming years taxes and beyond.