The Buying Process
Buying a home can be an exciting and emotional experience. As local experts, you can rely on us to guide you through the process so you can feel comfortable and confident each step of the way.
Sign a Buyer Representation Agreement
Before we begin touring homes, I’ll ask you to sign a r Representation Agreement. This document allows Compass and me, as your dedicated agent, to legally and exclusively represent you and your interests throughout your home search. It formalizes our working relationship and outlines how I’ll advocate for you every step of the way.
This agreement also covers how I’m compensated for my services. In many cases, the seller offers a commission to the buyer’s agent, but if that’s not the case—or if there’s a gap—we’ll discuss your options upfront so there are no surprises later. Transparency is key, and my goal is to make sure you feel informed and confident before we move forward.
Get Pre-Approved
The first step to buying a home is to understand your buying power and establish a price range. A licensed lender can help evaluate your financial standing and provide a pre-approval. They will review your income and credit history to determine how much the bank will lend you, which will help you determine the price range for your search. Having a pre-approval letter in-hand can also increase the attractiveness of your offer, particularly when a seller has multiple offers to choose from.
The Home Search
With Compass Search, I can sort and filter listings based on your specific needs—from layout and features to location and lifestyle—saving you time and narrowing the field. You'll also gain access to exclusive Compass Coming Soon listings you won’t find anywhere else and receive instant alerts through custom Saved Searches.
We’ll use Compass Collections to compare properties side by side, track market activity, and collaborate in real time—all in one easy-to-use, visual workspace. What buyer isn’t looking for an edge? Let’s find your future home before it hits the broader market.
Making An Offer
When you're ready to move forward with a purchase, we will advise you on constructing the strongest offer possible. Then we will draw up the necessary paperwork on your behalf. There is a lot to consider when making an offer. We'll discuss the purchase price, the closing date, sale contingencies and any special stipulations for your particular purchase. Once an offer is submitted, the seller may accept, reject or counter the offer. If the seller returns a counter, we will enter a negotiation period until an agreement is reached, or the offer is rejected by either party.
Going Under Contract
If your offer is accepted, you will be officially under contract. The purchase will not be complete until closing, but the home cannot be sold to anyone else while the contract remains in effect. At this point, unless you are making a cash purchase, it will be time to make an earnest money deposit and secure your mortgage loan. Lenders offer a wide range of loan programs, so it's important to work with a lender you trust to help you determine the best loan for your specific circumstances.
Home Inspection
Inspecting the physical condition of your next home is a vital part of the home-buying process. A licensed home inspector will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the entire property and report any problems with the condition of the home's structure or systems. The inspector will also investigate potential issues such as pest infestations or mold. Depending on the purchase agreement, we may enter additional rounds of negotiation to resolve any problems discovered during the inspection.
Home Appraisal
Your lender will arrange a professional appraisal of the home. An appraisal is an unbiased estimate of the true (or fair market) value of a home and is conducted by an independent third party. The appraiser will confirm the appraisal value of the property for all parties involved. If the home appraises at less than the expected value, you may have the option to renegotiate the purchase agreement or terminate the contract.
The Final Walk Through
Prior to closing, we will conduct a final walkthrough of the home to ensure that all negotiated repairs have been completed, and that the home is in the same (or better) condition as when the original offer was made. This is the final opportunity to call out any problems identified with the home before closing. Depending on the purchase agreement, you may sign a formal contract addendum confirming that the walkthrough is complete, and the condition of the home is acceptable.
Closing!
Time to celebrate! Your lender will provide a final closing disclosure that summarizes the loan terms, monthly payments, taxes, and other costs associated with the closing. They will also confirm that you are clear to close, and you will sign all of the paperwork required to complete your purchase and loan agreement. Once the paperwork is signed by all parties and your loan is funded, you will receive keys, and you'll be ready to move into your new home!
Tools For Buyers
Featured Listings
Browse featured listings in your area. Sort homes by price, location and more!
Moving Checklist
Work With Us
Ready to find your next home with a smart, strategic approach? Contact Crossroads Collective today to discover how our data-driven tools and local expertise can give you a competitive edge in today’s market—and make your next move seamless from start to finish.