A clear, step-by-step roadmap from the Samantha Eisenberg Group to help you buy with confidence and enjoy the journey.
Knowing what lies ahead is the best way to take the stress out of a purchase. Our team put together this ten-step guide, written with first-time buyers in mind, so you can move from early planning to closing day with clarity at every stage.
Sit down with your household and agree on the communities, features, and property types you prefer. Then sort them honestly into must-haves and nice-to-haves.
Review what you spend now and how homeownership would change it. A complete household budget should include new recurring costs such as:
Prequalification shows your purchasing power, but a lender may approve more than you're comfortable spending. It can also approve less if you're new to a job, have limited credit, or have past financial issues. Your own budget keeps the number realistic.
You don't have to finance with this lender. The process is still a good way to compare mortgage providers, and a prequalification letter can make your offer stronger when several buyers are competing.
Under regulations enacted in 2024, agents must have a signed buyer's agreement before showing you homes. Our role goes well beyond opening doors. We help you:
Once you're ready to tour homes, these three steps move you from browsing to an agreement.
We schedule showings that match your criteria and adjust the search as we learn what you like. We'll look closely at storage, layout, and flow, and help you check traffic, parking, schools, and nearby shopping.
Go back to your lender for preapproval. With a specific property in mind, they can confirm your rate, payment, and loan term, plus programs like first-time buyer grants and VA or FHA loans. If you get stuck, we can recommend lenders.
We set a fair price based on comparable homes and work through timing, contingencies, and fees. Then we negotiate any counteroffers until you and the seller reach an agreement and the home goes into escrow.
Most offers depend on the home passing inspection, which protects you from serious structural problems or major repairs. You can hire any licensed inspector, and we can share a list of local inspectors we trust. If the inspection finds major issues, you can renegotiate or walk away.
Your lender hires an independent appraiser to make sure the price is fair. A low appraisal can reduce how much the bank will lend. If that happens, we'll help you decide what to do next, including whether to appeal.
Your lender and title company prepare all the closing documents. Once everything is signed, you are the legal owner of your new home.
Buying a home can feel overwhelming. Work with the Samantha Eisenberg Group and get a personalized plan from start to finish. Call (917) 952-9966 or send us a message.
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