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.

01—

Mortgage Pre-Approval

Unless you're paying cash for your home, you'll need to talk to a good local lender about obtaining a pre-approval letter for financing. The lender can provide answers to questions about interest rates, closing costs, loan products, down payment requirements, & monthly payment expectations. We can provide referrals for mortgage lenders if needed.

02—

Buyer Consultation

We'll discuss your search criteria in detail, review available inventory, and answer any questions about the home buying process. We will set up a digital Compass Collection to share listings and begin a dialogue on specific homes. The Collection assists us in developing a list of homes to tour and keep you updated on the status of these properties. This will maximize efficiency of your time looking at properties that meet your criteria and we can all be on the same page with your timeframe and home ownership goals.

03—

Home Search

After the available properties are narrowed down to your list of favorites, we will schedule buyer tours to see homes that not only fit your criteria but also have great resale potential. Navigating the search process to help you make a smart investment is our priority.

04—

Make An Offer

Once you have found "The One", we will review the comparable sales data to analyze the list price and come up with an offer strategy. We will review the sales contract and offer terms. After which you will sign the offer electronically and we present the offer in writing to the listing agent. You will be guided through the negotiation process and once terms are mutually agreed by buyer and seller, the offer will be revised for the seller to sign. Once the contract is signed by both parties, you will be officially under contract and initial earnest money of typically 1% of the sales price will be due to the title company.

05—

Inspection

We will have an inspection contingency called the "Option Term" which is typically, 5 to 10 business days to conduct inspections after the sales contract is signed. This timeframe is a grace period for which you will pay the Seller a nominal fee (based on the sales price of the home). During this term, we will hire inspectors to find any deficiencies. This will allow us to negotiate seller repairs or credits (applied at closing) so that you may have the repairs done after closing. If we cannot agree on repairs, you may terminate the contract and receive a full refund of your Earnest Money (but forfeit the Option Fee). Note: you may terminate for any reason during this term. Once the option term expires, our contingency will be removed.

06—

Loan Application & Appraisal

If you are obtaining financing, your lender will let you know the list of financial documents necessary to provide to the lender including a couple months of bank statements, tax records, pay stubs etc. Your lender will have an appraisal done on the property.

07—

Underwriting

If you are obtaining financing, you will have a mortgage contingency of typically 21 days to obtain a mortgage commitment. Once your lender has all of your documents, they will send it to underwriting to review. Once underwriting has issued a Clear-to-Close, your loan is complete and the file will be sent to the title company for closing.

08—

Final Walk-Through

Before we head to the closing table, we'll have a final walk through of your future home. This is our chance to make sure the sellers made any repairs agreed to, all appliances and fixtures negotiated were left behind and that the sellers didn't accidentally damage the home when moving out.

09—

Closing

We will attend your closing together at the title company. The escrow officer will explain each form you need to sign and we will review the figures on the settlement statement. Closings typically take an hour on average. When closing is complete and your lender wires the funds to the title company, you'll receive the keys to your new home!

Tools For Buyers

Home Search

Find your new home with up-to-date listings. Save and rate your favorites!

Email Drips

Save your searches and review daily email alerts sent direct to your inbox!

Market Analysis

Make smart decisions with local market reports. Subscribe today!

Featured Listings

Browse featured listings in your area. Sort homes by price, location and more!

Moving Checklist

Two months before your move

Start A File: Create a “moving” file to keep track of vendor quotes, receipts and other records associated with your move.
Create A Budget: Moving can be expensive! Evaluate your resources and establish a realistic budget for making your move.
Request Estimates: Contact reputable moving companies to provide an in-home estimate. If you’re planning a DIY move, compare quotes from truck rental companies in your area.

A month before the move

Get Some Help: Select a moving company and reserve your moving date. Some moving companies will even help you pack!
Gear Up: Order boxes and other supplies such as tape, bubble wrap, labels and permanent markers.
Sort & Purge: It's a great time to get organized! Start sorting your closets, the garage and the attic.
Out With The Old: Host a garage sale or donate your unwanted things to charity.
Update School Records: If you have kids that are in school, arrange to transfer school records.
Change Your Address: Pick up a change of address form from your local post office, or change your address online.
Put Out The Word: Notify charge accounts, insurance companies, health-care providers and other organizations of your pending change of address.

Two weeks before your move

Box It Up: Begin boxing up your belongings, starting with items you won't need to use for a few weeks.
Label Your Life: Make unpacking easier by labeling boxes with the room they belong in.
Disconnect: Schedule disconnects for utilities such as gas, electric, water, and telephone service. Arrange any refunds that are due and schedule connections for your new residence.
Discontinue: Cancel newspapers, Internet, cable TV, security, pest control, cleaning help, lawn maintenance and any other services you subscribe to.
Take A Day: Notify your team that you'll be out of the office.

The week of your move

Take Out The Laundry: Empty dresser drawers, cabinets, and other storage spaces and ensure that all furniture is empty.
The Survival Kit: Pack a suitcase with items you can't live without until you get moved in and unpacked.
Final Scrub: Clean out the refrigerator, wipe down the sink and perform a final cleaning of your home.
Book A Sitter: Arrange any moving-day needs for the kids and pets.
Double-check The Details: Reconfirm the moving company's arrival time and other details.

The day before your move

Emergency Cash: Stash some cash, which may come in handy for a post-move pizza at the end of a long day!
Rest Up: Be sure to get a good night's sleep!
Say Bye: Don't forget to say goodbye to your neighbors!

Moving Day!

Final Walk Through: Do a final walk of your home, turn off the lights and thermostat and lock all the windows and outside doors.
Take Inventory: Before the movers leave, be sure to take an inventory of all your belongings to ensure nothing is missing.