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Buyer's Guide

Everything you need to know about finding the right home, making a competitive offer, and navigating a smooth closing.

A Step-by-Step First Time Buyer's Guide

Buying a home is an exciting milestone, and being prepared helps make the experience even more rewarding. This step-by-step guide outlines what to expect throughout the process and provides the foundation for a smooth, confident home-buying journey.

Step 1:

Begin Your Research

Start by getting familiar with the areas and home types that fit your needs. Explore whether you prefer a condo, townhome, or single-family home and make note of the features that matter most to you.

Pay attention to changes in pricing and availability—tracking trends early helps you understand the market, and positions you to make a confident, well-informed offer when the right home appears.

Step 2:

Determine Your Budget

Before speaking with a lender, decide what monthly payment feels comfortable for your lifestyle. A pre-approval amount may not reflect what you want to spend, so review your household budget carefully.

Factor in expenses that may be new to you—such as utilities, HOA dues, insurance, or increased commuting costs—to ensure your home purchase aligns with your financial goals.

Step 3:

Get Prequalified

A mortgage prequalification helps define your price range and strengthens your position when you make an offer. Lenders review your income, credit, employment history, and overall financial profile to determine what you qualify for.

Having this step completed in advance shows sellers you’re serious and ready, which can make a significant difference in a competitive market.

Step 4:

Choose the Right Real Estate Experts

While it’s possible to navigate the process alone, having an experienced real estate professional on your side makes the journey smoother and more strategic.

Rich and the DiGiovanna Realty Group provide local market insight, coordinate showings, guide you through evaluations, and handle the offer and negotiation process—ensuring you avoid common mistakes and stay competitive in today’s market.

Step 5:

Find the Right Home

This is the most enjoyable part of the process. DRG will schedule showings for homes that match your needs and budget. As you tour properties, take notes on what you like and what concerns you.

Check functionality—try light switches, open closets, test water pressure—and take time to explore the neighborhood. Look at traffic patterns, parking availability, and proximity to schools, parks, and essential services.

A home should work for both your lifestyle and your daily routine.

Passion & Expertise

DiGiovanna Realty Group is committed to providing a personalized home-buying experience grounded in local market knowledge and clear guidance. Rich takes the time to understand your goals, preferences, and timeline so every step of the process supports your needs and leads you toward the right home.

Step 6:

Make an Offer

Once you’ve found the right home, Rich will help you evaluate comparable sales and current market conditions to determine a fair and strategic offer.

Depending on demand, your offer may be below, at, or above the list price. Rich guides you through negotiations, including counters and contract terms, to help you reach an agreement that aligns with your goals.

Step 7:

Schedule the Home Inspection

Most offers include a home inspection to identify any major issues or needed repairs. Rich coordinates the scheduling and helps you understand the results.

If significant concerns arise, you can renegotiate terms or request repairs. If all looks good, the contract moves forward to the next step.

Step 8:

Select Your Loan Program

After your offer is accepted, you’ll finalize your mortgage with the lender who prequalified you. Loan options may include fixed-rate, adjustable-rate, VA, FHA, or other programs based on your financial profile.

Your lender will help you determine the option that best fits your comfort level and long-term plans.

Step 9:

Complete the Home Appraisal

Your lender will order an appraisal to confirm the property’s value and ensure the loan amount is appropriate. This is a standard part of the financing process and helps protect both you and the lender by verifying the home is priced accurately.

Step 10:

Finalize the Paperwork

As you approach settlement, your lender and title company prepare all required documents for closing. They’ll review the financial details, outline final costs, and make sure everything is ready for your signature.

Once complete, you’ll be the legal owner of your new home—and ready to take the next step in your move.

Congratulations!

Once you’ve signed the final documents at closing, you officially become the owner of your new home. Funding typically follows shortly after, and once the transaction is complete and recorded, you’ll receive the keys and be ready to move into your new space with confidence.

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