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Buyer's Guide

Homebuyer's Guide

Buying a home should be one of the most exciting milestones of your life. To prepare yourself for this moment, you need to know what to expect during the process. This step-by-step first-time homebuyer’s guide created by our team will reduce the stress of buying a home and help you enjoy the journey.

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Step 1: Compile Your Wish List

Decide which communities, home features, and property types you and your family prefer. Have candid conversations about which of these characteristics are required, and which are “nice to have” in your next home.

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Step 2: Decide on Your Budget

Examine your current expenses and determine how they might change if you purchase a home. Create a comprehensive household budget so you can factor in any new ongoing expenses that might come with a home purchase, such as garbage and recycling, water, or homeowner’s association fees. Once you decide how these expenses will change, you’ll be better equipped to leverage the information you get in step three.

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Step 3: Get Prequalified

Prequalification is a great start for understanding your purchasing power, but it’s not the only factor. A lender may pre-approve you for more than you’re comfortable spending, which is why the budget you compiled in step two is so important. The opposite can also happen, where you believe you can afford a certain payment every month, but the bank doesn’t agree. This often happens when you’re new to your job, have insufficient credit, or have bankruptcies or other financial issues in your history.

You’re not required to stick with this lender when you ultimately finance your purchase, but this process is a great way to vet mortgage providers. Also, a prequalification letter can make you a more competitive candidate in multiple-offer situations.

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Step 4: Choose Your Real Estate Experts

Now it’s time to find your dedicated real estate representative! Regulations enacted in 2024 require real estate agents to obtain a signed buyer’s agreement before showing consumers homes. Of course, we do a great deal more than opening up listings; we can help you understand your local market, identify areas and properties that fit your specific criteria, help you create competitive offers that match your financial and logistical needs, and much more.

Dedicated Service, Real Results

Finding the perfect home and navigating the purchase process can be daunting. Leverage our knowledge and expertise and enjoy your personalized real estate journey.

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Step 5: Find the Right Home

Your agent will arrange showings of properties that meet your specific criteria and price range, taking note of your likes and dislikes to further refine their search parameters. They’ll help you explore the details — from storage to light switches to the flow of a home — and understand the pros and cons of the options in front of you. They’ll also help you make time to explore the neighborhood and examine elements like local traffic at different times of the day, parking options, and proximity to neighborhood amenities like schools and grocery stores.

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Step 6: Finalize Your Financing

Once you’ve narrowed down your home search, it’s time to go back to the mortgage provider who prequalified you in step three and obtain preapproval. With a property and purchase price in mind, your lender can get much more specific about your interest rate, monthly payments, the term of the loan, and special programs such as first-time homebuyer grants and loans through the VA and FHA. While you will primarily work with your bank to select the right options for you, we’re here to offer support and recommend mortgage providers we’ve worked with in the past if you get stuck.

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Step 7: Make an Offer

Once you have selected the perfect home and have your finances in order, your agent will help you craft a fair offer price based on the value of comparable homes on the market. You’ll also work through details such as timing, contingencies, and fees. After your agent submits the offer on your behalf, they will help you negotiate counteroffers and reach an agreement with the seller. At this point, the house will go into escrow.

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Step 8: Have the Home Inspected

In most cases, your offer will be contingent on the home passing inspection. This protects you from purchasing a property that has serious structural issues or requires major repairs. We have a list of trusted local providers, but you can hire any licensed home inspector you like. If the inspection uncovers major issues, you can withdraw from the sale or renegotiate your offer based on what needs to be fixed.

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Step 9: Obtain a Home Appraisal

The appraisal ensures that you are paying a fair price for the house. Your mortgage provider will hire an appraiser to inspect the property and offer an independent opinion of its value. Sometimes, appraisals may come in too low, which can impact the amount of money the bank is willing to lend. In this case, your agent can help you determine next steps and navigate the appeal process.

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Step 10: Complete the Paperwork

No one looks forward to all the paperwork stacked up on the closing table, but it’s a necessary part of the process. Fortunately, everything will be arranged by your lender and title company. And, when you’re finished, you’ll be the legal owner of your new home.

Testimonials

"Sandra is a phenomenal real estate agent! She is extremely responsive and generous with her time. She walked us through each step of the process and helped us to find just the right house at just the right time in a very aggressive market!"
"Sandra is a phenomenal real estate agent! She is extremely responsive and generous with her time. She walked us through each step of the process and helped us to find just the right house at just the right time in a very aggressive market!"
Amanda S.
"Ray did an outstanding job navigating me through the home-buying experience. He was able to negotiate a fair price and ensure my offer was accepted. Ray was always responsive and willing to speak with me whenever I had questions. After my pleasant experience on the buying side with Ray, I hired him to list my old house. The experience on the selling side was equally impressive. I would recommend working with Ray."
"Ray did an outstanding job navigating me through the home-buying experience. He was able to negotiate a fair price and ensure my offer was accepted. Ray was always responsive and willing to speak with me whenever I had questions. After my pleasant experience on the buying side with Ray, I hired him to list my old house. The experience on the selling side was equally impressive. I would recommend working with Ray."
Wymorean
"Ray is an excellent real estate agent and was really helpful in both the purchase of our new home and the sale of our previous one. He went out of his way to explain things completely and took his time in doing so. We had a wonderful experience in working with him and highly recommend him to anyone with real estate needs. He is knowledgeable, friendly, and really knows his trade. Thank you, Ray!"
"Ray is an excellent real estate agent and was really helpful in both the purchase of our new home and the sale of our previous one. He went out of his way to explain things completely and took his time in doing so. We had a wonderful experience in working with him and highly recommend him to anyone with real estate needs. He is knowledgeable, friendly, and really knows his trade. Thank you, Ray!"
Buyer
"I was very fortunate to have Sandra as my realtor. She is extremely personable, knowledgeable and professional. When we went to look at the condo I wound up purchasing, I said "This is it. I am not losing this condo!" Sandra said "I've got you." I truly believe that I would not have this condo if it weren't for her promptness and efficiency. Sandra made it happen! She kept me informed of the buying process every step of the way. I was able to reach her 7 days per week. She was a pleasure to work with! I would give her 10 stars if that was an option."
"I was very fortunate to have Sandra as my realtor. She is extremely personable, knowledgeable and professional. When we went to look at the condo I wound up purchasing, I said "This is it. I am not losing this condo!" Sandra said "I've got you." I truly believe that I would not have this condo if it weren't for her promptness and efficiency. Sandra made it happen! She kept me informed of the buying process every step of the way. I was able to reach her 7 days per week. She was a pleasure to work with! I would give her 10 stars if that was an option."
Stephanie S.
"Sandra is hands-down the best realtor/human being you could meet in this business. She went over and beyond for months for my family and son, who has special needs. We went through hundreds of houses she never got tired. She understands that this is a purchase of a lifetime and will continue to hunt for a house until she finds the perfect one for you, and in this business, realtors just want to make commission, but not Sandra. Sandra understands that this is a buy of a lifetime and will not settle for anything other than the best. She is the best and has a heart of gold. She will make this the purchase of a lifetime. She is beyond amazing. It is a privilege to work with this woman. There are realtors in this business that look at you as a commission, and I would never go to anybody other than her. She’s got my business for life. What a great human being and great realtor. What a privilege."
"Sandra is hands-down the best realtor/human being you could meet in this business. She went over and beyond for months for my family and son, who has special needs. We went through hundreds of houses she never got tired. She understands that this is a purchase of a lifetime and will continue to hunt for a house until she finds the perfect one for you, and in this business, realtors just want to make commission, but not Sandra. Sandra understands that this is a buy of a lifetime and will not settle for anything other than the best. She is the best and has a heart of gold. She will make this the purchase of a lifetime. She is beyond amazing. It is a privilege to work with this woman. There are realtors in this business that look at you as a commission, and I would never go to anybody other than her. She’s got my business for life. What a great human being and great realtor. What a privilege."
Azeza B.
"Sandy went above and beyond for me and my fiancé and is a master negotiator! She got us our dream home even when other sellers had a better offer than us on the table. She fought hard every day on our behalf to make sure we got the home that we have always been praying for. She actually cares about her clients, and it's definitely not just about the money to her; she wants what's best for her clients first and foremost. She's very easy to talk to, answered my questions promptly, and most importantly, was very honest. I highly recommend her to anyone looking for a home. She will fight tooth and nail for you."
"Sandy went above and beyond for me and my fiancé and is a master negotiator! She got us our dream home even when other sellers had a better offer than us on the table. She fought hard every day on our behalf to make sure we got the home that we have always been praying for. She actually cares about her clients, and it's definitely not just about the money to her; she wants what's best for her clients first and foremost. She's very easy to talk to, answered my questions promptly, and most importantly, was very honest. I highly recommend her to anyone looking for a home. She will fight tooth and nail for you."
David K.
"Ray Matti has been an invaluable asset throughout the process of purchasing my first home. He consistently provides assistance whenever I reach out to him via call or text, and he is prompt in addressing urgent issues. Having worked with several other Realtors in the past, I can confidently say that Ray's expertise and professionalism set him apart from the rest. Moving forward, I have no intention of seeking assistance from anyone other than Ray. I am truly grateful for his help in finding my dream home. Thank you, Ray!"
"Ray Matti has been an invaluable asset throughout the process of purchasing my first home. He consistently provides assistance whenever I reach out to him via call or text, and he is prompt in addressing urgent issues. Having worked with several other Realtors in the past, I can confidently say that Ray's expertise and professionalism set him apart from the rest. Moving forward, I have no intention of seeking assistance from anyone other than Ray. I am truly grateful for his help in finding my dream home. Thank you, Ray!"
Caleb S.
"Ray is a Professional Million Dollar Realtor! I told him what I wanted. I’m a Midnight worker, and my time was quite limited. I’m grateful he worked for me and was very compassionate. I wanted a Condo in 30 days. Ray went about it. I was limited to Westland. Ray educated me to extend my death. Within 2 and 1/2 weeks. He found the best place for me. I would definitely recommend Ray to everyone I know."
"Ray is a Professional Million Dollar Realtor! I told him what I wanted. I’m a Midnight worker, and my time was quite limited. I’m grateful he worked for me and was very compassionate. I wanted a Condo in 30 days. Ray went about it. I was limited to Westland. Ray educated me to extend my death. Within 2 and 1/2 weeks. He found the best place for me. I would definitely recommend Ray to everyone I know."
Ms. Hatchett
"Ray was the best realtor that I had the pleasure of using to buy my house. I have already recommended him to 3 other people looking for a home. He gets the job done. When you call him, he picks up his phone. Very professional."
"Ray was the best realtor that I had the pleasure of using to buy my house. I have already recommended him to 3 other people looking for a home. He gets the job done. When you call him, he picks up his phone. Very professional."
Jim B.
"Sandra was extremely professional and very personable. She made me feel comfortable right from the start and responded very quickly to all my concerns. My house was sold in less than 3 weeks, and I couldn’t be happier with the result. The process was smooth and flawless, and Sandra did a fantastic job and was delightful to work with. I will definitely be using Sandra in the future, and I highly recommend her."
"Sandra was extremely professional and very personable. She made me feel comfortable right from the start and responded very quickly to all my concerns. My house was sold in less than 3 weeks, and I couldn’t be happier with the result. The process was smooth and flawless, and Sandra did a fantastic job and was delightful to work with. I will definitely be using Sandra in the future, and I highly recommend her."
Saad M.
"Ray and Sande Mattie were absolutely lovely and made everything a seamless process! I feel like they are my family. I am so very grateful that I was able to have their guidance in selling and the purchase of my new home."
"Ray and Sande Mattie were absolutely lovely and made everything a seamless process! I feel like they are my family. I am so very grateful that I was able to have their guidance in selling and the purchase of my new home."
Amanda Easlick
"They are amazing! My house was listed for one weekend and they got me 20k+ over asking"
"They are amazing! My house was listed for one weekend and they got me 20k+ over asking"
Julian Brodersen
"The most caring, honest, and devoted realtors i ever had. The time they spent guiding me through selling my NY home and buying my Troy MI home was needed and very well appreciated. They remain in touch after fact. They genuinely care. I strongly recommend them. "
"The most caring, honest, and devoted realtors i ever had. The time they spent guiding me through selling my NY home and buying my Troy MI home was needed and very well appreciated. They remain in touch after fact. They genuinely care. I strongly recommend them. "
Ahmed Radwan
"Hands down the best realtors I’ve worked with, I am an investor with many properties and have built many connections in this industry. I hope to continue to work with Ray and Sandy on many future transactions. They provide exceptional service, modern day tech, and professional guidance throughout the whole transaction."
"Hands down the best realtors I’ve worked with, I am an investor with many properties and have built many connections in this industry. I hope to continue to work with Ray and Sandy on many future transactions. They provide exceptional service, modern day tech, and professional guidance throughout the whole transaction."
Al Makdisi
"Ray has been amazing throughout our entire home buying experience. He is extremely knowledgeable, HONEST, patient and professional. He and his team helped us find the dream home we wanted within our budget and has the interpersonal skills to negotiate and secure the contract for our home. My wife and I couldn't be happier with our experience with Ray. Thank you so much again! "
"Ray has been amazing throughout our entire home buying experience. He is extremely knowledgeable, HONEST, patient and professional. He and his team helped us find the dream home we wanted within our budget and has the interpersonal skills to negotiate and secure the contract for our home. My wife and I couldn't be happier with our experience with Ray. Thank you so much again! "
D Barry

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