Maury Residential · A guide for home buyers
Your Home Buying Guide
A clearer path from “Where do I start?” to “Welcome home.”
Welcome
Buying a home comes with a lot of moving pieces, and some parts of the process may feel unfamiliar, especially if you’re buying your first home. This guide gives you a clear picture of what to expect, from getting ready to buy through closing day and beyond.
You don’t need to know everything before we start. We’ll take it one step at a time. I’ll help you understand your options, make informed decisions, and keep things moving in the right direction.
Let’s start with a look at the road ahead.
The process at a glance
Your Road Home
A simple look at what happens between deciding to buy and getting the keys. Every purchase is a little different, but this is the general path we’ll follow.
- 01 / 10
Let’s talk
We’ll discuss your goals, timing, preferred areas, budget, and what matters most in your next home.
- 02 / 10
Build your search
I’ll create a personalized home search and watch the market for opportunities worth considering.
- 03 / 10
Get financially ready
Before touring, we’ll have a current pre-approval or appropriate proof of funds in place.
- 04 / 10
Tour & evaluate
We’ll see homes in person, compare the options, and look beyond first impressions.
- 05 / 10
Make an offer
We’ll review the property and market, then develop a strategy around price and terms.
- 06 / 10
Negotiate & get under contract
We’ll work through any counteroffers and negotiations until we have an agreement.
- 07 / 10
Inspect & investigate
We’ll arrange appropriate inspections and due diligence, then evaluate the findings.
- 08 / 10
Prepare for closing
Financing, appraisal if required, title, insurance, and other details come together.
- 09 / 10
Final walkthrough & closing
We’ll take one last look, complete settlement, and get the keys.
- 10 / 10
Welcome home
I’ll remain a resource long after you’ve moved in.
Getting started
Finding the Right Home
The first step is understanding what you’re looking for.
We’ll talk about why you’re moving, your timing, where you’d like to live, what matters most in your next home, and what you’re comfortable spending.
Some buyers know exactly what they want. Others start with a general idea that becomes clearer as they explore the market. Either way is fine.
Once I understand what you’re looking for, I’ll create a personalized home search connected directly to our local real estate listing system. You’ll see current listing information, including new homes, price changes, and status updates. Your search can alert you shortly after a home matching your criteria is listed.
I’ll create that search for you, and I’ll also be watching the market myself for opportunities that may be a good fit.
As we eventually begin touring homes, we’ll learn more. Something you thought was essential may turn out to be less important, or something you hadn’t considered may become a priority. We’ll fine-tune the search together as that happens.
The goal isn’t to find every home that could work. It’s to find the right one for you.
Before the first showing
Before We Start Touring
Before we start visiting homes in person, we need to know that you’re financially prepared to move forward when we find the right one. That means a current pre-approval if you’re financing, or appropriate proof of funds if you’re paying cash.
If You’re Financing
A good lender can help you understand your loan options, estimated monthly payment, and what you’ll need financially to complete your purchase.
If you don’t already have a lender, I can connect you with local professionals who can explain your options and help you get pre-approved. You’re always free to choose the lender who’s right for you.
What you’re approved to borrow and what you’re comfortable spending aren’t necessarily the same number.
We want a price range that makes sense for your life, not simply the maximum a lender is willing to approve.
If You’re Paying Cash
We’ll make sure appropriate proof of funds is available so we’re ready to provide it when needed with an offer.
Either way, the goal is the same: know what you’re comfortable spending and be ready when the right home comes along.
Understanding the Numbers
There are expenses involved in buying a home beyond the purchase price. Exactly what you’ll need depends on your financing, the property, and how we structure your offer.
Before you commit, we’ll talk through what to expect. Some expenses come up during the transaction, while others are handled at closing. Depending on the circumstances, we may also be able to negotiate for the seller to contribute toward certain closing costs.
You should understand the numbers before you make the commitment, not after.
A different perspective
See Beyond the Home
Before becoming a real estate agent, I spent six years as a professional home inspector and performed more than 3,000 home inspections.
That experience still shapes the way I look at homes today. When we tour a property, we’ll naturally be looking at it from two slightly different perspectives.
You’re asking
Can I picture myself living here?
Does the layout work? Does the neighborhood feel right? Is there enough room? Can I see myself coming home to this place every day?
I’m also looking at
- Age and apparent condition of major systems
- Roof and exterior condition
- Drainage and grading
- Visible signs of moisture
- Previous repairs or alterations
- Deferred maintenance
- Potential future expenses
- Conditions worth investigating during an inspection
My experience doesn’t replace an independent professional home inspection, and when appropriate I’ll recommend that you have one performed. But it does mean that when we walk through a house together, I’m looking beyond the countertops and fresh paint.
My goal isn’t to talk you into or out of a home. It’s to help you understand what you’re looking at so you can make a better-informed decision.
Making a decision
From the Right Home to Under Contract
Finding a home you love is exciting. Now it’s time to take a closer look and put together a smart strategy.
Before writing an offer, I’ll help you review comparable sales, competing properties, current market conditions, and what we know about the home. Then we’ll talk strategy.
An Offer Is About More Than Price
Depending on the transaction, we’ll consider:
- Purchase price
- Financing
- Earnest money deposit
- Closing date
- Inspection provisions
- Appraisal and financing provisions
- Seller-paid costs or concessions
- Personal property included in the sale
- Other terms important to you or the seller
The goal isn’t simply to “win.” It’s to put together the strongest offer that makes sense for you.
I’ll explain your options, answer your questions, and give you my recommendation. You make the decisions.
Once the offer is submitted, I’ll handle communication with the listing agent and guide you through any counteroffers or negotiations. Sometimes we reach an agreement quickly. Sometimes there’s back and forth. And sometimes the right decision is to walk away.
Once you and the seller have agreed to the terms and everyone has signed, we have a ratified contract. You’re officially under contract.
The details that matter
From Contract to Closing
Once you’re under contract, a lot starts happening at the same time. Inspectors, your lender, an appraiser when required, the settlement company, insurance professionals, and sometimes other specialists may all be involved.
You don’t have to figure out who everyone is or where to find them on your own. I can recommend qualified professionals and help make those connections as they’re needed. The choice of who you work with is always yours.
Depending on the property and your contract, the road to closing may include:
Inspections & Due Diligence
We’ll coordinate appropriate inspections and other due diligence. Once results are in, I’ll help you understand your options and work through decisions or negotiations allowed by your contract.
Financing
Your lender will collect remaining documents, complete underwriting, and work toward final approval. I’ll stay in touch so we can watch milestones and address issues as they arise.
Appraisal
If your financing requires an appraisal, your lender will arrange for an independent appraiser to evaluate the property.
Title & Settlement
Your settlement company researches title and prepares the legal and financial details needed to transfer ownership. I can recommend companies if you need one.
Insurance
You’ll need homeowners insurance in place before closing. If you need a contact, I can connect you with a professional who can help you compare options.
Final Walkthrough
Shortly before closing, we’ll return to the home to confirm it’s in the expected condition and address anything that needs attention before settlement.
Closing
You’ll review and sign the final documents, the transaction will be completed, and ownership will transfer to you. Then comes the part we’ve been working toward: you get the keys.
You don’t need to memorize all of this or manage everyone yourself. I’ll help you navigate it from contract to closing.
Working together
What You Can Expect From Me
Buying a home works best when we communicate well and trust each other enough to have honest conversations.
You can expect me to:
- Listen before I recommend
- Tell you what I think, even when it isn’t what you hoped to hear
- Keep you informed
- Explain things in plain English
- Personally monitor your home search
- Help you evaluate properties objectively
- Bring my home-inspection background to the conversation
- Research the market before recommending an offer strategy
- Negotiate with your interests in mind
- Connect you with professionals you may need
- Track important deadlines and details
- Stay involved from our first conversation through closing
Good communication works both ways. If your plans change, a property catches your attention, or something about the process doesn’t make sense, tell me.
I’d much rather have the conversation than have you wondering.
Buyer Representation
Before I provide certain brokerage services, we’ll discuss and sign a written buyer agreement outlining our relationship, the services I’ll provide, and how compensation works. We’ll go through it together so you understand what you’re signing before we move forward.
No surprises.
After the keys
Closing Isn’t Goodbye
Getting the keys is a pretty great moment. But I don’t want our relationship to end at the closing table.
Homes need things. Contractors. Repairs. Improvements. Maintenance. Sometimes you just want to call somebody and ask, “Does this look right to you?” Call me.
And eventually, life changes again. Maybe you need more space. Maybe you want less. Maybe you’re relocating, buying an investment property, or simply wondering what your home is worth. I’ll be here for that too.
My goal isn’t simply to help you buy a home. It’s to be a resource you can rely on throughout the process and someone you can call long after you’ve been handed the keys.
It starts with finding a home you can’t wait to come home to.