For Buyers
Your complete guide to buying a home in the greater Dayton area
Everything that happens between deciding to buy and getting your keys, laid out step by step, so you always know what's next.
The home buying process, step by step
Get pre-approved
Before you look at a single listing, talk to a lender and get pre-approved, not just pre-qualified. This tells you your real budget and makes your offer credible when you find the right home.
Define what you're actually looking for
Separate your must-haves (location, bedrooms, budget) from your nice-to-haves. This keeps your search focused and makes it much easier to move quickly when the right home comes on the market.
Tour homes with a plan
We'll set up a search tailored to your criteria and tour homes together. I'll point out things you might miss, like structural concerns, resale considerations, and questions worth asking the seller.
Make a competitive offer
Pricing strategy, contingencies, and timing all affect whether your offer gets accepted. I'll pull comparable sales and help you put together an offer that's competitive without overpaying.
Inspection and appraisal
Once your offer is accepted, a home inspector checks the property for issues, and an appraiser confirms its value for your lender. We'll negotiate any repairs or credits that come up.
Final visit and closing
Days before closing, we do a final visit to confirm the home's condition. Then it's just paperwork and signatures, and the keys are yours.
Free Workshop
Path to Homeownership
This free workshop breaks homeownership down into simple, manageable steps, whether you're ready to buy in a few months or a few years. By the end, you'll understand:
- Whether you're ready to buy a home
- What lenders actually look for
- How much money you'll need
- How to prepare financially
- The step-by-step home buying process
- Your personalized next steps
Sign up for the next workshop
Leave your info below and I'll follow up with the date, location, and everything you need to know.
Frequently asked questions
How much do I need for a down payment?+
It depends on your loan type. Conventional loans can require as little as 3-5% down, while other programs may require more or less. We'll go over what makes sense for your specific financial situation and goals.
Do I need a real estate agent as a buyer?+
In most transactions, the seller pays commission, so working with a buyer's agent typically costs you nothing out of pocket while giving you dedicated representation, access to listings, and negotiation support.
How long does the home buying process take?+
From your first showing to closing day, a typical timeline runs 30-60 days once you're under contract. The search phase before that varies widely depending on inventory and how specific your criteria are.
What's the difference between pre-qualified and pre-approved?+
Pre-qualification is a rough estimate based on unverified information. Pre-approval means a lender has actually verified your income, assets, and credit, which is a much stronger signal to sellers that you're ready to buy.
Ready to start looking?
Let's talk about your budget, timeline, and what you're looking for. No pressure, just a conversation.
Let's talk