Buyer's Guide
Your Guide to Buying a Home
Step 1
Find An Agent
Step 2
GET PRE-QUALIFIED
Before beginning your home search, securing a mortgage pre-approval is an essential first step—unless you plan to purchase with cash. Pre-approval helps define your budget and positions you as a prepared, serious buyer in a competitive market.
Valerie Lachowski can connect you with trusted lending partners who will review your financial profile and determine your purchasing power, ensuring your home search is focused, confident, and aligned with your goals.
STEP 3
VISIT PROPERTIES
Attend viewings and open houses across a variety of neighborhoods and property types to gain a clear understanding of what best fits your lifestyle. This is the time to evaluate accessibility, nearby amenities, and long-term livability—ensuring your future home supports both your daily needs and long-term goals.
STEP 4
NEGOTIATE
When you find a home you love, Valerie Lachowski will prepare and submit a strong, well-structured offer on your behalf. She guides you through every response—from acceptance to counteroffers or revisions—using strategic insight and current market expertise.
Each step of the negotiation process is handled with care and precision, ensuring informed decisions while protecting your best interests.
Valerie Lachowski delivers thoughtful, personalized service centered on your goals—guiding you through a smooth, confident journey to the home that’s right for you.
STEP 5
REVIEW
Once your offer is accepted, it’s essential to carefully review the purchase contract and all required disclosures to fully understand the terms, timelines, and responsibilities involved.
Valerie Lachowski will guide you through this process with clarity and attention to detail, ensuring every document is thoroughly reviewed and your interests are protected throughout the transaction.
STEP 6
GO TO CONTRACT
Sign the purchase contract and submit your deposit, which is typically 10% of the purchase price. This step formally secures the agreement and moves the transaction forward.
STEP 7
COMPLETE LOAN APPLICATION
The lender will arrange an appraisal, working with the agents to review comparable properties and confirm the home’s market value.
STEP 8
PREPARE YOUR BOARD PACKAGE
If you’re purchasing a home within a homeowners association (HOA) or condominium community, additional approval steps may be required, including an application and financial documentation for the association.
Valerie Lachowski will guide you through each step—helping you gather required materials, understand HOA rules and fees, and coordinate with the association to keep your purchase moving forward smoothly. For non-HOA properties, this step is typically not required, allowing you to proceed directly toward closing.
STEP 9
BOARD APPROVES THE PURCHASE
Once all requirements have been completed and reviewed, final approval of your purchase is confirmed—clearing the way to move forward toward closing.
Valerie Lachowski will guide you through the remaining steps, ensuring timelines are met and every detail is handled smoothly so you can focus on preparing for your new home.
STEP 10
BANK ISSUES The CLEARANCE TO CLOSE
STEP 11
CLOSING SCHEDULED BY ATTORNEYS
STEP 12
FINAL WALK-THROUGH WITH YOUR AGENT
STEP 13
CLOSING
Congratulations, You are now a home owner!
