GET FINANCES IN ORDER.  Clean up your credit report if neccesary and don't make any large purchases. Establish how much house you can afford and get a pre-approval letter.  Most sellers require it to be submitted along with your offer.

WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?  Make a list that includes "must-haves", "would like but flexible", and "deal breakers".

START THE SEARCH.  I will program the MLS to email us both new listings within your search parameters as they hit the market.  Meanwhile you should preview neighborhoods, drive around in the evening and on the weekend.  I will share my knowledge of the area, schools, parks, shopping, drive times, etc. 

MAKE AN OFFER.  I will run comparables for you so you have a good idea of the home's market value.   Too low and sellers might be insulted and not too anxious to deal with you on your next offer.  Too high and you'll never know the seller's low point.   Other factors that affect price are 1.) How long has the house been on the market? If only a short time the sellers might not be too motivated. 2.)  How does the house compare with others for sale in the same neighborhood? 3.)  Is the house in need of repairs or massive updates? Updating items such as insulated windows, plumbing and electrical systems, kitchens, and baths can be costly. 4.) How much time is left in the roof?  5.) What about the neighborhood, do you foresee home values climbing, staying the same, or possibly taking a downturn?  Analyze each home's condition and compare it to others on the market, but your final offer will likely involve a good deal of gut instinct. Is it the house for you? If you've been searching for a home for a while, you will probably know the answer to that question the minute you walk in the door.

INSPECTION PERIOD.  The contract will provide for 7-14 days for inspections.  I always recommend a 4 point home inspection, wood destroying organism inspection, and septic inspection if no recent permits on record.

FUNDS TO CLOSE.  As your closing date nears, everyone involved in your real estate transaction is checking progress on a daily basis to make sure that any problems that arise are dealt with in a timely manner to avoide delaying closing. You should have access to your final closing statement 3 days before closing so you will know how much to wire on the day of closing.  Funds must always be in the form of a wire transfer.

SETTLEMENT.  The closing or settlement is the event that transfers ownership of the property to you.  Your lender and I will be there along with the closing agent (title agent or lawyer).  There are lots of papers to sign and I am prepared to explain any of the documents that you might have questions about.  You receive keys after you sign and copies of all documents.  Originals are sent to the Clerk of Court to be recorded and may take several weeks to be mailed to you.