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A First- Time Hombuyer Guide RANDY@THEDELREALGROUP.COM WWW.THEDELREALGROUP.COM (209) 481-7096 Big Dreams. First Home. The Right Team Beside You. Your 7 Step Roadmap toHomeownershipRandy Thomas
Every homeowner started exactly where you are—with a dream, a few questions, and a first step. That’s where The Del Real Group comes in. We’ve simplified the home-buying journey into 7 clear, manageable steps so you can spend less time wondering what comes next and more time getting excited about what’s ahead. From understanding your budget to making a smart offer and finally getting your keys, The Del Real Group is here to provide the expertise, guidance, and support you need at every step. Your first home starts with a plan. Let’s make it happen. YOUR JOURNEY HERES t a r t sS t a r t sS t a r t sS t a r t s FROM “WHERE DO I START?” TO “WELCOME HOME.” T H E 7 S T E P S 01 02 03 04 05 06 07GET PRE- APPROVEDDEFINE YOUR MUST HAVESSEARCH FOR HOMESMAKE AN OFFERINSPECT & NEGOTIATEFINALIZE YOUR LOANCLOSE & GET THE KEYS
Gather income and financial documents STEP 01 GET PRE-APPROVED Know your numbers before you shop. Before falling in love with a home. find out what you can comfortably afford. A lender will review your income, credit, debts, savings, and financial goals to help determine your potenta purchasing power YOUR CHECKLIST Talk with a trusted lender. Review your credit. Discuss downpayment options. Estimate your comfortable monthly payment. Receive your pre-approval. ASK YOUR LENDER What loan programs could I qualify for? How much down payment I need? What would my estimated monthly income payment be? What closing costs should I prepare for? Are there first-time buyer assistance program I should explore?PRO TIP: Your manium approval amount and your comfortable budget don't have to be the some number.
Separate what you need from what would be nice to have. STEP 02 DEFINE YOUR MUST- HAVES MUST HAVE NICE TO HAVE DEAL BREAKERS Things you aren’t willing to compromise on. Features you’d love bur cound live without. Things that would make you walkaway.THINK ABOUT: Location Monthly Payment Number of bedrooms Number of bathrooms Commute School considerations Yard/ outdoor space HOA Parking/ garage Future space needs
Look beyond the pretty kitchen. STEP 03 TOUR & COMPARE HOMES Touring homes is exciting but try to evaluate each property objectively. PRICE Does it fit comfortably with your budget? LOCATION Does the neighborhood work for your everydoy life? CONDITION Does the property appear well maintained? MONTHLY COST Consider more than the mortgage- taxes, insurance, HOA fees, utilities and maintenances can matter to. FUTURE FIT Does the property appear well maintained?HOME SCORECARD PROPERTY: PRICE: EST. PAYMENT LOCATION: CONDITIONS: LAYOUT: MUST- HAVES: OVERALLL: NOTES:
REMEMBER: MAKE A SMART OFFER STEP 05 Found the one? Now strategy matters Your agent can help you evaluate the property, comparable sales, current market conditions and other factors before deciding what to offer. YO U R O F F E R M AY A D D R E S S : P U R C H A S E P R I C E F I N A N C I N G E A R N E ST M O N E Y D E P O S I T CO N T I N G E N C I E S I N S P EC T I O N P E R I O D C LO S I N G T I M E L I N E S E L L E R CO N C E S S I O N S The strongest offer isn't always simply the highest offer. Terms and market conditions matter too.
STEP 05 INSPECT & NEGOTIATE Once you/re under contract, your due-diligence period is an important opportunity to leam more about the home.HOME QUESTIONS TO ASK What needs immediate attention? INSPECTIONS MAY INCLUDE;ROOFPESTHVACSEPTICPLUMBINGELECTRICALAPPLIANCES What could potentially wait? What should I budget after moving in?
Final Document Request FINALIZE YOUR LOAN STEP 06 You’re getting close. While you're preparing for closing, your lender will work through the final stages of your financing. Appraisal Underwriting Homeowners Insurance Final Loan Approval Review of Closing Figures IMPORTANT Avoid making major financiol changes without first speoking with your lender. That can include opening new credit accounts, financing a vehicle, changing employment, or making unusually large purchases.ALMOST HOME. YOUR KEYS ARE CLOSER THAN EVER.
Final Document Request FINALIZE YOUR LOAN STEP 06 You’re getting close. While you're preparing for closing, your lender will work through the final stages of your financing. Appraisal Underwriting Homeowners Insurance Final Loan Approval Review of Closing Figures IMPORTANT Avoid making major financiol changes without first speoking with your lender. That can include opening new credit accounts, financing a vehicle, changing employment, or making unusually large purchases.ALMOST HOME. YOUR KEYS ARE CLOSER THAN EVER.
CLOSE & GET YOUR KEYSSTEP 07 Welcome Home.FINAL CHECKLIST Before closing, you’ll typically complete final steps such a reviewing documents and confirming the funds needed for closing. Depending on your transaction you may also complete a final walkthrough before signing. Review of closing figures Review closing instructions Confirm funds and transfer intructions securely Bring required IDs Sign closing documents Receive your keysCelebrate becoming a homeowner!This is the beginning of your new chapter!