The Buying Process
Buying a home can be an exciting and emotional experience. As local Kansas City real estate experts, you can rely on us to guide you through the home buying process so you can feel comfortable and confident each step of the way.
Find a Home TodayGet Pre-Approved
The first step to buying a home is to understand your buying power and establish a price range. We can help you get the process started by connecting you with one of our trusted local mortgage lenders who can evaluate your financial standing and provide pre-approval for a mortgage. Why is pre-approval important? It shows you’re financially prepared to buy a house and that there won’t be any delays in the closing process, which can make you seem more appealing to a seller. If they’re choosing between multiple offers, having pre-approval might just be what sets you apart. It will also give you a budget guideline for your search so you know what price range to stick to.
The Home Search
Start your search for the perfect home right here with up-to-date MLS listings in your favorite neighborhoods. Create your free account to save your favorite properties, request showings and more! Our team of REALTORs® will also search on your behalf for homes for sale in Kansas City. When you find a home that you like, we will schedule a showing tour for you to preview the property in person.
Make An Offer
Finding your dream home is only half the battle in the home buying process. When you are ready to move forward with a purchase, we will work with you to build the strongest offer possible. We will discuss the purchase price, the closing date, sale contingencies and any special stipulations for your particular purchase and draw up the necessary paperwork on your behalf. Once your offer is submitted, the seller may accept, reject or counter the offer. If the seller returns a counter, we will enter a negotiation period until both parties reach an agreement.
Under Contract
If your offer is accepted, you will officially be under contract. The purchase will not be complete until closing, but the home cannot be sold to anyone else while the contract remains in effect. At this point, unless you are making a cash purchase, it will be time to make an earnest money deposit and secure your mortgage loan. Mortgage lenders offer a wide range of loan programs, so it's important to work with a lender you trust to help you determine the best loan for your circumstances.
Home Inspection
Inspecting the physical condition of your next home is a vital part of the home buying process. You don’t want to be blindsided by serious safety concerns or defects that were undiscovered in the home search process. We provide a list of recommended home inspectors to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the entire property. You’ll receive a report of any problems with the condition of the home's structure or systems, including pest infestations, mold, and more. Depending on the findings and purchase agreement, additional rounds of negotiation may follow to resolve any problems discovered during the inspection.
Home Appraisal
Your lender will arrange a professional appraisal of the home. An appraisal is an unbiased estimate of the true (or fair market) value of a home and is conducted by an independent third party. The appraiser will confirm the value of the property to make sure you’re paying the right amount on the home and property taxes. If the home appraises at less than the expected value, you may have the option to renegotiate the purchase agreement or terminate the contract.
The Final Walkthrough
Prior to closing, we will conduct a final walkthrough of the home to ensure that all negotiated repairs have been completed and that the home is in the same (or better) condition as when the original offer was made. This is the final opportunity to call out any problems with the home before closing. Depending on the purchase agreement, you may sign a formal contract addendum confirming that the walkthrough is complete and the condition of the home is acceptable.
Closing!
Time to celebrate! Your lender will provide a final closing disclosure that summarizes the loan terms, monthly payments, taxes, and other costs associated with the closing, which you will review for errors. When you’re cleared to close, all parties will sign the purchase paperwork and loan agreement. Once the paperwork is signed by all parties and your loan is funded, you will receive the keys to your house and can officially move into your new home!
Tools For Buyers
Home Search
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Featured Listings
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