The Home Buying Process — What to Expect

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Buying a home is a big decision—and it starts with a conversation. We'll discuss your goals, timeline, budget, and what you're looking for in a home. This gives us a game plan and sets expectations from the start.

What to do: Schedule a no-pressure consultation so we can get to know each other and talk strategy.
 

Before we look at homes, you’ll want to talk to a lender and get pre-approved. This tells us exactly what price range we’re shopping in and strengthens your offer when you find the right house.

Need a lender recommendation? I have trusted loan officers who will walk you through options and help you understand your financing.
 

Now the fun begins! I’ll send you personalized listings that match your criteria, and we’ll tour homes together—online or in person. I’ll point out resale potential, red flags, and help you see past the staging.

Pro Tip: Keep an open mind. Sometimes the perfect home isn’t what you expected on paper.
 

Once we find the one, I’ll help you write a strong, competitive offer based on current market conditions. I’ll also explain the terms (earnest money, deadlines, contingencies) so you feel confident.

I negotiate on your behalf to get you the best possible terms and protect your interests.
 

Once your offer is accepted, we enter the due diligence phase. This includes:

• Home Inspection
   
• Appraisal
   
• Final loan approval
   
• Reviewing HOA docs or seller disclosures
   

I’ll guide you through each step, schedule inspections, and help you make smart decisions.
 

Right before closing, we’ll do a final walkthrough to ensure everything is as expected. Then, you’ll head to the title company to sign paperwork and get the keys to your new home!

Congrats! You’re a homeowner!
 

Even after closing, I’m here as a resource. Need help finding movers, painters, or landscapers? Questions about property taxes or your first mortgage payment? I’ve got you.

My clients are clients for life—not just until closing.

It’s a myth that you need a huge down payment to buy a home. Many first-time buyers qualify for programs that allow as little as 3–5% down—and in some cases, even less. There are also down payment assistance programs that can help cover costs.

I’ll connect you with a lender who specializes in first-time buyer programs.
 

Pre-approval helps you understand what you can afford and shows sellers you’re a serious buyer. It also speeds things up once you’re ready to make an offer.

Don’t worry—this step is simple, and I’ll walk you through it.
 

It’s okay to start with a starter home and build equity over time. Many first-time buyers live in their first home for 5–7 years before moving up or out.

Focus on the location, affordability, and resale potential—not perfection.
 

Be prepared for things like:

• Earnest money deposit
   
• Appraisal and inspection fees
   
• Closing costs (typically 2–3% of the purchase price)
   

I’ll help you budget and explain what’s due when—no surprises.
 

This is likely the biggest financial move of your life so far. You deserve someone who’s in your corner, knows the local market, and will answer every question along the way.

That’s where I come in. From home searches to closing day, I’m with you every step.
 

There’s no such thing as a silly question—especially when buying your first home. My job is to educate, guide, and protect you. Ask away!

 - Stacy is an absolute marvel. She effected a conditional sale of our house and our purchase of what has become our dream home in a matter of weeks. Her coordinative efforts, combined with her affability and professionalism, were amazing — there have been moon landings less complicated than what she managed to achieve for us, which, in the real time of typical negotiations and transactions in real property, occurred in the blink of an eye. My wife and I are overjoyed with what she accomplished for us, and cannot express our gratitude sufficiently to describe her honesty, talent and integrity. Stacy is an absolute wonder! - R. Conway

 Stacy has been the absolute BEST to work with! I wouldn’t go to any other agent! She was so helpful sending us houses to look at and meeting us there to find out what we like and don’t like to help us find the perfect home. When it comes to putting in offers she is unbelievable at coming up with something that worked for us and is appealing to the sellers to give us the best chance at getting our dream home. She is so positive and invested in us finding what will make us happy to come home each night. Honestly if you don’t use Stacy as your agent, you’re doing yourself a disservice!  - A.  Kendall

 Stacy. Is. Magnificent! We'd never owned a home and were very reluctant to look for a house in this economy. Stacy swooped in and found us our first home, made the entire process effortless and made us feel like we were long lost friends on top of it all. We'll forever be grateful for her and we HIGHLY recommend using her. What a great human.  - S. Kendall

 Working with Stacy Johansen was an amazing experience. She made buying our first home a breeze. Her expertise, passion, patience, understanding and commitment to helping us get into our home was over and beyond. She listened to what we were looking for and communicated with us so well. Highly recommend her.  -J. Hatchie

 Buying a home for the first time has a lot to do with luck, timing and a good realtor. Stacy Johansen has helped me get my first home. She will work with you based on your needs, she is totally understanding and above all when it’s time to close, she will go above and beyond to get your home. If you are a first time homebuyer, she will also guide you in the process. I cannot thank Stacy enough.  - S. Kumar

 Working with Stacy was a wonderful experience. She was extremely professional, responsive and knew her stuff. She was also good about being personable and tuning into what exactly we were looking for. I would highly recommend working with Stacy as a realtor!  - L. Royal

 My wife and I just bought our first home, and our real estate agent was Stacy Johansen. She made our home buying process so easy for us! She helped us along every step of the way and made sure we had all of the information that we needed so that all of our questions were answered. I would definitely recommend her to anyone looking to buy any home, and I guarantee I'll be calling her again in the future when we buy our next home!  - S. Watkins