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Buyer's Guide

A Step-by-Step First Time Buyer's Guide

Buying a home is one of the most exciting milestones of your life. To prepare yourself for this moment, you need to know what to expect during the process. This step-by-step first time buyer’s guide created by our team will help reduce the stress of buying a home and help you enjoy the journey as much as possible.

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Step 1: Research

Do you already know where you want to buy? If you want a condo, townhome, or single-family home? Which features do you like and dislike? What’s available on the market now? If you answered no to any of these questions, now is the time to start researching. In addition to looking for homes that interest you, also take note of any changes in asking prices. This could give you valuable insight into housing trends in specific neighborhoods and help you when the time comes to make an offer.

 

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Step 2: Decide on Your Budget

Notice we said to decide on your budget—not determine how much the mortgage company will give you. In many cases, a mortgage company will pre-approve you for more than you’re comfortable spending, which is why you need to determine the monthly payment you feel comfortable with before talking to a lender. This likely includes doing a full household budget and taking into consideration what changes other than a mortgage payment will occur once you move into your new home. If you’ve lived in an apartment or with roommates, you may overlook new expenses like garbage, water, or HOA fees that could easily blow your budget.

 

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Step 3: Get Prequalified

Just because you think you can afford a certain payment every month doesn’t mean the mortgage company will agree. Just as they may approve you for too large of an amount, they may also approve you for a lesser amount or deny you a mortgage altogether. Lack of time at a job, insufficient credit, past bankruptcies, or other financial issues can cause major problems when trying to secure a mortgage. Before you get your heart set on a home, talk to a mortgage professional to find out what amount you can qualify for. This will also be an advantage when you make an offer on a home, as some sellers won’t entertain offers from those who aren’t already prequalified for a loan.

 

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Step 4: Choose Real Estate Experts

Can you shop for, look at, and ultimately make an offer on a home without real estate experts? Technically yes, but why would you when it costs you nothing for agents like us to take much of the stress off your shoulders? Not only will we help identify properties you might be interested in, arrange showings, and ultimately handle the offer process, but we also have knowledge of the market that you don’t possess. Finding the perfect home can be a daunting task, this is where our expertise and wealth of knowledge come into play. Let us show you around some homes that meet your dream home criteria so you can find the one that's right for you.

 

Passion & Expertise

Our goal is to provide you with the most personalized service possible, meticulously designed to help you navigate the process of buying your dream home. We are dedicated to understanding your unique needs and preferences, ensuring that every step of the journey is tailored to achieve your ultimate home-buying aspirations.

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Step 5: Find the Right Home

This should be the most enjoyable step of the entire process (other than moving in!). We will arrange showings of homes you’re interested in that are within your price range. Take notes about what you like and don’t like, and make sure to pay attention to details. Turn light switches on and off, open and close doors, and run the faucets in various rooms. Don’t limit your inspection to the home itself. Make sure to take time to explore the neighborhood and keep an eye on traffic at certain times of the day, the parking situation, and how close it is to necessities like schools and grocery stores.

 

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Step 6: Make an Offer

Once you have selected the perfect home, work with your agent to craft a fair offer based on the value of comparable homes on the market. Depending on what the home is listed at and whether the current environment is a buyer’s or seller’s market, your offer may be below, at, or even above the asking price. We will be able to help you negotiate if you receive a counteroffer and reach an agreement. At this point, the house will go into escrow.

 

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Step 7: Have the Home Inspected

In most cases, your offer will be contingent on having the home inspected to ensure there is no major structural damage or large repairs needed. We can help you arrange this, and you can schedule it within days of making an offer. If there are no major issues, the process goes to step eight. If there is, you can renegotiate your offer based on what needs to be fixed, or you can withdraw it.

 

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Step 8: Select Your Loan

Now is the time to go back to the mortgage lender who pre-approved or pre-qualified you and choose your mortgage. You will be presented with various options based on your unique financial situation, including fixed-rate, variable-rate, 15-year, 30-year, or special programs such as VA loans or FHA loans. Work with your mortgage lender to select the option you feel the most comfortable with.

 

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Step 9: Get a Home Appraisal

Your lender will have your new home appraised so they have their independent value of it. The appraisal is to ensure that all parties involved are paying a fair price for the house.

 

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Step 10: Finish Paperwork

No one looks forward to all the paperwork involved in buying a home, but it’s a necessary part of the process. Fortunately, everything will be arranged by your lender and title company and, when you’re finished, you’ll know you are the legal owner of your new home.

 

Congratulations!

After signing the final paperwork to complete the purchase, you are now the owner of a new house. It may take a few days for your loan to be funded once the paperwork has been returned to the lender, but once that check is delivered to the seller, you’ll be all set to move into the home of your dreams. 

See Why Our Clients Love Us

Testimonials

Read what our clients have to say about working with us.

"Working with Mike and Eric was an absolute pleasure. Their professionalism, expertise, and dedication impressed us from the first meeting to the final closing. They took the time to understand our needs and financial goals, making us confident in their commitment to our best interests. Throughout the selling process, both Mike and Eric demonstrated a keen understanding of local market trends and crafted a strategy that maximized the value of our property. Their attention to detail was remarkable, and they went the extra mile to present our house in the best possible light to potential buyers. During the buying process, their strong negotiation skills shone through as they patiently helped us find a home that perfectly fit our needs and very specific location preferences. Their expertise in real estate transactions resulted in a purchase price well within our budget for a home that surpassed our expectations. Beyond their professional skills, Mike's and Eric's excellent communication made us feel valued as clients. We wholeheartedly recommend them for their passion, professionalism, and dedication. Thanks to their exceptional guidance, our home-buying journey was seamless and rewarding. We are grateful for their outstanding service and will gladly refer them to anyone in need."
"Working with Mike and Eric was an absolute pleasure. Their professionalism, expertise, and dedication impressed us from the first meeting to the final closing. They took the time to understand our needs and financial goals, making us confident in their commitment to our best interests. Throughout the selling process, both Mike and Eric demonstrated a keen understanding of local market trends and crafted a strategy that maximized the value of our property. Their attention to detail was remarkable, and they went the extra mile to present our house in the best possible light to potential buyers. During the buying process, their strong negotiation skills shone through as they patiently helped us find a home that perfectly fit our needs and very specific location preferences. Their expertise in real estate transactions resulted in a purchase price well within our budget for a home that surpassed our expectations. Beyond their professional skills, Mike's and Eric's excellent communication made us feel valued as clients. We wholeheartedly recommend them for their passion, professionalism, and dedication. Thanks to their exceptional guidance, our home-buying journey was seamless and rewarding. We are grateful for their outstanding service and will gladly refer them to anyone in need."
Mike & Shuvi P.
"Listing with the team of Mike Pavone and Eric Kinzler, was a great experience. Their combined expertise was amazing. They navigated us through the process with ease. Everything went so smoothly. They were good at problem-solving and resolving issues as they came up. Couldn’t have been more happy with our sale. You won’t be disappointed with either."
"Listing with the team of Mike Pavone and Eric Kinzler, was a great experience. Their combined expertise was amazing. They navigated us through the process with ease. Everything went so smoothly. They were good at problem-solving and resolving issues as they came up. Couldn’t have been more happy with our sale. You won’t be disappointed with either."
Joseph A.
"From Day 1, Mike and his team were engaged and always quick to respond to questions/concerns. They made smart recommendations as to what projects to complete, in order to maximize the appeal of our home to prospective buyers. Very professional and friendly! They made the daunting home-selling process easy for us novices to understand. Guided us throughout the entire process! There's a saying that goes "You get what you pay for" and with Mike and his Team - if anything, we feel like they provided us even more value than what we did end up paying for. Not only are they "Our" choice in realtors but we now count them as good friends! Our only regret is that they aren't licensed in South Carolina to assist us down here! If / when we do move back to the PNW I can guarantee you they will be our first phone call!"
"From Day 1, Mike and his team were engaged and always quick to respond to questions/concerns. They made smart recommendations as to what projects to complete, in order to maximize the appeal of our home to prospective buyers. Very professional and friendly! They made the daunting home-selling process easy for us novices to understand. Guided us throughout the entire process! There's a saying that goes "You get what you pay for" and with Mike and his Team - if anything, we feel like they provided us even more value than what we did end up paying for. Not only are they "Our" choice in realtors but we now count them as good friends! Our only regret is that they aren't licensed in South Carolina to assist us down here! If / when we do move back to the PNW I can guarantee you they will be our first phone call!"
Dale & Jodi
"Eric did an incredible job selling my house, and also with finding my new house. With both transactions he kept me informed every step of the way, and was always available, no matter the time or day, to answer my questions. Throughout the entire process, Eric kept to the timeline he laid out. If you’re looking for an agent who is knowledgeable, trustworthy, competent, hardworking, and friendly, Eric is the one. From experience, I can tell you that you will be in the best of hands."
"Eric did an incredible job selling my house, and also with finding my new house. With both transactions he kept me informed every step of the way, and was always available, no matter the time or day, to answer my questions. Throughout the entire process, Eric kept to the timeline he laid out. If you’re looking for an agent who is knowledgeable, trustworthy, competent, hardworking, and friendly, Eric is the one. From experience, I can tell you that you will be in the best of hands."
Jenifer B.
"Mike has now got us into our starter home which we loved to call home for 8 years and then into our forever home along with selling our first. Mike is the hardest working partner we ever could’ve hoped for and has always gone above and beyond to make what can be a confusing experience, simple and easy. I would 100% recommend Mike and his amazing team to ANYONE, whether you are looking for a starter home, vacation home or forever home, you will be in great hands."
"Mike has now got us into our starter home which we loved to call home for 8 years and then into our forever home along with selling our first. Mike is the hardest working partner we ever could’ve hoped for and has always gone above and beyond to make what can be a confusing experience, simple and easy. I would 100% recommend Mike and his amazing team to ANYONE, whether you are looking for a starter home, vacation home or forever home, you will be in great hands."
Chris & Liz S.
"I dragged Eric around to every piece of vacant land and dozens of homes over a year and a half looking for that perfect place. He nearly lost a leather shoe in a marsh. Rain, snow, sun. Didn't matter. He was always there with all the property deets and his expert opinion. In the end, we found our home sweet home. We had 2 homes to sell and one to buy in a very short window of time. There was never a question he couldn't answer. A problem he couldn't troubleshoot or resolve and he and his team kept us up to date and on track. Due to his attention to detail, staging, and pricing, both existing homes sold on the opening weekends (even in this climate) and for above asking price and closed without issues (visible to us). We wholeheartedly recommend Eric and his team for all your real estate needs!"
"I dragged Eric around to every piece of vacant land and dozens of homes over a year and a half looking for that perfect place. He nearly lost a leather shoe in a marsh. Rain, snow, sun. Didn't matter. He was always there with all the property deets and his expert opinion. In the end, we found our home sweet home. We had 2 homes to sell and one to buy in a very short window of time. There was never a question he couldn't answer. A problem he couldn't troubleshoot or resolve and he and his team kept us up to date and on track. Due to his attention to detail, staging, and pricing, both existing homes sold on the opening weekends (even in this climate) and for above asking price and closed without issues (visible to us). We wholeheartedly recommend Eric and his team for all your real estate needs!"
Jennifer T.
"Mike has been our one-stop, go-to guy for real estate since before we moved back to the area. He helped us find our house and years later to sell that house. He has put together a team that can work through all phases with ease and everyone is timely, responsive, and enthusiastic for their customers. I only wish he was moving with us to our new location."
"Mike has been our one-stop, go-to guy for real estate since before we moved back to the area. He helped us find our house and years later to sell that house. He has put together a team that can work through all phases with ease and everyone is timely, responsive, and enthusiastic for their customers. I only wish he was moving with us to our new location."
Walt & Wendy A.
"From the beginning to the very end, Eric has been nothing short of perfection. His team is an all-star team; everyone was professional, kind, and efficient. His process of guidance is highly educational and supportive in a way that prepares us, equips us, and gives us knowledge in areas we normally would have overlooked. Despite the ludicrous housing market and numerous bidding wars, Eric counseled us on several strategies for competitive offers. He continues to be genuinely thoughtful, sharply knowledgeable, and beyond professional. He frequently communicated with us either with updates, proceedings, and to answer our questions which helped calm our nerves throughout the process. We will recommend him to anyone who is looking to buy or sell property. He's helped us with both, at the same time. Best agent in the game."
"From the beginning to the very end, Eric has been nothing short of perfection. His team is an all-star team; everyone was professional, kind, and efficient. His process of guidance is highly educational and supportive in a way that prepares us, equips us, and gives us knowledge in areas we normally would have overlooked. Despite the ludicrous housing market and numerous bidding wars, Eric counseled us on several strategies for competitive offers. He continues to be genuinely thoughtful, sharply knowledgeable, and beyond professional. He frequently communicated with us either with updates, proceedings, and to answer our questions which helped calm our nerves throughout the process. We will recommend him to anyone who is looking to buy or sell property. He's helped us with both, at the same time. Best agent in the game."
Spencer & Dani D.
"Cameron was an absolute pleasure to work with through the home search and purchase journeys. Cameron was always thoughtful and consistently advocated for us and our needs. We also appreciated Cameron’s responsiveness and follow through as we worked across multiple teams (agents, builders), and he ensured that all parties were aligned and on the same page. Cameron brought transparency and empathy to a complex home-buying process, and we greatly appreciated his guidance throughout."
"Cameron was an absolute pleasure to work with through the home search and purchase journeys. Cameron was always thoughtful and consistently advocated for us and our needs. We also appreciated Cameron’s responsiveness and follow through as we worked across multiple teams (agents, builders), and he ensured that all parties were aligned and on the same page. Cameron brought transparency and empathy to a complex home-buying process, and we greatly appreciated his guidance throughout."
Haruka J.
"Working with Mike was the best part of a tough home-buying process. In a very tough market, Mike's experience and knowledge made all the difference. Mike showed us several homes and helped us put together several offers until one was accepted. His patience explaining the various intricacies of the process and relationships in the area truly helped us feel secure. Mike was helpful through every part of the process. He helped us find a lender before we bought the home, connected us to contractors and service people to get the home ready for our move once we purchased it and counseled us throughout the process. Truly a one-stop shop that goes above and beyond."
"Working with Mike was the best part of a tough home-buying process. In a very tough market, Mike's experience and knowledge made all the difference. Mike showed us several homes and helped us put together several offers until one was accepted. His patience explaining the various intricacies of the process and relationships in the area truly helped us feel secure. Mike was helpful through every part of the process. He helped us find a lender before we bought the home, connected us to contractors and service people to get the home ready for our move once we purchased it and counseled us throughout the process. Truly a one-stop shop that goes above and beyond."
Dhiya G.
"We could not have asked for a better Real Estate agent than Mike Pavone and his associates at Mike Pavone Properties/Windermere when looking for a new home after our move from California. With his help, and that of Eric Kinzler from his office, we found exactly that not just a house, but a wonderful home. From finding and coordinating storage of our furniture in the early weeks; to a Welcome Home basket after our move-in was completed; to providing names of craftsmen when asked all was done with a courtesy and knowledge that was very appreciated."
"We could not have asked for a better Real Estate agent than Mike Pavone and his associates at Mike Pavone Properties/Windermere when looking for a new home after our move from California. With his help, and that of Eric Kinzler from his office, we found exactly that not just a house, but a wonderful home. From finding and coordinating storage of our furniture in the early weeks; to a Welcome Home basket after our move-in was completed; to providing names of craftsmen when asked all was done with a courtesy and knowledge that was very appreciated."
Bob & Mary G.
"I can’t thank Eric enough for making our home buying experience so smooth. He went above and beyond to make sure we always knew where we were in the process and what to expect next. We had so many questions for him and he always either knew the answer or found it quickly. I would work with him again in a heartbeat!"
"I can’t thank Eric enough for making our home buying experience so smooth. He went above and beyond to make sure we always knew where we were in the process and what to expect next. We had so many questions for him and he always either knew the answer or found it quickly. I would work with him again in a heartbeat!"
Alexandra & Erin J.
"It was such a pleasure to work with Mike. He made the home buying process feel less intimidating. I was new to the home buying process and he explained everything in a way that was easy to understand. Mike took the time to learn what I was looking for in a home and helped me find the right home for me."
"It was such a pleasure to work with Mike. He made the home buying process feel less intimidating. I was new to the home buying process and he explained everything in a way that was easy to understand. Mike took the time to learn what I was looking for in a home and helped me find the right home for me."
Karen B.
"Eric is an amazing realtor from start to finish. Texts back immediately, always answers calls and questions, and helped me negotiate lower than asking with an additional seller credit. 10/10 recommend!"
"Eric is an amazing realtor from start to finish. Texts back immediately, always answers calls and questions, and helped me negotiate lower than asking with an additional seller credit. 10/10 recommend!"
Irie T.
"Mike and his team are amazing, truly amazing. They helped us buy a new house and sell two houses. Mike was incredibly patient with us as we figured out what we wanted and completely understood what we were looking for. He answered a million questions during and even after the sales; he really knows his stuff. Mike has a great network of contacts and arranged all kinds of quality workmanship for us. Mike and his team made our old townhouses look brand new for sale. Both houses sold for over the asking price. We really cannot recommend Mike enough. It's too bad that we don't expect to need his services again for another 15-20 years!"
"Mike and his team are amazing, truly amazing. They helped us buy a new house and sell two houses. Mike was incredibly patient with us as we figured out what we wanted and completely understood what we were looking for. He answered a million questions during and even after the sales; he really knows his stuff. Mike has a great network of contacts and arranged all kinds of quality workmanship for us. Mike and his team made our old townhouses look brand new for sale. Both houses sold for over the asking price. We really cannot recommend Mike enough. It's too bad that we don't expect to need his services again for another 15-20 years!"
Roey & Jane
"Eric is awesome! We really appreciate the time he took to understand our needs and wants in a new home and was able to find us some really great properties. We would be lost in the home-buying process without his knowledge - he would regularly point out areas of concern in properties, estimate what it might cost to fix something and would ask us thoughtful questions that helped us decide if a home was right for us. He was like a real estate therapist! Thanks to his lender recommendations and knowledge of the market, we felt we were always submitting competitive offers on homes and had confidence we would get a home at a price that worked for us. We can't recommend Eric enough for his diligence, knowledge, availability, and communication, which helped us feel so calm during the house-hunting process. We'll definitely work with him again in the future to purchase our second home."
"Eric is awesome! We really appreciate the time he took to understand our needs and wants in a new home and was able to find us some really great properties. We would be lost in the home-buying process without his knowledge - he would regularly point out areas of concern in properties, estimate what it might cost to fix something and would ask us thoughtful questions that helped us decide if a home was right for us. He was like a real estate therapist! Thanks to his lender recommendations and knowledge of the market, we felt we were always submitting competitive offers on homes and had confidence we would get a home at a price that worked for us. We can't recommend Eric enough for his diligence, knowledge, availability, and communication, which helped us feel so calm during the house-hunting process. We'll definitely work with him again in the future to purchase our second home."
Chandler & Patrick
"Mike and his team were outstanding! Mike offered advice and suggestions throughout the process and always kept me updated. Mike was always available and answered all my questions. I moved to a different state before listing and selling, Mike and his team calmed my nerves and handled everything with ease. I highly recommend putting your trust in Mike to help you with your buying/selling needs."
"Mike and his team were outstanding! Mike offered advice and suggestions throughout the process and always kept me updated. Mike was always available and answered all my questions. I moved to a different state before listing and selling, Mike and his team calmed my nerves and handled everything with ease. I highly recommend putting your trust in Mike to help you with your buying/selling needs."
Casey H.
"Cameron was a great agent! He is very responsive and willing to adjust the search at anytime. We changed our description of our “perfect” home numerous of times throughout the year and a half of working together. He was alert and prepared for every change and allowed us to feel stress free during the process. Cameron’s crew at Windermere we’re also very helpful when we needed extra assistance with closing on our home. We’re so thankful to have worked with Cameron and his crew. Look forward to working together again in the near future."
"Cameron was a great agent! He is very responsive and willing to adjust the search at anytime. We changed our description of our “perfect” home numerous of times throughout the year and a half of working together. He was alert and prepared for every change and allowed us to feel stress free during the process. Cameron’s crew at Windermere we’re also very helpful when we needed extra assistance with closing on our home. We’re so thankful to have worked with Cameron and his crew. Look forward to working together again in the near future."
Danny S.
"I could not recommend an agent more highly than Eric. Eric takes the time to really explain the process, which for this new buyer, was important. He deeply understands the local market and knows how to tap into resources from his agency when needed. In today's crazy seller market, being a first-time buyer can be overwhelming. Eric took the time to really explain things like contingencies and how they work, as well as keeping an eye on the market and its fluctuations. He's passionate about homes and helping people and has a great eye for detail. Most of all, though, Eric strives to truly understand his buyers, what they want and need, what's important to them, and how they feel about the process. In addition to deeply understanding what I was looking for and what my non-negotiables were, Eric made the process fun and I can't underestimate the importance of this! Buying a home is inherently stressful, but Eric made the process easy and fun. I cannot recommend him highly enough and would absolutely use him again if I wanted to sell my home or buy another. Thank you so much Eric for helping me find my new home!"
"I could not recommend an agent more highly than Eric. Eric takes the time to really explain the process, which for this new buyer, was important. He deeply understands the local market and knows how to tap into resources from his agency when needed. In today's crazy seller market, being a first-time buyer can be overwhelming. Eric took the time to really explain things like contingencies and how they work, as well as keeping an eye on the market and its fluctuations. He's passionate about homes and helping people and has a great eye for detail. Most of all, though, Eric strives to truly understand his buyers, what they want and need, what's important to them, and how they feel about the process. In addition to deeply understanding what I was looking for and what my non-negotiables were, Eric made the process fun and I can't underestimate the importance of this! Buying a home is inherently stressful, but Eric made the process easy and fun. I cannot recommend him highly enough and would absolutely use him again if I wanted to sell my home or buy another. Thank you so much Eric for helping me find my new home!"
Lourdes O.
"Mike was incredible to work with! He helped us both prepare a home for sale, and buy a new home. Him and his team have developed a tremendous number of connections, which made the process of preparing our home for sale extremely smooth and at a minimal cost (drywall repair, painting, cleaning/staging). He is extremely communicative. He is always connected with you as a client and anyone else who is involved with your real estate transaction (contractors, loan officers, etc.) He will get you in to see a house as soon as he can. There were many homes we walked with him hours after being listed. Our new home was one which we walked with him the day before Thanksgiving. He knows the housing market in this area very well, and knows what it is going to take to win in this market. We are thankful to have been connected with him. Once under contract, we were always aware of where we stood during the process for each transaction, and never felt lost."
"Mike was incredible to work with! He helped us both prepare a home for sale, and buy a new home. Him and his team have developed a tremendous number of connections, which made the process of preparing our home for sale extremely smooth and at a minimal cost (drywall repair, painting, cleaning/staging). He is extremely communicative. He is always connected with you as a client and anyone else who is involved with your real estate transaction (contractors, loan officers, etc.) He will get you in to see a house as soon as he can. There were many homes we walked with him hours after being listed. Our new home was one which we walked with him the day before Thanksgiving. He knows the housing market in this area very well, and knows what it is going to take to win in this market. We are thankful to have been connected with him. Once under contract, we were always aware of where we stood during the process for each transaction, and never felt lost."
Will D.

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