Step-By-Step

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 your agent that will help reduce the stress of buying a home and help you enjoy the journey as much as possible.

A modern interior with a wooden bar counter and four uniquely designed wooden stools, set in a minimalist style kitchen or cafe with light-colored walls and a gray carpeted floor.

Step 1: RESEARCH

A successful home purchase starts with informed research. At Stately, we help you define your priorities—location, budget, lifestyle needs, and long-term goals—so you can make confident decisions. From exploring neighborhoods and school districts to understanding market trends and resale potential, we provide the insight and tools you need to navigate the market strategically. With our guidance, your search becomes focused, efficient, and tailored to what matters most to you.

A multi-story house with stone and stucco exterior, arched windows, a front porch, and dormer windows on the roof. Surrounded by trees and landscaped yard with bushes and a paved driveway.

Understanding your budget is a critical step in the home buying journey. At Stately, we work with you to assess not just what you can spend, but what makes the most sense for your lifestyle and long-term goals. We help you consider all costs—from down payment and monthly mortgage to taxes, insurance, and maintenance—so there are no surprises. With clarity around your budget, you can search with purpose and negotiate with confidence.

Step 2: DeCIDE ON YOUR BUDGET

Modern living room corner with a gray high-back armchair, a small round side table with a white and black lamp, a potted plant, and a gold floor lamp on a gray and white rug.

Step 3: GET PRE-Approved

Getting pre-approved is a key step in positioning yourself as a serious and competitive buyer. At Stately, we connect you with trusted lenders who can assess your financial profile and provide a clear picture of your purchasing power. A pre-approval not only strengthens your offer in a competitive market—it also helps streamline your search by focusing on homes that align with your budget. With financing in place, you’ll be ready to act with confidence when the right property comes along.

Modern kitchen with gray cabinets, stainless steel refrigerator and oven, marble backsplash, and wooden flooring.

Step 4: CHOOSE A REAL ESTATE AGENT

Selecting the right real estate agent makes all the difference in your buying experience. At Stately, our agents are more than just guides—they are trusted advisors with deep market knowledge, sharp negotiation skills, and a commitment to white-glove service. We take the time to understand your goals, advocate for your best interests, and navigate every detail with precision. With Stately by your side, you’ll have a confident partner from your first showing to the final signature.

our goal is to provide you with the most personalized service that is designed to help you buy your dream home

Minimalist living room with large potted plant, small side table with a plant in a beige vase, and a gray sofa with white, cream, and animal print throws.

Step 5: find the right home

Finding the right home is about more than checking boxes—it’s about discovering a space that aligns with your lifestyle, values, and vision for the future. At Stately, we take a personalized approach, curating options that reflect your must-haves, preferences, and long-term goals. Whether you’re looking for timeless elegance, modern luxury, or the perfect investment, our deep market knowledge and tailored guidance ensure you don’t just find a home—you find your home.

Modern living room with white walls, large windows, a white sofa, two armchairs, a bench, and a glass coffee table, featuring a marble fireplace and built-in shelves.

Step 6: make an offer

When you’ve found the perfect home, it’s time to act decisively. At Stately, we craft competitive, strategic offers that reflect market conditions while protecting your best interests. From price and contingencies to timelines and terms, we guide you through every detail to position your offer for success. With expert negotiation and a clear understanding of seller motivations, we help you stand out—ensuring your offer is compelling, thoughtful, and aligned with your goals.

A large wooden house sits on a grassy lawn with trees and shrubs nearby, under a pinkish-purple sky at sunset.

Step 7: have the home inspected

A home inspection is a vital step in protecting your investment. At Stately, we coordinate with trusted, licensed inspectors to provide a thorough evaluation of the property—assessing everything from structural components to mechanical systems. We review the findings with you in detail, helping you understand any potential concerns and make informed decisions. Whether negotiating repairs or moving forward with confidence, our goal is to ensure there are no surprises after closing.

Modern kitchen countertop with a bowl of apples and empty wine glasses, marble backsplash, and stove with a pot.

Step 8: SELECT YOUR LOAN

Choosing the right loan is just as important as finding the right home. At Stately, we connect you with experienced lenders who help match your financial goals with the best loan options—whether that’s a conventional mortgage, FHA, VA, jumbo, or portfolio loan. We guide you through interest rates, loan terms, and down payment requirements, ensuring you understand every detail. With the right financing in place, you’ll move toward closing with confidence and clarity.

Minimalist white interior with a small round wooden table holding a white teapot, a cup, a purple book, and a glass vase with green plants. A wooden chair is nearby, and a large potted plant is in the corner. A silver floor lamp arches over the table, and white curtains frame the scene, with light hardwood flooring and a white shag rug underneath the table.

Step 9: GET A HOME APPRAISAL

A home appraisal provides an independent, expert valuation of the property to ensure it aligns with the agreed-upon purchase price. Required by most lenders, this step protects both the buyer and the bank by confirming the home’s market value. At Stately, we help you prepare for this milestone and guide you through the results—addressing any discrepancies and navigating next steps with ease. Our proactive approach keeps your transaction on track and moving forward smoothly.

Living room with high white ceiling, wooden beams, large arched windows, white brick fireplace, beige rug, white sofa with decorative pillows, armchair, coffee table, and green plants.

Step 10: FINISH PAPERWORK

As you move closer to closing, finalizing the paperwork is essential. At Stately, we make this process seamless by coordinating with your lender, attorney, and title company to ensure every document is accurate and complete. From reviewing disclosures to signing the purchase agreement and loan documents, we guide you through each step with clarity and care. Our attention to detail ensures nothing is overlooked—so you can close with confidence, knowing everything is in order.

Congrats!

Congratulations—your new chapter officially begins! Closing day is a moment to celebrate, and at Stately, we’re honored to have been part of your journey. From the first showing to the final signature, our team has worked to ensure a smooth, professional experience every step of the way. As you settle into your new home, know that we’re still here as a trusted resource for anything you need. Welcome home—and welcome to the Stately standard.