Buy with Bonnie
For your first home or your dream home, you're making moves!
Here's your step-by-step guide to buying.
1. Do Your Research
Do you know where you want to buy? Do you know what you want to buy? Condos, single family, estate-style- there's a neighborhood and architectural design for everyone. Decide what matters most to you, and take note of asking prices.
2. Money, Honey
Decide on your budget. Sometimes, lenders will approve you for more than you're comfortable spending. Ask questions, compare rates, and set your limit so you're shopping in a targeted and efficient way.
3. Get Pre-qualified
For some people, this is the most intimidating part of buying of a home. Bite the bullet and get your loan application done. Once you've checked this crucial step off your to-do list, you can shop with the confidence that you're ready to buy.
4. Choose an Agent
Is it possible to search for, view, and even make an offer on a home without the help of a real estate agent? Technically, yes—but why take on all that stress when working with a professional like me doesn’t cost you anything? I’ll not only help you discover suitable properties and schedule showings, but I’ll also guide you through the offer process with expert insight. My market knowledge can help you avoid potential pitfalls, uncover hidden opportunities, and ultimately find the right home at the right price.
5. Find the One
Now for the fun part- let's go shopping! Armed with your pre-approval and your likes and dislikes, we're ready to get out there and take on some home tours. Some pictures are worth a thousand words, but when it comes to house-hunting nothing compares to getting up close and personal.
6. Make an Offer
After you’ve found the right home, your agent will help you put together a competitive offer based on recent sales of similar properties. Depending on the list price and whether market conditions favor buyers or sellers, your offer might come in below, at, or above the asking price. If the seller responds with a counteroffer, I can assist you in negotiating the terms to reach a mutual agreement. Once that happens, the home enters the escrow process.
7. Get it Inspected
In Alabama, a "buyer beware" state, it’s especially important to have a professional home inspection before closing on a property. Sellers are not legally required to disclose all defects, which means the responsibility falls on the buyer to identify potential issues. A thorough inspection can reveal hidden problems—such as structural damage, plumbing or electrical issues, or signs of mold—that may not be visible during a showing. Investing in an inspection helps protect you from unexpected repairs and gives you leverage to negotiate repairs or adjust your offer before finalizing the purchase.
8. Finalize Your Loan
Once your home is under contract, the loan officer becomes crucial in finalizing your mortgage. They work with you to complete the necessary paperwork, ensure all required documentation is submitted, and help you navigate the underwriting process. The loan officer also coordinates with the lender to lock in your interest rate, schedule an appraisal, and address any issues that may arise before closing. Their role is to make sure that all financing details are in order, so you can confidently move forward to the final stages of homeownership.
9. Get an Appraisal
The appraisal is a vital part of the home buying process, especially when you're financing your purchase with a mortgage. Ordered by the lender, the appraisal provides an independent assessment of the property's fair market value to ensure it supports the loan amount. In other words, it protects both you and the lender from overpaying for a home. If the appraisal comes in lower than the purchase price, it can impact your financing and may require renegotiation with the seller. A successful appraisal confirms that the property is worth what you’re paying, allowing the loan to move forward toward closing.
10. Finish the Paperwork
As you approach closing, finalizing the paperwork is the last critical step to ensure a smooth transaction. During this phase, you’ll review and sign important documents such as the Closing Disclosure, loan agreement, and title paperwork. It’s essential to carefully check all figures—including your loan terms, interest rate, and closing costs—for accuracy. Your lender, title company, and agent will work together to confirm that everything is in place, from securing homeowners insurance to clearing any final conditions from underwriting. Completing these steps thoroughly and on time helps ensure you're fully prepared for closing day and ready to take ownership of your new home.
THE PROCESS
Discuss Required Services
Let’s figure out what exactly you want to accomplish so we can make your dreams a reality.
Let Me Do The Hard Parts
For all the heavy lifting, I have you covered from A-Z throughout the entire process.
MLS Search
Search available homes based on your priorities and set up a tour, all in one place.
TESTIMONIALS
We know that buying or a selling a house is one of your biggest investments and we are here to help! Check out below what some of our previous clients have to say about working with us!
Bonnie did an outstanding job helping us find our first home! With her kindness, caring attitude, and upbeat personality she made this process easy for us and fun!!! Highly would recommend her to anyone needing a realtor!
Hannah
Bonnie was always available when we called or texted. She went out of her way numerous times to assist us with anything from small to large tasks. Since we were living out of state, Bonnie even assisted us with items that I would assume was the buyers responsibility. Bonnie was great to work with and I will be using her if/when we move again.
Jessica and Blake
