Below is a basic buyer’s guide timeline. Steps are not always fully linear. Generally though, it is best to get a pre-approval before seeing homes. Pre-approvals show sellers that your offer is a good-faith offer. Often sellers won’t consider offers without pre-approval or proof of funds (POF).
Some people ask what’s a Realtor’s role in finding homes where many are listed on Zillow and Realtor.com. I always say that clients should be scouring all publicly available listings because the data we receive is all over the map. My network sends listings. Obviously I have subscriptions to multiple local MLS services. I also have data from paid public record searches that can be helpful.
Once I know the parameters, I set clients up on auto-search within my MLS systems. Depending on the requirements, then I dig into my personal network and professional relationships to get what others cannot.
Once my clients identify what they would like to tour, I set up appointments with the listing agents or owners. We carefully asses the location suitability, condition of the home, and desired features. I write offers as my clients request.
Most of the homes I’ve personally & professionally purchased have been purchased “as is,” meaning I accept the property in the condition my naked eye views it at the time it was toured. Does that mean that I wouldn’t negotiate repairs? Absolutely not. Sometimes, things are not apparent until a professional inspector comes out to the site. Do I know a few good inspectors? Of course. Do I always use the same one? Absolutely not. My clients always have the choice.
Also, sometimes people ask – “why don’t I just use an attorney to write up the paperwork for me? Or better yet, why don’t I just write it up myself? The contracts are publicly available.” Of course, I wouldn’t tell anyone that they had to use an agent.
See my article “Why Don’t I Just Hire an Attorney and Title Company Myself?“
See also my other articles “Why Hire a Realtor?”