Buying your first home is an exciting milestone — and we’re here to make sure it’s a positive, empowering experience from start to finish.
To help you feel confident every step of the way, we’ve created this step-by-step guide just for first-time buyers. Whether you’re still dreaming or ready to dive in, this resource is designed to simplify the process, reduce stress, and help you enjoy the journey to finding a place to call your own.
Not quite sure where you want to buy yet? Still deciding between a condo, townhome, or single-family home? Wondering what features you love — or what you definitely don’t want? If you’re answering “no” or “not yet” to any of those questions, now is the perfect time to start exploring.
Spend some time researching homes that catch your eye and take note of what’s happening in the market — especially any changes in listing prices. Watching these trends closely can give you valuable insight into specific neighborhoods and position you to make a smart, confident offer when the time is right.
Here’s a pro tip: decide on your budget before you talk to a lender. Why? Because a mortgage company might pre-approve you for more than you’re actually comfortable spending — and just because you can doesn’t mean you should. Take a good look at your household budget and think through the full picture of homeownership. Moving from an apartment or shared living situation? New costs like garbage service, water bills, or HOA dues can sneak up on you. Get clear on the monthly payment that feels manageable for you — not just on paper, but in real life.
On the flip side, the lender might not approve you for as much as you think. Things like job history, credit score, or past financial hiccups (we’ve all had them!) can affect your loan approval. Before you start touring homes or imagining furniture placement, talk to a mortgage professional. Knowing your pre-approved amount not only helps you shop smarter — it also strengthens your offer when you find the home. Many sellers won’t even consider an offer that isn’t backed by a pre-approval.
Sure, you can search for a home and make an offer without a REALTOR®, but why go it alone? Our services don’t cost you a dime as a buyer, and we’ll take a huge load off your plate. We’ll help you find homes that match your criteria, set up showings, guide you through the offer process, and advocate for your best interests every step of the way. We know this market inside and out, and we’re here to help make the journey less stressful — and a whole lot more fun.
This is the exciting part! We’ll set up showings for homes that check your boxes and fit your budget. As you walk through each one, take notes — not just about what you love, but also what doesn’t quite work. Flip light switches, test doors, run faucets — get a feel for the home’s quirks and character. And don’t forget to explore the neighborhood! Drive by during different times of day to see how traffic flows, check out the parking, and scout how close you are to schools, shops, or your favorite coffee spot.
Once you’ve found the one, we’ll work together to write a smart, fair offer based on what similar homes are selling for. Depending on the current market, your offer might be at, above, or below the asking price — we’ll help you decide what makes the most sense. If there’s a counteroffer, don’t worry — we’ll negotiate on your behalf to get you to a deal you feel great about. Once everyone agrees, the home officially goes into escrow!
Most offers are contingent on a home inspection — and for good reason. This step helps ensure there are no surprise issues like structural damage or major repairs needed. We’ll help you get an inspection scheduled quickly, usually within a few days of your offer being accepted. If everything checks out, we move forward. If not, we can either renegotiate with the seller or, in some cases, walk away. Either way, you’re protected.
Now it’s time to circle back with your lender and choose the mortgage that fits you best. From fixed-rate to adjustable-rate, 15- or 30-year terms, and even special programs like VA or FHA loans — you’ll have options. We recommend working closely with your lender to make a choice that aligns with both your financial goals and your comfort level.
Next up: the appraisal. Your lender will have the home appraised to make sure its value lines up with the purchase price. This step helps protect both you and the lender, confirming that the price you’re paying is fair for the property.
Nobody dreams about the paperwork, but it’s a vital final step. Your lender and title company will handle the bulk of it — all you’ll need to do is review, sign, and celebrate. Once everything’s signed and sealed, the home is officially yours. Cue the happy dance!
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.
A collection of documents that summarize the legal history of a property.
Assessement of the property's market value, for the purpose of obtaininga mortgage and performed by a licensed appraiser.
Value placed on property for tax purposes by the tax collector.
Expenses incidental to the sale of real estate, such as loan fees, appraisal fees, title insurance and escrow fees.
The statement which lists the financial settlement between Buyer and Seller, and the costs each must pay.
Certain criteria that have to be met in order to finalize the sale.
A mortgage or Deed of Trust not obtained under a government insured program such as FHA or VA.
Movey given to a buyer from a seller through escrow at closing.
A neurtral third party that handles the transfer of any money during the sale of a home from initial deposit to final funding and closing.
Buyers in Iowa usually deposit 1% of the purchase price to show that the buyer is serious about purchasing the home. It is usually refundable in the event a contingency in the sales contract cannot be met.
A loan on which the interest rate and monthly payment do not change.
A policy that covers certain repairs (e.g. plumbing/heating) of a newly purchased home for a period of time, typically one year.
A report showing the condition of title before a sale or loan transaction. After completion of the transaction, a new title insurance policy will be issued.
Insurance to protect the buyer and lender against losses arising from disputes over the owership of a property.
Money paid to the lender for recording a home sale with the local authorities, thereby making it part of the public records.
Our goal is to surpass each client’s expectations. The difference lies in our dedication to serving your needs as our own, now and in the future.