Buying a home should be an exciting and enjoyable experience. Especially if you’re a first-time home buyer… it’s a big milestone, after all! Since buying a home is something most people only do a few times in their life, it can feel a little overwhelming. That’s where I come in. I’m here to guide you through the entire process of buying a home in Missouri. I will answer your questions and help make the journey as smooth as possible.

Once we’ve had an initial consultation, here’s a simple overview of what buying a home in Missouri typically looks like. Keep in mind, every buyer’s situation is unique, and sometimes steps may happen in a slightly different order—or even get skipped altogether.

Pre-Approval & Budget

Once you’ve made the decision to buy a home, the first step is to talk with a lender about getting pre-approved. This will help you understand what price range you should be shopping in and avoid falling in love with a home that’s out of your budget. I also recommend discussing monthly payment amounts (including taxes and insurance) with your lender. Sometimes you’ll be pre-approved for more than you’re comfortable spending, and no one wants to end up “house poor.”

Home Search for First-Time Home Buyers

Now the fun begins! As a first-time home buyer, it’s time to start house hunting. You can browse websites like Zillow, Realtor.com, and Trulia to see what’s available in Northwest Missouri, but I’ll also be searching for you. I often know about homes that aren’t listed yet or that could be available soon. And don’t worry if a home is listed by another agency—I work with all local real estate offices and can show you any property.

Making an Offer

When we find “the one,” it’s time to make an offer. This part of the process can vary quite a bit depending on the home and the situation. This is why it’s so important to have an experienced agent in your corner. I’ll help you navigate the details and make sure your offer is strong and fair.

Earnest Money

When you make an offer, you’ll also need to provide what’s called earnest money. This is a deposit that shows the seller you’re serious about buying the home. It’s usually around 1% of the purchase price and will be applied toward your closing costs or down payment. In most cases, your earnest money is refundable if something in the contract (like inspections or appraisal) causes the deal to fall through.

Home Inspections

Once your offer is accepted, you’ll have an inspection period (typically 10-15 days) to have the home professionally inspected. This is your chance to uncover any issues with the property before moving forward. If anything concerning comes up, we can negotiate repairs or credits—or you can walk away without losing your earnest money. I can recommend several trusted inspectors in Northwest Missouri who can help you feel confident in your decision. Most lenders will also require a termite inspection, which is usually the buyer’s responsibility. If treatment is needed, the seller typically covers that cost.

Appraisal

Your lender will also order an appraisal to determine the fair market value of the home. This helps ensure the home is worth the amount you’re borrowing. If the appraisal comes in lower than the purchase price, we may need to renegotiate or discuss other options to move forward.

Closing Day

Finally—the big day! On closing day, you’ll meet at the title office to sign the final paperwork and officially become a homeowner. Make sure to bring a photo ID and a cashier’s check (or wire transfer) for any remaining costs. You’ll receive the exact amount a few days before closing so you can be prepared.

Let’s Buy Your New Home!

If you’re ready to buy your next home in Northwest Missouri, I’m here to help. Take the first step toward a successful home purchase. Contact me today to schedule your consultation.