Home Buying Guide

This outlines the process of buying a home in St. Louis. Of course, each person's situation is unique, but we'll be there with you throughout the entire process.

Determine your budget - find a lender (we recommend these but you can choose who you're most comfortable with) and get pre-approved.

With your budget in mind, assess your needs and wants and prioritize them so we can start searching. We'll set up a computer search and email you the homes that match your criteria.

After looking at pictures and details of homes online, you'll narrow it down to some houses that you'd like to see. Call us and we'll make appointments to go shopping! (If you're relocating from out of town, please give us advance notice of your St. Louis visit so we can be sure to set aside time for you.)

Once you've found one that you want, we'll write an offer. Since you've been pre-approved, there's no delay and your offer will be much stronger than buyers without that pre-approval. This can save you thousands.

Once your offer has been accepted, you're under contract! We'll send you a detailed letter with all the dates and information you should need to further assist with the process.

Hire an ASHI-certified inspector to inspect the home. (At the same time, a termite inspection is generally done and we recommend a sewer line scoping as well.) Usually you'll need to get this done within ten days of acceptance of your offer. With the inspector's report in hand, we'll negotiate any repairs/issues discovered during the inspection.

Throughout the process, work with your lender to be sure (s)he has everything needed including purchasing homeowner's insurance.

Up to four days before closing, but generally the day before closing if it's convenient to all parties, you'll do a final walk-through of the house. This is a simple matter to insure that the house is in generally the same condition as when you put it under contract.

Come to closing and pick up your keys!

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