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Everything You Need to Know to Buy with Confidence

Buyer's Guide

Homebuyer's Guide

Buying a home should be one of the most exciting milestones of your life. To prepare yourself for this moment, you need to know what to expect during the process. Our team will take you step-by-step through our first-time homebuyer’s guide, reducing the stress of buying a home and helping you enjoy the journey.

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Step 1: Contact Us To start the journery

Here at Gray France Realty Group, we believe proactivity is the key to a smooth real estate transaction. Our team of real estate experts is equipped to guide you no matter where you are in the process. We’re connected with top-tier lenders, inspectors, contractors, and other service providers you may need along the way.

We can help you understand your local market, identify areas and properties that fit your specific criteria, create competitive offers that align with your financial and logistical needs, and so much more.

The sooner you contact us, the more prepared you’ll be to tackle the exciting home buying journey ahead!

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Step 2: Compile Your Wish List

Decide which communities, home features, and property types you and your family prefer. Have candid conversations about which of these characteristics are required, and which are “nice to have” in your next home.

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Step 3: Decide on Your Budget

Examine your current expenses and determine how they might change if you purchase a home. Create a comprehensive household budget so you can factor in any new ongoing expenses that might come with a home purchase, such as garbage and recycling, water, or homeowner’s association fees. Once you decide how these expenses will change, you’ll be better equipped to leverage the information you get in step three.

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Step 4: Get Approved

Getting pre-approved is a great first step in understanding your purchasing power—but it’s not the only factor. A lender may pre-approve you for more than you’re comfortable spending, which is why understanding your personal budget is so important. The opposite can also happen: you may feel confident about affording a certain monthly payment, but the bank may not agree.

During the pre-approval process, you’ll be able to explore key details like your interest rate, monthly payments, loan terms, and special programs—such as first-time homebuyer grants, or VA and FHA loans.

A pre-approval letter will be required before you can view any properties. We’re here to support you and can recommend trusted mortgage providers we’ve worked with—many of whom specialize in situations just like yours!

Dedicated Service, Real Results

Finding the perfect home and navigating the purchase process can be daunting. Leverage our knowledge and expertise and enjoy your personalized real estate journey.

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Step 5: Find the Right Home

Our agents will schedule showings for properties that match your specific criteria and price range, carefully noting your preferences to refine the search along the way. They'll guide you through each home, helping you understand the pros and cons of every option. In addition to the property itself, they'll help you explore the surrounding area, including parking availability and proximity to key amenities like schools, parks, and grocery stores.

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Step 6: Make an Offer

Once you have selected the perfect home and have your finances in order, your agent will help you craft an offer price based on the sale price of comparable homes on the market. You’ll also work through details such as timing, due diligence, and closing costs. After your agent submits the offer on your behalf, they will help you negotiate any potential counteroffers and reach an agreement with the seller. Once your offer is accepted, the house will then go under contract.

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Step 7: Perform your due diligence

In most cases, your offer will include a Due Diligence period. During this period, inspections will be performed as well as the investigation of any items important to you regarding the property. This protects you from purchasing a property that has serious structural issues or requires major repairs. We have a list of trusted local providers ready to jump in when the time arises. If the inspection uncovers major issues, during the diligence period you can withdraw from the sale or renegotiate your offer based on what needs to be fixed.

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Step 8: Finalize Financing

The appraisal ensures that you are paying a fair price for the house. Your mortgage provider will hire an appraiser to inspect the property and offer an independent opinion of its value. Sometimes, appraisals may come in too low, which can impact the amount of money the bank is willing to lend. In this case, your agent can help you determine next steps and navigate the appeal process.

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Step 9: Attend Closing

Now it's time for closing—the final step before you officially become a homeowner! Everyone listed on the loan and title must attend. You'll meet with the closing attorney to sign all necessary loan and deed documents, so don’t forget to bring a valid photo ID.

You’ll also need to bring certified funds covering your “cash to close” amount. Your agent will confirm this amount with you ahead of time. They’ll be at the closing with you to help answer any last-minute questions alongside the attorney.

Once all documents are signed, the mortgage company will fund the transaction and the deed will be officially recorded with the county—and just like that, the home is yours!

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Step 10: the keys are yours!

Once the attorney confirms that the deed has been recorded, you’ll be able to pick up the keys to your new home! Be sure to change the locks and transfer all utilities into your name to avoid any service interruptions. We’ll help coordinate your move and connect you with any services you might need—whether it’s a cleaning crew, a security system, or something else to get settled in smoothly. Once you're moved in, take a moment to celebrate—you’re officially home!

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