The Buying Process

Next Real Estate

A Step-by-Step First Time Buyer's Guide

Buying a home is one of life’s most exciting milestones, and at Next Real Estate, we’re here to make the experience as seamless as possible. To help you prepare for this important step, our team has created a step-by-step First-Time Buyer’s Guide designed to set clear expectations, minimize stress, and ensure you can truly enjoy the journey to homeownership.

Step 1: Research

Do you already know where you want to buy? If you want a condo, townhome, or single-family home? Which features do you like and dislike? What’s available on the market now? If you answered no to any of these questions, now is the time to start researching. In addition to looking for homes that interest you, also take note of any changes in asking prices. This could give you valuable insight into housing trends in specific neighborhoods and help you when the time comes to make an offer.

Step 2: Decide on Your Budget

At Next Real Estate, we encourage you to decide on your budget first—not just rely on what a mortgage company says you can afford. Lenders may pre-approve you for more than you’re truly comfortable spending, which is why it’s essential to determine a monthly payment that fits your lifestyle before meeting with them. Take time to create a complete household budget and consider any new expenses that come with homeownership, such as garbage collection, water, or HOA fees. If you’re moving from an apartment or living with roommates, these added costs can be easy to overlook but can quickly impact your overall budget.

Step 3: Get Prequalified

At Next Real Estate, we remind our buyers that just because you feel comfortable with a certain monthly payment doesn’t guarantee that a mortgage company will agree. Lenders may approve you for more—or less—than you expect, and in some cases, they may even deny a mortgage due to factors like limited job history, low credit scores, past bankruptcies, or other financial challenges. Before falling in love with a home, it’s crucial to speak with a trusted mortgage professional to learn exactly what amount you qualify for. Getting pre-qualified not only gives you a clear picture of your budget but also strengthens your offer, as many sellers prefer buyers who already have loan approval in place.

Step 4: Choose a Real Estate Agent

Can you search for, tour, and even make an offer on a home without a real estate agent? Technically, yes—but why would you, when it costs you nothing to have the experts at Next Real Estate on your side? Our team takes the stress out of the process by helping you discover properties that fit your needs, scheduling showings, and expertly managing the offer and negotiation process. With our in-depth market knowledge and industry insight, we make finding your dream home smoother and more successful. Let Next Real Estate guide you through every step and show you homes that truly match your vision, so you can confidently find the perfect place to call your own.

Our goal is to provide you with the most personalized service that is designed to help you buy your dream home

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Step 5: Find the Right Home

This is one of the most exciting parts of the journey (second only to moving in!), and Next Real Estate is here to make it enjoyable and stress-free. We’ll schedule showings of homes that match your interests and stay within your budget, giving you plenty of time to explore each property. As you tour, take notes on what you love and what you don’t, and be sure to test the details—flip light switches, open doors, and run faucets to get a true feel for the home. Don’t forget to check out the neighborhood as well. Observe traffic at different times of the day, evaluate parking options, and see how close the area is to essentials like schools, grocery stores, and other conveniences.

Step 6: Make an Offer

Once you’ve found the perfect home, the experts at Next Real Estate will help you craft a competitive and fair offer based on the value of comparable properties in the market. Depending on the listing price and whether it’s a buyer’s or seller’s market, your offer may come in below, at, or even above asking. If a counteroffer is presented, we’ll guide you through the negotiation process to ensure your best interests are protected and an agreement is reached. Once your offer is accepted, the home will officially move into escrow, bringing you one step closer to ownership.

Step 7: Have the Home Inspected

In most cases, your offer will include a home inspection contingency to ensure there are no major structural issues or costly repairs needed. At Next Real Estate, we’ll help you arrange a professional inspection shortly after your offer is accepted. If the inspection reveals no significant problems, the process smoothly moves forward to the next step. However, if major issues are found, we’ll guide you in renegotiating the offer to account for necessary repairs—or, if needed, help you withdraw your offer to protect your investment.

Step 9: Get a Home Appraisal

Your lender will have your new home appraised so they have their independent value of it. The appraisal is to ensure that all parties involved are paying a fair price for the house.

Step 10: Finish Paperwork

No one looks forward to all the paperwork involved in buying a home, but it’s a necessary part of the process. Fortunately, everything will be arranged by your lender and title company and, when you’re finished, you’ll know you are the legal owner of your new home.

What Clients Say About Devone

Working with Devone Richard Real Estate was incredible from start to finish. Devone’s expertise, attention to detail, and marketing strategy helped us sell our home above asking price within a week. We couldn’t have asked for a smoother process.
Melissa & Jordan K
Devone went above and beyond to make sure our home was market-ready. From staging to professional photos and smart pricing advice, every step felt guided and intentional. We always felt supported and informed.
Renee T
Buying our first home with Devone Richard Real Estate was a wonderful experience. Devone took the time to understand exactly what we wanted and negotiated an amazing deal for us. Highly recommend!
Carlos M
Devone’s concierge approach transformed our property before listing. The upgrades and presentation made all the difference — our home sold quickly and for top dollar. Exceptional service all around.
Angela P

Client Resources

Please feel free to use this website as a resource for all your Next Real Estate Advisors needs, and if you have any additional questions, do not hesitate to contact us today.

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At Next Real Estate, every transaction is more than a deal—it’s an opportunity to create lasting value and meaningful relationships. We understand that buying or selling a home is one of the most significant investments you’ll ever make, and we are committed to making the experience seamless, rewarding, and unforgettable.

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