First-Time Homebuyer Guide
FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYER GUIDE
Buying Your First Home?
I’ll Walk You Through It.
Nobody hands you a rulebook for buying a house. Suddenly people are talking about preapprovals, earnest money, inspections, appraisals, closing costs, and about 47 other things you’ve never had a reason to think about before.
That’s what this guide is for. Let’s break the process down so you know what happens, what you’ll need, and what to expect before you ever get the keys.
START WITH STEP ONE ↓
A LITTLE REAL TALK FROM BRO
You don’t need to have it all figured out before you start.
You just need good information and someone who knows how to guide you through it.
YOUR ROAD TO HOMEOWNERSHIP
01
GET PREPARED
02
GET PREAPPROVED
03
START SHOPPING
04
MAKE AN OFFER
05
UNDER CONTRACT
06
GET THE KEYS
STEP 01 — GETTING PREPARED
Before Zillow Gets You in Trouble.
Looking at houses is the fun part. Before you fall in love with the kitchen, the backyard, and where your couch is going, let’s figure out what buying comfortably looks like for you.
START HERE
Know Your Numbers
Take a look at your income, monthly obligations, savings, and overall budget. The goal is not just figuring out what you can buy. It is figuring out what you can comfortably live with every month.
FINANCING
Talk to a Lender
A lender can help you understand financing options, estimated monthly payments, and what purchase range may make sense based on your financial picture.
PREAPPROVAL
Get Preapproved
A preapproval gives you a clearer picture of your buying range and helps show sellers that you have already taken steps toward financing.
BRO’S REAL TALK
Just because you can qualify for it doesn’t mean you want the payment.
Your mortgage still has to leave room for groceries, utilities, maintenance, emergencies, vacations, and actually enjoying your new home.
STEP 02 — THE MONEY PART
Wait… How Much Money Do I Actually Need?
Your down payment is not always the only expense between deciding to buy and getting the keys.
DOWN PAYMENT
The amount you contribute toward the purchase price depends on your financing and individual situation.
EARNEST MONEY
Funds handled according to the terms of your purchase agreement that demonstrate your commitment to the transaction.
INSPECTION & APPRAISAL
These are separate parts of the buying process and may involve upfront expenses.
CLOSING COSTS
Various lender, settlement, and transaction-related expenses may be due at closing.
STEP 03 — THE HOME SEARCH
Okay. NOW We Can Look at Houses. 👀
Bedrooms and bathrooms matter, but so does everything around the house. Think about location, commute, monthly payment, property taxes, HOA costs, condition, lot size, future plans, and the things you do not want to compromise on.
BRO’S REAL TALK
Pretty can be changed. Location cannot.
Paint, flooring, fixtures, and countertops can all be replaced. Pay attention to the things that are harder to change: the location, lot, layout, and whether the home actually works for your life.
NEW TO THE AREA?
Where Do You Want to Call Home?
Not sure whether you are an Augusta, Evans, Grovetown, Martinez, or “give me some land and leave me alone” person? Compare the communities Charissa serves and see what feels right for your lifestyle.
EXPLORE AUGUSTA-AREA COMMUNITIES →
STEP 04 — MAKING AN OFFER
You Found THE ONE. Now We Make a Move.
When you are ready to make an offer, Charissa helps you look beyond just the asking price and understand the terms that can shape the transaction.
Purchase Price
Earnest Money
Financing Terms
Closing Date
Contingencies & Due Diligence
Negotiated Terms
The goal is not simply to “win” a house.
The goal is to write an offer that makes sense for you.
STEP 05 — UNDER CONTRACT
Offer Accepted. Celebrate. Then Buckle Back Up.
A signed contract is a big milestone, but it is not the finish line. Several important pieces still have to come together before closing day.
INSPECTION
NEGOTIATIONS
APPRAISAL
FINANCING
FINAL WALKTHROUGH
Inspection
Your inspector evaluates accessible parts of the home and provides information about its condition.
Appraisal
If you are financing the purchase, your lender will generally order an appraisal as part of the lending process.
Loan Processing
Your lender continues verifying documentation and working toward final loan approval.
Final Walkthrough
Shortly before closing, buyers typically have an opportunity to walk through the property again.
STEP 06 — CLOSING DAY
Welcome Home. 🔑
At closing, the remaining documents are signed, required funds are handled through the closing process, and ownership is transferred according to the transaction.
And yes, you can take the obligatory picture holding the giant key. You earned it. 😂
20+ YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
You Don’t Have to Know Everything.
READY WHEN YOU ARE
Still Have Questions? Good. You’re Supposed To.
You do not need to become a real estate expert before buying your first home. That is Charissa’s job. Whether you are ready now or just trying to get your ducks in a row, let’s talk about where you are and what your next step should be.
This guide is provided for general educational purposes and is not intended to replace advice from your lender, attorney, inspector, closing professional, or other professionals involved in your individual transaction.