Buying a Home

Before you start touring homes, take a close look at your finances. Understanding what you can comfortably afford will help you shop with confidence and avoid surprises later.

Consider:

• Savings: Plan for your down payment, closing costs, moving expenses, and an emergency fund.

• Monthly expenses: Look at your current spending, including debts, utilities, insurance, childcare, transportation, and other recurring expenses.

• Credit: Your credit history and score can affect your loan options and interest rate.

• Monthly payment: Remember that your total housing expense can include principal and interest, property taxes, homeowners insurance, HOA fees, and other costs.

Tip: Your lender can help you determine what you may qualify for, but your personal budget should determine what payment feels comfortable for you.

Having an experienced real estate professional in your corner can make the buying process much easier.

Your Kohler Realty agent can help you:

• Understand the local market

• Find properties that fit your needs and budget

• Schedule and coordinate showings

• Evaluate a home's price and market value

• Prepare and negotiate offers

• Navigate contracts, deadlines, inspections, and other important steps

• Connect you with trusted professionals when needed

• Help you stay informed from contract to closing

Your goals come first. We'll take the time to understand what you're looking for and help you make informed decisions along the way.

Getting pre-approved for a mortgage is an important step before seriously shopping for a home.

A lender will review factors such as your income, assets, credit history, and debts to determine the loan amount and programs you may qualify for.

A pre-approval can help you:

Understand your potential purchasing power

Establish a realistic price range

Make stronger offers

Move quickly when you find the right home

Ready to get started?

Your Kohler Realty agent can help you understand what you'll need and connect you with mortgage professionals when appropriate.

Now comes the fun part—looking for your new home!

We'll help you narrow your search based on what matters most to you, including:

Location • Price • Size • Bedrooms • Schools • Neighborhood • Lifestyle • Features

Don't worry if the first home you see isn't "the one." Finding the right home often takes time.

As you tour properties, take notes and photos (when permitted) so you can compare your favorites later. And remember—cosmetic features can often be changed. Location, layout, condition, and overall value deserve careful consideration.

When you find the right property, your Kohler Realty agent will help you develop an offer based on the property's market value, comparable sales, current market conditions, and your goals.

An offer can include more than just the purchase price. Depending on the transaction, important terms may include:

• Financing

• Deposit

• Inspection provisions

• Closing date

• Appraisal provisions

• Seller concessions or credits

• Other contract terms and contingencies

The seller may:

Accept your offer

You move forward toward closing.

Reject your offer

You can decide whether to make another offer or continue your search.

Counter your offer

The seller proposes different price or terms, and negotiations continue.

Your agent will help you understand your options so you can make decisions with confidence.

Once your offer is accepted, you'll enter the due-diligence and inspection phase according to the terms of your contract.

A professional home inspection can help identify potential problems with the property, including issues that may not be obvious during a showing.

Your inspection may uncover items involving:

• Roof

• Electrical systems

• Plumbing

• HVAC

• Structure

• Appliances

• Windows and doors

• Moisture or water intrusion

• Other components of the home

Your Kohler Realty agent can help you understand the inspection findings and discuss your options under the terms of your contract.

Depending on the circumstances, negotiations may involve repairs, credits, price adjustments, or other solutions.

Once you've made it through inspections and your loan is moving forward, you'll work toward the finish line.

Your lender will complete the underwriting process and may order an appraisal to determine the property's value for lending purposes.

You'll also work with the appropriate closing/title professionals to complete the necessary title work and closing documents.

Before closing, you'll want to:

• Complete your lender's requested paperwork

• Review your closing documents

• Confirm your final funds needed for closing

• Arrange homeowners insurance

• Complete your final walkthrough

• Make sure any agreed-upon repairs have been addressed

• Confirm your closing date and location

Then comes the moment you've been waiting for:

It's Closing Day!

You'll sign the necessary documents, complete the transaction, receive your keys, and officially become a homeowner.

Welcome home!