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A Step-by-Step Home Buyer's Guide

Buying a home is 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. This step-by-step home buyer’s guide created by Megan will help reduce the stress of buying a home and help you enjoy the journey as much as possible.

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Step 1: Research

Not quite sure where you want to buy yet—or whether a condo, townhome, or single-family home is the right fit? That’s totally okay. These are some of the first steps we’ll walk through together.

We’ll explore different neighborhoods, narrow down your must-haves and deal-breakers, and get a feel for what’s on the market. Along the way, we’ll also track listing prices and market trends so you’ll be ready to make a strong, informed offer when the right home comes along.

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Step 2: Decide on Your Budget

It’s important to decide on your budget—not just rely on what a mortgage company pre-approves you for. Lenders may approve you for more than you’re actually comfortable spending, which is why it’s a good idea to first determine what monthly payment fits your lifestyle.

Take time to map out your full household budget and consider how your expenses might change after moving. If you’ve been living in an apartment or with roommates, don’t forget to factor in new costs like water, trash, HOA fees, and maintenance—these can add up quickly and catch you off guard if you’re not prepared.

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Step 3: Get Prequalified

Just because you think you can afford a certain payment every month doesn’t mean the mortgage company will agree. Just as they may approve you for too large of an amount, they may also approve you for a lesser amount or deny you a mortgage altogether. Lack of time at a job, insufficient credit, past bankruptcies, or other financial issues can cause major problems when trying to secure a mortgage. Before you get your heart set on a home, talk to a mortgage professional to find out what amount you can qualify for. This will also be an advantage when you make an offer on a home, as some sellers won’t entertain offers from those who aren’t already prequalified for a loan.

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Step 4: Choose a Real Estate Agent

Buying a home is one of the biggest decisions you'll make—and who you choose to guide you through it matters.

As a full-time agent with deep roots in the market, I bring more to the table than just scheduling showings and submitting offers. I offer strategic guidance, access to off-market properties, and a trusted network of vendors—lenders, inspectors, contractors, and more—so you're fully supported every step of the way. Finding the right home can feel overwhelming, but that’s exactly where I come in. Let’s take the guesswork out of the process and find the one that feels just right for you.

My goal is to offer personalized guidance tailored to you—so we can find and secure the home that truly feels like the perfect fit.

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Step 5: Find the Right Home

This should be one of the most exciting parts of the process (well, maybe second only to popping champagne on move-in day). I’ll coordinate and guide you through showings of homes that align with your goals and budget, helping you look beyond the surface.

As we tour, I’ll point out important details and help you assess not just the home itself, but the lifestyle it offers—neighborhood vibe, traffic, parking, and proximity to essentials like schools and grocery stores. My role is to make sure you’re seeing the full picture, so you can feel confident when the right home comes along.

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Step 6: Make an Offer

Once you’ve found the right home, we’ll work together to craft a strong offer based on recent comparable sales, current market conditions, and the home’s unique features. Depending on whether we’re in a buyer’s or seller’s market, that offer might come in below, at, or above asking price.

If a counteroffer comes in, I’ll guide you through the negotiation process to help you reach an agreement that feels right. Once terms are accepted, the home officially goes into escrow and we move on to the next phase.

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Step 7: Have the Home Inspected

In most cases, your offer will be contingent on having the home inspected to ensure there is no major structural damage or large repairs needed. I can help you arrange this, and you can schedule it within days of making an offer. If there are no major issues, the process goes to step eight. If there is, you can renegotiate your offer based on what needs to be fixed, or you can withdraw it.

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Step 8: Select Your Loan

Now that you're under contract, it’s time to reconnect with your mortgage lender and lock in your interest rate. They'll walk you through your loan options—whether that’s a fixed or adjustable rate, a 15- or 30-year term, or a program like a VA or FHA loan—based on your financial goals and qualifications.

Your lender will help you choose the mortgage that makes the most sense for your situation, and I’ll be here to support you every step of the way.

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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.

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Step 10: Finish Paperwork

Paperwork might not be the most exciting part of buying a home—but it means you’re almost there! Your lender and title company will handle all the details to make sure everything is in order. Once it’s all signed and sealed, you’ll officially be the legal owner of your new home—and that’s something worth celebrating!

Congratulations!

After signing the final documents at the title office, those papers will be sent to the county for recording. Once we get confirmation that the sale has officially recorded, you’ll be the legal owner of your new home! It may take a few hours or up to a day, depending on timing, but I’ll keep you updated every step of the way. Once it’s official—you’re free to celebrate and start moving in!

WHAT MY CLIENTS SAY

Worked with Megan recently. Megan was very professional and knowledgeable about the field and helped all the way through the process. Her working times are flexible if you are looking to keep the process moving while you are busy. Great working with her. Highly Recommended.

— Jegadeesh M.

WHAT MY CLIENTS SAY

Megan made our out-of-state move seamless and as stress-free as possible! Any concerns or questions we had, she found answers immediately and was always communicating with us. She is extremely caring and does not overlook any detail. If you’re looking for someone to help with your home, don’t look any further!

— Baggio S.

WHAT MY CLIENTS SAY

Megan is a pleasure to work with. My husband and I have a mold remediation company and we were hired to complete some work on a home that Megan was representing the buyer. Megan goes above and beyond to make sure that her clients are moving into safe, healthy homes!

— Renata V.

WHAT MY CLIENTS SAY

We met Megan at an open house and were immediately drawn to her professionalism, knowledge of the local market, and willingness to help our family relocate to AZ. Over the course of several months selling our home in another state, finding temporary housing, and finally finding the perfect home, Megan stuck with us. Searching for homes in PHX while living in another state was made easier by Megan’s deter...

— Gannon S.

WHAT MY CLIENTS SAY

From the moment we interviewed Megan, we knew she was the perfect agent to guide us through the home-buying process. Her extensive experience throughout the Valley and her team of support staff enabled her to locate homes that met our exacting criteria. With Megan’s help, my wife and I were able to find the perfect Scottsdale home, navigate appraisals, inspections, and title work, and still close in less...

— Tom

WHAT MY CLIENTS SAY

Megan was amazing to work with, extremely responsive and diligent throughout the process. She helped us find our first house in Arizona!

— Brad W,

WHAT MY CLIENTS SAY

Megan is amazing! Words cannot describe how much she did for me, I’m grateful! She is knowledgeable and caring!

— Rachael N.

WHAT MY CLIENTS SAY

I had the pleasure of working with Megan as my real estate agent for nearly two years, and I cannot recommend her highly enough. Megan’s dedication, patience, and expertise were evident throughout the entire process. She took the time to understand my needs and showed me countless homes until we found the perfect fit. Her exceptional negotiation skills saved me time and money, ensuring I got the best dea...

— Benny R.

WHAT MY CLIENTS SAY

Megan was my realtor for selling my home and she surpassed my expectations. She was very professional, extremely detailed and knowledgeable on all aspects, and very quick with responses and solutions. She was very proactive in preparing the home and having an open house. She had a campaign set online even before it was listed. Always available and present anytime the buyers wanted to site visit. She was ...

— Anupam A.

WHAT MY CLIENTS SAY

To be honest I don’t usually spend time writing reviews but I thought this time deserves it! Megan has been tremendous support for our tough process of selling our properties and buying the perfect matching and paired homes within our budget for our two families. Her knowledge of the local market helped our family to find what we really were looking for. What we thought was a long and complicated process...

— Andres A.

WHAT MY CLIENTS SAY

It is always a pleasure to work with Megan, and the time and energy she invests in marketing her clients' homes is always apparent. I'm a real estate photographer and have to say that Megan has an incredible eye for detail and a genuine passion for making sure her clients’ homes are presented in the most stunning and professional ways possible. She goes above and beyond to ensure every listing is represe...

— Nathan L.

WHAT MY CLIENTS SAY

I'm a first home buyer and I'm truly grateful to have crossed paths with Megan, since she has been incredibly helpful going above and beyond to meet my needs. Thanks to her I recently found my first home and it feels absolutely wonderful! I'm only glad to have used her help since she was there to patiently hunt different homes in my preferred locations, discuss my constant changes & preferences and most...

— Vivek M.

WHAT MY CLIENTS SAY

Recently, Megan was recommended to us to sell our home. We found her to be very personable, professional and sincere. All of our questions and concerns were dealt with quickly, regardless of when we reached out. She was very thorough and knowledgeable. Our home sold quickly and she walked us through the inspection and closing process. She went above and beyond when we thought we might have left an item ...

— Nancy A.

WHAT MY CLIENTS SAY

Megan is an excellent realtor super knowledgeable and great at follow up and research. I highly recommend her for your real estate needs.

— Fred A.

WHAT MY CLIENTS SAY

Five stars!

— Claudia L.

WHAT MY CLIENTS SAY

Megan is knowledgeable and a hard working realtor. I love her energy! Highly recommend her especially if you are considering in relocating in Arizona

— Casiana

WHAT MY CLIENTS SAY

I recently had the pleasure of working with Megan on a real estate transaction. Megan‘s professionalism throughout the entire process was very refreshing. She was very proactive in meeting all of the deadlines and facilitating a smooth transition for her out-of-state buyer. It’s always great to work with a caring and passionate agent And Megan is definitely that. I look forward to working with her on ano...

— Holly C.

WHAT MY CLIENTS SAY

We just got the keys to our very first home, and we truly could not have asked for a better experience! Megan was an absolute dream to work with — supportive, knowledgeable, patient, and kind every step of the way. Buying a home for the first time can be stressful, but she made it feel smooth and even enjoyable. She answered all our questions (and then some!), always made us feel taken care of, and was ...

— Orpa A.

WHAT MY CLIENTS SAY

Megan was extremely helpful with finding the perfect home. I relocated from out of state and she kept in communication with me and went above and beyond with all my questions and concerns. She is extremely knowledgeable and friendly. I would recommend her to anyone looking for a home in Arizona.

— Karen S.

WHAT MY CLIENTS SAY

My wife and I were looking for a home in the Scottsdale area, relocating from the Bay Area in CA. Buying a home far away from one’s current residence is extra complicated. Not only finding the right home in an area one isn’t very familiar with, but working through the process of inspections, etc. Then after the purchases closes there is the added work to hook up all the utilities, obtain insurance (with ...

— Emin G.

WHAT MY CLIENTS SAY

As a loan officer for over 4 decades, Megan was an exceptional real estate agent to work with on my recent transaction with her. She was quick to act, extremely knowledgeable, and truly cares for her clients. Megan is an asset to any potential homeowner.

— Albert F.

WHAT MY CLIENTS SAY

Working with Megan is always a great experience from start to finish. Her professionalism, local market knowledge, and dedication for her clients makes the entire process of buying a home smooth and stress free. If you want someone honest, trustworthy and an expert that genuinely cares, then look no further than Megan Keruskin!!!

— Greg

WHAT MY CLIENTS SAY

I’ve partnered with Megan for years and can confidently say she is an absolute delight to work with. She consistently advocates for her clients, ensuring they’re well protected even after the transaction closes. Her clients are always her top priority. Megan has an incredible personality, exudes professionalism, and is a true expert when it comes to market trends and what’s happening across the Valley. I...

— Shelby S.

WHAT MY CLIENTS SAY

Megan is amazing! It’s easy to tell she takes pride in her work and customer service/experience. Whether you are looking to buy or sell real estate, you will not be disappointed. My highest recommendation!

— Brian G.

Work With Megan

If you're seeking a caring and knowledgeable professional to guide you, Megan is the answer. Contact her today and embark on your journey to a new home with confidence

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