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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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
Megan Keruskin
4222 N Marshall Way Scottsdale AZ 85251
