Home Buying Process
Navigating the Home Buying Steps
Embarking on the journey to buy a home is a thrilling yet challenging experience. Rest assured, we’re here to support you through every step of the process.
Select A Realtor
Our design and construction background helps our clients in a number of ways. We all own a house and know what it takes to maintain one. We know what you can do to renovate the kitchen and make it more functional. We can advise you on which projects to tackle first and the approximate increase in your home’s value. We can refer you to any number of contractors from painters to a sewer scope consultant. Don’t even know what a sewer scope is and why it’s important? We do and we’re happy to advise you all along the way. There is no stupid question and you can ask us anything throughout the process.
Get Pre-Approved
Getting pre-approved is an important first step because you will learn so much about the financial side to one of the largest purchases you will ever make. You’ll also learn which loan products are good options, understand how interest rates, property taxes, and home insurance premiums impact your monthly payment. Most important, you will establish a professional relationship with a lender who will be a resource and responsive advocate during your homebuying journey.
Buyer Consultation
We will talk about the homebuying process and ask questions about the features and location where you would like to buy. We will also talk about obstacles, opportunities, and timelines that may affect your purchase. You’ll walk away feeling like someone really listened to your concerns and answered your questions. Let’s meet and talk about what you are looking for in your next real estate purchase.
View Properties
We will set up an appointment for you to view a property and will be with you every step of the way. We will assist in obtaining important files like Seller’s Disclosures and other helpful documents so that you are informed about the property.
Write An Offer
We’ll work with you on crafting a solid offer and we will present it to the listing agent, along with your pre-approval letter. Leverage our experience and creative negotiation strategies that put your offer on the top of the list.
Home Inspections
During the Due Diligence period, we recommend you use this time to complete inspections so that you can learn more about the house you are under contract to purchase. Most buyers will hire a Home Inspection company to inspect the home. We also recommend other types of inspections such as a Radon Inspection. Some clients also hire an arborist to examine tree health on a property, a mold test to better understand indoor air quality, a pest inspection to ensure there are no active termites or rodent, or even a sewer line inspection.
Get Ready To Close
While you are getting ready for the next phase of the homebuying process like planning your big move and setting up utilities, the lender and closing attorney are working on your file. Your loan will most likely include an appraisal and will go through an underwriting process. The attorney is reviewing the title and examining other important details in the contract. The Seller is finishing up any negotiated repairs and planning their move, too.
Closing Day
We are with our Buyers every step of the way, including the day of closing!
Closing Day is the day you sign all the paperwork and get the keys to your new home. Closing is usually scheduled for one hour and both parties and their real estate agents attend the closing & sit next to their clients.
Keep Asking Questions
You’re not the only one with questions about this process. Here are answers to some of the most common questions buyers have when they start the homebuying process.
Buyer Testimonials
"Natalie definitely went the extra mile for me, far exceeding the usual services of a REALTOR. Whatever needed to be done she did with cheerful enthusiasm. She even helped me buy a new couch! Also, Natalie is charming and easy to be with. Buying a house, or any property is stressful and time consuming. Natalie will make the process easier and more pleasant."
Karen S.BOUGHT A HOME IN DECATUR 
"Natalie has been just the best! She is so kind, very knowledgeable, and made buying our first home an incredible experience. She is always responsive, listens to your needs, and makes the impossible things happen! We are forever grateful!"
Gracie M.BOUGHT A HOME IN MOZLEY PARK 
"Natalie was incredible and made our first home purchase very easy! She was very responsive and made sure we understood everything that was going on from start to finish. She knew the area like the back of her hand hand and was able to give us tons of valuable insight. We love our new home and it’s all thanks to her!"
Clinton S.Bought a Home in Decatur 
"I just want say Natalie Martinez is a “breath of fresh air”. She is well organized, friendly, professional, outstanding customer service, and most importantly, reliable. These are just a few of the skills I observed with Natalie Martinez. She is so genuine. If you are seeking for a masterful Realtor, she is the one to contact. I wish nothing but the best for her. I will ALWAYS use her services. I’m so blessed to have had her as my REALTOR."
Cedric R.BOUGHT A HOME IN DECATUR 
"Natalie is the best of the best. I would not buy a home in Atlanta without her. She is well-connected in the area and will help you find homes before they are listed publicly. She is incredibly caring and responsive and advocates for you as a buyer, answering all of your questions. She is a true buyer’s agent who wants you to get exactly the house you want. I could not recommend her more enthusiastically!"
Nick T. 
"Natalie is such a genuine and transparent agent. She is extremely helpful, caring and knowledgeable. She also doubles as an architect, so having her knowledge when looking at homes was super valuable. Not only did she help us get a house with an offer already on the table, but she even helped us pick out paint colors after closing."
Leah W.BOUGHT A HOME IN EAST ATLANTA VILLAGE 
"Natalie was a blessing to our family from the second we met her at an open house. We were just beginning to look at the possibility of buying a new home, and it was as if the universe put Natalie in our path to make certain we found exactly the right one. And we did! She was endlessly patient with us as we navigated the housing market for months."
Marie H.BOUGHT A HOME IN DECATUR 
Looking To Renovate, Buy or Sell Your Home?
We can help!
Schedule a 30-minute phone call with a real estate & design expert.
12 Steps to Buying a Home in Atlanta
Learn everything you need to know about buying a home in Atlanta.
"*" indicates required fields
