The First Step
Find a Bluffton SC Real Estate Agent
Every journey begins with a single step. Many people mistakenly think the first step in home buying is to call a real estate agent.
While I will be happy to talk to you any time, save yourself time by getting pre-approved for a mortgage first.
Don’t have a mortgage lender? No problem! I have several great relationships with mortgage lenders and I can recommend the best in the area.
- Get familiar with your credit report
- Compile your tax returns
- Find at least the last two pay stubs
- Gather a few months worth of bank statements
- Download "What To Know Before You Buy," a fillable PDF checklist to get started
Get in touch with Lexie today!
Lexie Barnum's trusted home buying process
Once you have been pre-qualified for a mortgage
Schedule a 30- to 45-minute buyer’s consultation with me. We will go over the types of services available to you from our real estate agency. This gives me an opportunity to get to know you and the type of home you want to buy.
Pre-Qualification Tip
At this point, it's a good time to familiarize yourself with a credit report. Compile all of the financial documents you'll need for a mortgage — tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, etc.
Download the checklistNext, comes the fun part!
We start searching for homes that meet your unique criteria. Generally, I find 5 to 7 listings for you to examine online. Once you choose 3 to 4 listings, we schedule an in-person walk-through. This process takes as long as it takes.
When we identify the perfect home, we’ll make an offer.
You’re almost there!
My team will need the home inspection report to discuss the need for any repairs. If you need some help finding a qualified professional home inspector, I have a trusted network of referrals.
If necessary, we’ll negotiate a repair request with the seller. The mortgage lender will order an appraisal — which will determine the fair market value of the home. All of this allows the bank to determine how much to lend you. You will need to order home owner’s insurance. I highly recommend obtaining 2 to 3 quotes from insurance companies to compare rates.
Before the keys are in your hand ...
At this point, the bank has given “the clear to close” — meaning, they are prepared to finalize your loan. We will schedule a final walk-through. During the walk-through, we will ensure all of the repairs have been completed and the home is as it should be.
It’s closing day!
You will have the keys to your new home!
HOME BUYING CHECKLIST
"What to Know Before You Buy"
Why should you download Lexie's home buying checklist?
Real estate is one of the largest investments people make in their lifetime. This PDF checklist will keep everything organized in one place — from financial information for mortgage lenders to your “dream home” features list.
For first-time homeowners, this guide will help you compile all of the information you need to make your next steps. For experienced homeowners, this is a nice refresher. The bottom line: It will keep you organized and save you time as you begin your real estate journey.
What to expect:
- Monthly income and debt
- Financial documents you will need
- Tips on how to secure the information you need
- Residential History
- Dream Home Journal
Why do I need to fill out this form?
I ask for your information in exchange for a valuable resource in order to:
- improve your browsing experience by personalizing lexiesellslowcountry to your needs;
- send information to you that we think may be of interest to you by email or other means;
- send you marketing communications that we think may be of value to you. You can read more about our privacy policy here.
I keep your personal information safe.
What’s the catch?
There is none! I promise not to spam you and not to share your information. It’s my pleasure to share a free resource that you’ll find useful. Keep Lexie Barnum in mind the next time you have a question about buying a home.
