BUYER’S GUIDE
A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE FOR FIRST TIME BUYERS
Buying a home is one of life’s most exciting milestones. Being prepared makes all the difference. This step-by-step guide is designed to give you a clear picture of what to expect, reduce the stress of the process and help you enjoy the journey towards owning your first home.
STEP 1: RESEARCH
Before you begin your search, take some time to define your priorities. Are you drawn to the convenience of a condo, the community feel of a town-home or the space & freedom of a single-family home? Which features matter most to you and which ones are deal-breakers? As you browse what’s currently on the market, keep an eye on how prices move over time. These small details can reveal neighborhood trends and give you an edge when it’s time to make an offer.
STEP 2: SETTING YOUR BUDGET
Notice I said set your budget — not just accept the number your lender offers. Lenders often pre-approve buyers for more than they truly want to spend. Before speaking with a mortgage professional, take time to run through your household budget and decide what monthly payment feels comfortable. Remember to factor in new expenses you may not have had before, like utilities, HOA dues or maintenance costs. This clarity will give you confidence and keep your financial comfort front and center as you search for a home.
STEP 3: PRE-APPROVAL & REALTY CHECK
While you may have a figure in mind for what you can afford each month, your lender may see things differently. Employment history, credit score, past financial challenges, or limited savings can affect how much you actually qualify for. That’s why it’s smart to speak with a mortgage professional early on. Not only will this give you a realistic price range before you start shopping, but having a pre-approval in hand also strengthens your position when it’s time to make an offer.CONTACT US TODAY TO DISCOVER HOW WE CAN HELP YOU START YOUR JOURNEY.
STEP 4: CHOOSE A REAL ESTATE AGENT
Yes, you technically can search for homes and write an offer on your own — but why add extra stress when working with an experienced agent costs you nothing as a buyer? I’m here to help you find properties that fit your needs, coordinate showings, guide you through the offer process and share insights you might not have on your own. From pointing out hidden gems to steering you away from potential pitfalls, my role is to make your home search smoother, smarter and far more enjoyable.
STEP 5: FIND THE RIGHT HOME
This is often the most fun part of the process (besides moving in!). I’ll arrange showings for homes within your price range and help you evaluate them with a critical eye. As you tour, take notes, test light switches & faucets and open doors to get a real sense of the property. Don’t forget to look beyond the home itself — explore the neighborhood, check traffic at different times of day and consider essentials like schools, shopping and parking. These details matter just as much as the floor plan.
STEP 6: MAKE AN OFFER
Once you’ve found the right property, it’s time to put together an offer that reflects its value and the current market conditions. Whether that means going in below, at or above the asking price, I’ll guide you in creating a fair, competitive offer. If a counteroffer comes back, I’ll help you negotiate confidently until both sides reach an agreement. From there, the home officially moves into escrow.
STEP 7: THE HOME INSPECTION
Most offers include a home inspection contingency, which protects you from unexpected surprises. At Han & Homes, within one day of your offer being accepted, we’ll schedule a full Home Inspection report to check for major issues or needed repairs. If the results are clean, you move forward. If not, we’ll have the opportunity to renegotiate the terms or walk away if the issues are too significant.
STEP 8: SELECT YOUR LOAN
In California's competitive markets, seasoned agents should be updating your loan officer the moment an offer is accepted. They'll reach out to you to begin finalizing the details of your mortgage. Options often include fixed-rate or adjustable-rate loans, 15 or 30-year terms and specialized programs like VA or FHA loans. Together with your lender, you'll select the option that fits your financial comfort and long-term goals.
STEP 9: APPRAISAL
Before your loan is finalized, your lender will order an independent appraisal of the property. This ensures that the agreed purchase price matches the home’s fair market value — protecting both you and the lender.
STEP 10: ESCROW & CLOSING
While paperwork may not be the most exciting part of buying a home, it’s the step that makes it official. Your lender and title company will organize all the documents you need to sign with the Escrow team. Once completed, you’ll walk away as the legal owner of your new home. Keys in hand — it’s time to celebrate.CONGRATULATIONS!
After signing the final paperwork, you are now the legal owner of the property. I’ll deliver the keys & you’ll be all set to move into the home of your dreams!
TESTIMONIALS
HAPPY CLIENTS
Don’t take my word for it — see what my clients have to say about their experience working with me.
Home Buying Guide Magazine
First Time Buyer’s Guide
Simple guide to start on your Home Purchasing journey. Great read for beginners!
Home Inspection Guide
The #1 tool Buyers and Sellers have to protect themselves is a full Home Inspection Report.
Mid-Century Modern Guide
These timeless properties are special - you need to know how to look after them!
WORK WITH HAN
Han represents Buyers, Sellers, Investors and Developer clients throughout Orange County & the greater Southern California regions. His commitment to professionalism, deep market expertise and steadfast work ethic make him a standout presence in the industry.