Your Home Buying Journey with Christina Smith Real Estate powered by Keller Williams

Buying a home is a big step—one that comes with excitement, but also a lot of questions. But don’t worry, I’m here to walk you through the process, every step of the way, making it as smooth and stress-free as possible. Whether it’s your first home or your forever home, together, we’ll make sure you’re ready to start this chapter with confidence.

1. Let’s Start with Your Credit

Before we dive into looking at homes, let's check your credit. It's a simple step that can help you understand your options. You can get one free credit report a year—take advantage of it! A good score is typically 720 or higher, but don't stress if it's below that. We’ll talk about how to work with what you have and find the right financing options for you.

2. Set Your Budget

Next up, let’s figure out what works for you. While you might qualify for a bigger loan, it’s important to consider what you’re comfortable paying month-to-month. This is about finding a balance between what’s affordable and what you want in your dream home. I’ll be here to help you crunch the numbers and get clear on your budget.

3. Find an Agent Who Gets You

Having a real estate agent who truly listens and understands your needs is essential. I take pride in being your partner, not just your agent, through this process. Whether you’re looking for something cozy or spacious, we’ll work together to find the right fit for you. My goal is to make sure you're fully informed, so you can feel confident in every decision.

4. Get Pre-Approved

Before we start making offers, getting pre-approved for a loan is a smart move. This gives you a clear picture of what you can afford and makes you more appealing to sellers. It’s like a “green light” that says, “I’m ready!” A lender will pull your credit and provide a pre-approval letter, showing how much they’re willing to lend you.

5. Start Your Home Search

Now comes the fun part—looking at homes! Based on your budget and what you're looking for, we’ll start touring homes in areas that feel like the right fit. With my local expertise in East Texas, I’ll be able to share properties that match your vision and maybe even a few hidden gems you wouldn’t have thought of.

6. Making the Offer

Once you’ve found a place you love, we’ll craft an offer that works for you. I’ll help you determine the right price, whether we need to add contingencies, or if an inspection is needed. I’ll be here to negotiate on your behalf, making sure you get the best deal possible.

7. Home Inspection

This is an important step to ensure the home is in good condition. We’ll hire a professional inspector to look over the property, and if anything unexpected pops up, we can use it as leverage for negotiations. It’s also a great time to take measurements or simply get a feel for the space before the paperwork is finalized.

8. Getting Insurance & Setting Up Utilities

Once we’re closer to closing, it’s time to arrange homeowners insurance (required by lenders) to protect your new investment. I’ll also remind you to get your utilities set up so when moving day arrives, everything’s ready to go—no surprises!

9. Closing the Deal

This is the big moment! You’ll sign the final documents and officially become the owner of your new home. Don’t worry, I’ll be right there with you to ensure everything goes smoothly. We’ll review all the paperwork together so you feel completely comfortable with the process.

10. Welcome Home!

Congratulations—you did it! Now that the keys are in your hands, it's time to make this house your home. From here, we can talk about the many benefits of homeownership and I’ll be here whenever you need anything. Moving in is just the beginning of a new adventure!