1.  Define your needs. 

• Before house hunting, it is important to define what kind of home and neighborhood would best suit your wants and needs.  Make a wish list to share with your agent.  Use details to fine tune your search.  By dividing your list into negotiable and non-negotiable items, you and your agent can find the home that best suits you.

2.  Get prequalified or preapproved.

• It is important to find out what you can afford when purchasing a home.  Your Real Estate agent can refer you to a reputable lender to get either prequalification or preapproval. 

3.  Begin your home search.

• Too minimize stress, the most efficient route is to let your agent do the initial searching for you.  Based on the "Wish List" you have provided, he or she will alert you of new and existing listings that have strong potential.  When you are interested in seeing a home, have your agent arrange a home tour at your convenience. 

4.  Make an offer.

• When you find a home you would like to make an offer on, your real estate agent will help you determine the offer price by reviewing similar homes on the market that have sold.  Together, you and your agent will draft a written contract that details what each party must do in order to close escrow.  If the seller accepts the offer, you now have a binding agreement, so it is very important to understand the offer and feel comfortable before signing. 
• (if the seller makes any changes to the offer prior to signing, it is not a valid contract until the buyer signs, accepting the changes)

5.  Counteroffers.

• Oftentimes, the seller will make changes and present you with a counteroffer.  This is where the negotiating skills of your realtor become invaluable.  Keep in mind everything is negotiable when purchasing a home.  Bargaining is not a "winner takes all" situation, there needs to be mutual respect and compromise.

6.  Prepare for the closing.

• When your offer becomes a binding agreement, you as the buyer will have a list of items that need to complete in order to execute the contract.  Your agent will make sure these tasks get done correctly and in a timely manner.  Some of the items of the items may be include getting a home inspection, get an appraisal and finalize your financing, secure title insurance, shop for a home warranty...etc.

7.  Close of Escrow.

• Congratulations!  The final step is the one you have been waiting for.  The closing is where home ownership is legally transferred from the previous owner into your name (the buyer).  It is a formal meeting that most parties involved in the transaction will attend.  This meeting is usually held at the title company or lawyer's office.  The closing office will coordinate document signing and the collecting and disbursement of funds.  You will receive a final closing statement prior to closing.  This statement will inform you of what your personal closing costs are, if any.  Your agent will review this document to ensure it is correct and help you gather any necessary documentation you will need to bring.