Buyer's Guide

Modern gray two-story home with stone accents, a two-car garage, and landscaped front yard. secondary

Owning a Home in Greater Philadelphia

Philadelphia is one of the most historic and distinguished real estate markets in the country, and we understand that making the decision to buy a home here can be a particularly overwhelming experience. From mastering the difference between condos, single and multi-family units, to planning for closing costs, there is a lot to learn. That is why we have created this Buyer’s Guide - to set you on the right path to owning your perfect home!

How to Buy a Home

Real estate agent shakes hands with a seated buyer while her partner looks on.

1. Connect

Reach out to a Compass agent, a licensed real estate professional. I will work as your advocate and trusted advisor to help guide your search.

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2. Get Pre-Approved

Before beginning your search, your first step is to get pre-approved for a mortgage loan (unless you will be paying in cash for the purchase of your home). You Compass Agent can connect you with a proven mortgage broker who will offer competitive interest rates and desirable financing packages and options. Based on your income and credit history, the mortgage broker will determine how much the bank will lend you, which will help determine the price range for your search.

Real estate agent welcomes a couple at a modern home's wooden front door.

3. Visit Properties

Your Compass Agent will guide and instruct you during viewings and open houses spanning a range of areas and property types. Now is the time to consider your ideal home’s accessibility and amenities.

Two-story tan house with stone accents, a covered entry, and three garage doors.

4. Make an Offer

Once you have seen a home you like, you submit an “offer,” which outlines the price, terms, and timing of the purchase. Your Compass Agent will provide advice on pricing, and guide you through the competitive process.

People review and sign a contract at a table beside a laptop.

5. Execute Agreement of Sale and Make Deposit

After all negotiations are finished, you and the Seller will sign off on the agreement of sale and you will have an executed agreement of sale. You will submit a deposit to secure the home that is protected by the contingencies in the Agreement of Sale.

Home repair worker holding a tablet beside a tool bag in a kitchen.

6. Home Inspections

You and your agent will schedule applicable inspections of the property. Within the time frames provided by the Agreement of Sale, you will either accept the property as is; negotiate for credits or repairs, or cancel the deal and get your deposit back.

Modern residential building with orange facade panels, raised walkways, and landscaped planters.

7. Review Building Financials & Regulations (HOA Only)

If you are buying a condo or townhome, you will need to review the rules, regulations, and financials for the association and be sure there are no issues or concerns.

Hands exchange a small model house for a dollar-marked money bag outdoors.

8. Complete Loan Application

The bank will organize the appraisal, search the title and finalize the paperwork so your loan is “cleared yo close.”

Bright kitchen and dining area with white cabinetry, a wood table, and large windows overlooking trees.

9. Acquire Homeowners Insurance

Be sure to contact your home owner insurance company to line up your policy well before closing.

Bright living room with a white sectional sofa and large windows overlooking a city skyline.

10. Title Search & Policy

The title company will search and confirm there are no liens or judgements on the property and provide a clean title insurance policy.

A hand signs a document beside the printed word “Signature.”

11. Scheduled Settlement

Real estate agent points out a feature to a couple in a bright, window-lined home.

12. Final Walk-Through with your Agent

A review of the property to confirm that it is in the same physical condition as when you signed the purchase and sale agreement.

Hands exchange a small model house for a dollar-marked money bag outdoors.

13. Settlement & Transfer of Ownership

On the day of closing, you and the seller will sign off on all deed, title, and mortgage documents and the ownership of the property will transfer to you.

A couple receives a house key from an agent outside a two-story brick home.

14. Closing

Congratulations! You are now a home owner!

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Nothing is more exciting to The Randy Barker Team than the gratifying feeling they get from helping people meet their real estate needs.
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