The Complete Home Buyer's Guide

By Renee Olivier — Your Cajun Realtor®

1. Confirm You’re Financially Ready

Before you begin your home search, it’s important to understand your financial picture. Lenders look at income stability, debt-to-income ratio, savings, reserves, and your credit score. This helps determine your loan options and overall readiness.

2. Determine Your Budget

Your budget includes more than the home price. Consider your mortgage payment, taxes, insurance, HOA fees, PMI, closing costs, and moving expenses. Many buyers follow the 28/36 rule — housing costs shouldn’t exceed 28% of your income.

3. Save for Your Down Payment & Upfront Costs

You don’t need 20% down. Many loan programs allow 3% down (conventional), 3.5% down (FHA), and 0% down (VA/USDA). You’ll also need funds for appraisal, inspection, closing costs, escrow deposits, and moving expenses.

4. Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage

Pre-approval shows sellers you’re serious and tells you exactly what you can afford. It’s stronger than pre-qualification because the lender verifies your income, credit, and assets. This step strengthens your buying position.

5. Choose Your Buyer’s Agent — Your Cajun Realtor®

As your REALTOR®, I guide you through neighborhood selection, market conditions, offer strategy, negotiations, inspections, appraisal issues, and closing timelines.

6. Start House Hunting

We’ll identify your must-haves, deal-breakers, preferred neighborhoods, commute needs, school zones, and lifestyle priorities. I will help you find the neighborhood that fits your lifestyle and the house that you can turn into a home.

7. Make a Strong Offer

When you find the right home, we’ll craft a competitive offer based on market conditions, comparable sales, seller motivation, financing strength, and contingencies. Strategy matters — and I’ll guide you through every option.

8. Schedule Your Home Inspection

A licensed inspector evaluates the roof, foundation, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, safety issues, and structural concerns. After the inspection, we may negotiate repairs or credits depending on the findings.

9. Appraisal Ordered by Your Lender

The appraisal ensures the home’s value supports the loan amount. If it comes in low, we’ll discuss options such as renegotiating the price, challenging the appraisal, or adjusting your financing.

10. Finalize Your Loan (Underwriting)

During underwriting, the lender verifies employment, bank statements, credit activity, debt levels, and documentation. Avoid opening new credit, changing jobs, or making large purchases during the homebuying process.

11. Title, Insurance & Escrow

The title company ensures the home has clear ownership and no liens. You’ll secure homeowners insurance and finalize escrow details to prepare for closing.

12. Final Walkthrough

We’ll walk through the home before closing to confirm repairs were completed and the home is in the agreed-upon condition. This ensures no new issues have appeared.

13. Closing Day — Welcome Home!

Congratulations, You MADE IT!

You’ll sign your documents, receive your keys, and officially become a homeowner. I’ll be right there with you to celebrate your new chapter.