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Buyer's Guide

A Step-by-Step First Time Buyer's Guide

Buying a home is one of the most exciting milestones of your life. To prepare yourself for this moment, you need to know what to expect during the process. This step-by-step first time buyer’s guide created by your agent will help reduce the stress of buying a home and help you enjoy the journey as much as possible.

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Step 1: Research

Do you already know where you want to buy? If you want a condo, townhome, or single-family home? Which features do you like and dislike? What’s available on the market now? If you answered no to any of these questions, now is the time to start researching. In addition to looking for homes that interest you, also take note of any changes in asking prices. This could give you valuable insight into housing trends in specific neighborhoods and help you when the time comes to make an offer.

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Step 2: Decide on Your Budget

Notice I said to decide on your budget—not determine how much the mortgage company will give you. In many cases, a mortgage company will pre-approve you for more than you’re comfortable spending, which is why you need to determine the monthly payment you feel comfortable with before talking to a lender. This likely includes doing a full household budget and taking into consideration what changes other than a mortgage payment will occur once you move into your new home. If you’ve lived in an apartment or with roommates, you may overlook new expenses like garbage, water, or HOA fees that could easily blow your budget.

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Step 3: Get Prequalified

Just because you think you can afford a certain payment every month doesn’t mean the mortgage company will agree. Just as they may approve you for too large of an amount, they may also approve you for a lesser amount or deny you a mortgage altogether. Lack of time at a job, insufficient credit, past bankruptcies, or other financial issues can cause major problems when trying to secure a mortgage. Before you get your heart set on a home, talk to a mortgage professional to find out what amount you can qualify for. This will also be an advantage when you make an offer on a home, as some sellers won’t entertain offers from those who aren’t already prequalified for a loan.

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Step 4: Select Your Loan

Now is the time to go back to the mortgage lender who pre-approved or pre-qualified you and choose your mortgage. You will be presented with various options based on your unique financial situation, including fixed-rate, variable-rate, 15-year, 30-year, or special programs such as VA loans or FHA loans. Work with your mortgage lender to select the option you feel the most comfortable with.

Passion & Expertise

My goal is to provide you with the most personalized service possible, meticulously designed to help you navigate the process of buying your dream home. I am dedicated to understanding your unique needs and preferences, ensuring that every step of the journey is tailored to achieve your ultimate home-buying aspirations.

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Step 5: Choose a Real Estate Agent

Can you shop for, look at, and ultimately make an offer on a home without a real estate agent? Technically, yes, but why would you when it costs you nothing for an agent like me to take much of the stress off your shoulders? Not only will I help identify properties you might be interested in, arrange showings, and ultimately handle the offer process, but I also have a knowledge of the market that you don’t possess. Finding the perfect home can be a daunting task, and this is where my expertise and wealth of knowledge come into play. Let me show you around some homes that meet your dream home criteria so you can find the one that's right for you.

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Step 6: Find the Right Home

This should be the most enjoyable step of the entire process (other than moving in!). I will arrange showings of homes you’re interested in that are within your price range. Take notes about what you like and don’t like, and make sure to pay attention to details. Turn light switches on and off, open and close doors, and run the faucets in various rooms. Don’t limit your inspection to the home itself. Make sure to take time to explore the neighborhood and keep an eye on traffic at certain times of the day, the parking situation, and how close it is to necessities like schools and grocery stores.

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Step 7: Make an Offer

Once you have selected the perfect home, work with your agent to craft a fair offer based on the value of comparable homes on the market. Depending on what the home is listed at and whether the current environment is a buyer’s or seller’s market, your offer may be below, at, or even above the asking price. I will be able to help you negotiate if you receive a counteroffer and reach an agreement. At this point, the house will go into escrow.

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Step 8: Have the Home Inspected

In most cases, your offer will be contingent on having the home inspected to ensure there is no major structural damage or large repairs needed. I can help you arrange this, and you can schedule it within days of making an offer. If there are no major issues, the process goes to step eight. If there is, you can renegotiate your offer based on what needs to be fixed, or you can withdraw it.

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Step 9: Get a Home Appraisal

Your lender will have your new home appraised so they have their independent value of it. The appraisal is to ensure that all parties involved are paying a fair price for the house.

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Step 10: Finish Paperwork

No one looks forward to all the paperwork involved in buying a home, but it’s a necessary part of the process. Fortunately, everything will be arranged by your lender and title company and, when you’re finished, you’ll know you are the legal owner of your new home.

Congratulations!

After signing the final paperwork to complete the purchase, you are now the owner of a new house. It may take a few days for your loan to be funded once the paperwork has been returned to the lender, but once that check is delivered to the seller, you’ll be all set to move into the home of your dreams. 

See Why My Clients Love

Testimonials

"Robyn was extremely helpful, knowledgeable, and responsive as my listing agent. Her professionalism, expertise and excellent interpersonal skills work to make her a wonderful representative for anyone attempting to purchase or sell a home. She truly knows the market and made great recommendations for me. Being a first time home seller, I was new to the process. She explained everything thoroughly, was patient walking me through the process, and was always willing to answer any questions. My home was under contract in a matter of days, and the entire closing process was smooth. I am so thankful for Robyn and how easy she made the process of selling my house."
"Robyn was extremely helpful, knowledgeable, and responsive as my listing agent. Her professionalism, expertise and excellent interpersonal skills work to make her a wonderful representative for anyone attempting to purchase or sell a home. She truly knows the market and made great recommendations for me. Being a first time home seller, I was new to the process. She explained everything thoroughly, was patient walking me through the process, and was always willing to answer any questions. My home was under contract in a matter of days, and the entire closing process was smooth. I am so thankful for Robyn and how easy she made the process of selling my house."
Christine W.
"Robyn Canada at Magnolia Real Estate helped us during our search for a new home. She always made us feel like we were her #1 priority. She set up search criteria so we could get emails about new listings. Whenever we saw one we liked and wanted to see, she quickly arranged for a viewing. Robyn ultimately helped us put a contract on a new construction home. We'll certainly leverage her services when we're ready to list our current home. She has already given us tips on what we should do to prepare our home for sale."
"Robyn Canada at Magnolia Real Estate helped us during our search for a new home. She always made us feel like we were her #1 priority. She set up search criteria so we could get emails about new listings. Whenever we saw one we liked and wanted to see, she quickly arranged for a viewing. Robyn ultimately helped us put a contract on a new construction home. We'll certainly leverage her services when we're ready to list our current home. She has already given us tips on what we should do to prepare our home for sale."
Lee
"Robyn Canada has been my go-to real estate person for several years. She is prompt, courteous and knows her business very well. I am not the easiest buyer to please and my searches have taken considerable time. Robyn has stepped in and made my house hunting a very pleasant adventure. She works tirelessly and continues to remain cheerful and always willing to go that extra step to get the job done. I highly recommend Robyn Canada as your next real estate agent!"
"Robyn Canada has been my go-to real estate person for several years. She is prompt, courteous and knows her business very well. I am not the easiest buyer to please and my searches have taken considerable time. Robyn has stepped in and made my house hunting a very pleasant adventure. She works tirelessly and continues to remain cheerful and always willing to go that extra step to get the job done. I highly recommend Robyn Canada as your next real estate agent!"
Dan L.
"Robyn did a fantastic job very knowledgeable when recommendations in listing condo and finding our new home as well! Would highly recommend getting in touch with her immediately!"
"Robyn did a fantastic job very knowledgeable when recommendations in listing condo and finding our new home as well! Would highly recommend getting in touch with her immediately!"
Tom W.
"Robyn Canada was awesome! So patient and driven to ensure we didn't settle for anything less than amazing! She was so friendly and made a very stressful and sometimes heartbreaking process fun and exciting! A+"
"Robyn Canada was awesome! So patient and driven to ensure we didn't settle for anything less than amazing! She was so friendly and made a very stressful and sometimes heartbreaking process fun and exciting! A+"
Amy R.
"Robyn Canada was awesome. She helped me find a great home. She was so patient and kind. She helped me through the entire process and after the sale."
"Robyn Canada was awesome. She helped me find a great home. She was so patient and kind. She helped me through the entire process and after the sale."
Barb B.
"My fiancé and I have been looking for a home to start our next chapter together and we were blessed to find Robyn Canada as our agent. She is the sweetest and most determined agent we could have asked for. Even on days that we wanted to see properties last minute, Robyn made it happen and without hesitation. She really puts her clients first and listens to their needs. This was our first time each ever looking for a home and Robyn made the experience as easy as possible. She won’t show homes that don’t meet your criteria and is very honest about the details of each property that is looked at. Robyn isn’t afraid to point out the bad along with the good and I believe that is a great quality as an agent. She was always honest with us and never pressured us about a property if we didn’t feel comfortable about it. Thank you Robyn! We can’t wait to enjoy our new home!"
"My fiancé and I have been looking for a home to start our next chapter together and we were blessed to find Robyn Canada as our agent. She is the sweetest and most determined agent we could have asked for. Even on days that we wanted to see properties last minute, Robyn made it happen and without hesitation. She really puts her clients first and listens to their needs. This was our first time each ever looking for a home and Robyn made the experience as easy as possible. She won’t show homes that don’t meet your criteria and is very honest about the details of each property that is looked at. Robyn isn’t afraid to point out the bad along with the good and I believe that is a great quality as an agent. She was always honest with us and never pressured us about a property if we didn’t feel comfortable about it. Thank you Robyn! We can’t wait to enjoy our new home!"
A. Bunyatova
"Robyn is always smiling and so happy. She makes difficult matters seem easier and even pleasant."
"Robyn is always smiling and so happy. She makes difficult matters seem easier and even pleasant."
Mary Jane C.
"Robyn Canada is the best realtor. She goes above and beyond what others do and treats her clients like family."
"Robyn Canada is the best realtor. She goes above and beyond what others do and treats her clients like family."
Penny S.
"Very Friendly, They go above and beyond to help with the sale of your house!"
"Very Friendly, They go above and beyond to help with the sale of your house!"
Patricia K.
"Robyn is quite literally the best of the best. If you’re looking for a relator that makes sure she puts you in a home that’s not only affordable but checks off all your boxes - Robyn is your gal. I will Never forget our experience and I tell all my friends trying to buy a home that if you don’t have a relator like mine, you need to switch to Robyn! My current husband and I bought our first home shortly after we got engaged. We had started the process right before he popped the question and looked at homes for over a month. When we first started, it was the middle of 2020, in unprecedented times; we were both at the time unemployed but I had a full time job lined up that paid well. I had just graduated college and had been saving up to make this big purchase! I knew NOTHING about buying a home. Robyn connected us with a fantastic loan provider that gave us an interest rate that cannot be beat. She set us up to look online at homes and favorite ones we wanted to see. At the time, there were not “open houses” and she scheduled every single house tour we saw. We looked at dozens of homes and put down 5 different offers. She made sure every single time we knew what we were offering and gave us the best chance at getting the home. Finally, we landed our perfect starter home, but it as unfortunately the only home my husband didn’t see. She got us back into the home so he could take a look to make sure we both agreed this was the place. Through the entire process, Robyn was incredible. My favorite part was the fact that in every home we toured, while my now husband and I were walking around, dreaming of what it would look like if we lived there, she was busy at work checking all the things we may not pay attention to. She checked the foundation for cracks and water damage, the property for tree trunks near water lines; she knew how old the house, the roof, the appliances were, when it was last painted, if there was an HOA and the fees, etc. she made it loud and clear what we’d be getting ourselves into if we made an offer. We saw many homes we never put an offer down, but she stayed happy and confident, ready to be back on the hunt for the right home to call our own. I cannot recommend her enough 5 stars is not enough to show the appreciation we had for Robyn during our buying experience. I will be coming back to her when my husband and I (+ the two kids we’ve had since) are ready to buy some land and build our dream home!"
"Robyn is quite literally the best of the best. If you’re looking for a relator that makes sure she puts you in a home that’s not only affordable but checks off all your boxes - Robyn is your gal. I will Never forget our experience and I tell all my friends trying to buy a home that if you don’t have a relator like mine, you need to switch to Robyn! My current husband and I bought our first home shortly after we got engaged. We had started the process right before he popped the question and looked at homes for over a month. When we first started, it was the middle of 2020, in unprecedented times; we were both at the time unemployed but I had a full time job lined up that paid well. I had just graduated college and had been saving up to make this big purchase! I knew NOTHING about buying a home. Robyn connected us with a fantastic loan provider that gave us an interest rate that cannot be beat. She set us up to look online at homes and favorite ones we wanted to see. At the time, there were not “open houses” and she scheduled every single house tour we saw. We looked at dozens of homes and put down 5 different offers. She made sure every single time we knew what we were offering and gave us the best chance at getting the home. Finally, we landed our perfect starter home, but it as unfortunately the only home my husband didn’t see. She got us back into the home so he could take a look to make sure we both agreed this was the place. Through the entire process, Robyn was incredible. My favorite part was the fact that in every home we toured, while my now husband and I were walking around, dreaming of what it would look like if we lived there, she was busy at work checking all the things we may not pay attention to. She checked the foundation for cracks and water damage, the property for tree trunks near water lines; she knew how old the house, the roof, the appliances were, when it was last painted, if there was an HOA and the fees, etc. she made it loud and clear what we’d be getting ourselves into if we made an offer. We saw many homes we never put an offer down, but she stayed happy and confident, ready to be back on the hunt for the right home to call our own. I cannot recommend her enough 5 stars is not enough to show the appreciation we had for Robyn during our buying experience. I will be coming back to her when my husband and I (+ the two kids we’ve had since) are ready to buy some land and build our dream home!"
Jordyn L.
"Robyn is great!"
"Robyn is great!"
Jodi B.
"Robyn Canada was very helpful when we built our home. She met with contractors with us to make sure we got everything we wanted."
"Robyn Canada was very helpful when we built our home. She met with contractors with us to make sure we got everything we wanted."
Taylor M.
"Absolutely One Of The Beautiful People Inside And Out! Would Does Go Beyond! Thank You Robyn!"
"Absolutely One Of The Beautiful People Inside And Out! Would Does Go Beyond! Thank You Robyn!"
Carol T.
"Robyn Canada has sold our last 5 houses, 2 of them in less than 24 hours. She handles the hard “stuff” and deals with difficult buyers and sellers efficiently and with a smile."
"Robyn Canada has sold our last 5 houses, 2 of them in less than 24 hours. She handles the hard “stuff” and deals with difficult buyers and sellers efficiently and with a smile."
Jaclyn S.
"Had a great experience working with Robyn. My husband and I found our St. Peters home!"
"Had a great experience working with Robyn. My husband and I found our St. Peters home!"
Chrystal W.
"If you need to buy a house or need to sell one, reaching to Robyn! I've used her for all my need. She is friendly, kind, and goes put of the way to make your experience the best!"
"If you need to buy a house or need to sell one, reaching to Robyn! I've used her for all my need. She is friendly, kind, and goes put of the way to make your experience the best!"
Michelle W.
"I cannot say enough about this company! Robyn made the process of selling my house a breeze! She answered all my questions, stayed in touch with me through every step and always had a smile on her face! I could not have asked for a better experience."
"I cannot say enough about this company! Robyn made the process of selling my house a breeze! She answered all my questions, stayed in touch with me through every step and always had a smile on her face! I could not have asked for a better experience."
Jessica M.
"Robyn is exceptional. She is always responsive and makes the home buying process as smooth and stress free as possible. She is ever so patient and will make sure that any questions or concerns are addressed. I trust her whole-heartedly and know that she is looking out for my best interests. I highly recommend Robyn. She is the absolute best!"
"Robyn is exceptional. She is always responsive and makes the home buying process as smooth and stress free as possible. She is ever so patient and will make sure that any questions or concerns are addressed. I trust her whole-heartedly and know that she is looking out for my best interests. I highly recommend Robyn. She is the absolute best!"
Becca K.
"My husband and I worked with Robyn when buying our first home and it was such a breeze! She listened to what we were looking for and walked us through every part of the process. As first time buyers and in this crazy market, it’s important to have Robyn! I can’t thank her enough for helping us and now we get to enjoy this home with our family."
"My husband and I worked with Robyn when buying our first home and it was such a breeze! She listened to what we were looking for and walked us through every part of the process. As first time buyers and in this crazy market, it’s important to have Robyn! I can’t thank her enough for helping us and now we get to enjoy this home with our family."
Anna L.
"Robyn takes the utmost care of each and every client. She will do whatever it takes to make a happy outcome for all parties involved."
"Robyn takes the utmost care of each and every client. She will do whatever it takes to make a happy outcome for all parties involved."
Erin T.
"Robyn Canada of Magnolia Real Estate did an awesome job with both mine and my daughter’s real estate needs! There are so many things to manage when selling and buying homes. Robyn walked us through the process easily and professionally! Thank you!"
"Robyn Canada of Magnolia Real Estate did an awesome job with both mine and my daughter’s real estate needs! There are so many things to manage when selling and buying homes. Robyn walked us through the process easily and professionally! Thank you!"
Sheryl W.

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