Click on each step to learn more about the  process!

Buyer's Path To Homeownership

01. Save for Your Down Payment

You probably don’t need as much as you think.

You don’t always need 20% down to buy a home. Some loan programs allow as little as 3% down, while qualifying VA and USDA buyers may have zero-down options.

Beyond your down payment, plan for closing costs, moving expenses and any immediate updates. The goal is knowing what you can comfortably afford each month—not simply the maximum you can spend.

Not sure where to start? We can connect you with trusted Lancaster County lenders to help you understand your options.

Click on each step to learn more about the  process!

Buyer's Path To Homeownership

02. know your credit score

Know where you stand before you start shopping.

Your credit is one of the factors a lender will review when determining which loan options you qualify for and how much you may be able to borrow.

Before beginning the pre-approval process, take a look at your credit and make sure the information being reported is accurate. If there are outstanding balances or other issues that need attention, addressing them early can put you in a better position when you're ready to buy.
You don’t have to figure this out alone. A lender can help you understand how your credit fits into the bigger financial picture and what your next step should be.

Click on each step to learn more about the  process!

Buyer's Path To Homeownership

03. work with us

You don’t have to navigate this process by yourself.

Your Hometown agent is there to guide you through the process—from figuring out what you're looking for to touring homes, writing an offer, navigating inspections and making it all the way to the closing table.
And when you need someone outside of our team? We can help there, too.

Over the years, we’ve built relationships with trusted local lenders, inspectors and other professionals throughout Lancaster County. We’re happy to make introductions when you need them.
Think of us as your home base throughout the buying process.

Click on each step to learn more about the  process!

Buyer's Path To Homeownership

04. get pre- approved

Do this before you fall in love with a house. Pre-approval gives you a much clearer understanding of what you can afford—and shows sellers that you’re prepared to buy.
Unlike pre-qualification, which is generally an estimate based on information you provide, pre-approval involves a lender actually reviewing your finances, including your income, employment, credit and assets.

Your lender will typically ask for documents such as recent pay stubs, tax returns, bank and investment statements, employment history and information about existing debts or loans. Buyers path copy
Once you have that pre-approval in hand, you can shop with a realistic budget—and be ready to move when the right home comes along.

Click on each step to learn more about the  process!

Buyer's Path To Homeownership

05. find a home

Now for the fun part.
We’ll help you find homes that fit your priorities and your budget—but finding the right home is about more than scrolling through listings.
Pay attention to the area, too. Drive through neighborhoods you're considering at different times of day. Think about what it would actually feel like to live there. And rather than packing a weekend with 15 showings, focus on the properties that genuinely check your most important boxes. 
As you tour, we’ll help you look beyond the pretty kitchen and fresh paint to consider things like resale value, neighborhood trends and potential red flags.

And remember: we can show you any home for sale in the area, regardless of which agent or company has it listed.

Click on each step to learn more about the  process!

Buyer's Path To Homeownership

06. make an offer

Found the one? Let’s make a smart move.
Before submitting an offer, we’ll research comparable sales and help you determine a price based on what the market actually supports—not simply the listing price.

But an offer is about more than price.

Contingencies, closing timeline, earnest money, included items and repair requests can all be part of the contract and negotiations. We’ll walk you through each piece so you understand exactly what you’re agreeing to before you sign. 

Once the seller accepts your offer, you’re officially under contract—and we’ll help keep everything moving toward closing. listed.

Click on each step to learn more about the  process!

Buyer's Path To Homeownership

07. home inspection

Find out what you’re buying before you own it.
Once your offer is accepted, it’s time to schedule the home inspection.
A licensed inspector will evaluate the property, including major components such as the structure, roof, HVAC, plumbing and electrical systems, and give you a detailed report of their findings. And here's an important thing to remember: every home has something. An inspection report with a list of findings doesn’t automatically mean you've found a bad house. We’ll help you understand what may be worth negotiating, what could be a reasonable repair request, what might be a dealbreaker and what is simply part of normal homeownership.

Need an inspector? We can recommend local professionals we trust.

Click on each step to learn more about the  process!

Buyer's Path To Homeownership

08. get a home appraisal

Make sure the value supports the price.

If you’re financing your purchase, your lender will typically require an independent appraisal.

A licensed third-party appraiser evaluates the property to determine its market value and confirm that the home's value supports the loan amount. If the appraisal comes in lower than your offer price, there may be a few possible paths forward, including renegotiating with the seller, covering a difference in cash or potentially walking away depending on the terms of your agreement.

We’ll help you understand what the result means and navigate the next step if an appraisal issue comes up.

Click on each step to learn more about the  process!

Buyer's Path To Homeownership

09. close the sale

You’re almost home.
Once your loan receives final approval, we’ll work toward your closing date and make sure all the final pieces are falling into place.
Behind the scenes, several things are happening: your lender may request final documentation, the title company will research the property's recorded history, and you'll need to have homeowners insurance in place before closing. 

Then comes closing day. You’ll review and sign the final paperwork, funds will transfer and, assuming everything is complete... You get the keys. 🔑
Our job is to help make sure everything from your accepted offer through closing happens the way it should, so this day feels a lot more exciting than stressful. 

Click on each step to learn more about the  process!

Buyer's Path To Homeownership

10. Congrats! you're a homeowner!

Welcome home.
You made it.

But getting the keys doesn’t mean you stop being part of the Hometown family.

Need a contractor recommendation six months from now? Have a question about the neighborhood? Looking for something local? Just wondering who the heck you're supposed to call about that weird noise the furnace started making?

Call us.
We’re here before, during and after closing.