Buyer's Guide

Notice we said to decide on your budget—not just how much the mortgage company will lend you. Often, they’ll pre-approve you for more than you’re comfortable spending, so figure out what monthly payment fits your lifestyle before chatting with a lender. This means doing a full household budget and considering other expenses that pop up once you move into your new home. If you’ve been living in an apartment or with roommates, don't forget those sneaky costs like garbage, water, or HOA fees that can easily blow your budget. You don't want to fall in love with a dream home only to realize you can't afford to live in it because of surprise expenses. Plan ahead, and avoid those "I didn't see that coming" moments!

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 The LIVIN' IN CIN Experience can be your partner in this journey? We know Cincinnati like the back of our hand! Not only will we help identify properties you might be interested in, arrange showings, and handle the offer process, but we also have insider market knowledge that you simply don't have. Finding the perfect home can be a daunting task, and that's where our expertise comes into play. Let us handle the hard stuff while you focus on envisioning your life in your new home. We'll show you around some homes that meet your dream criteria so you can find the one that's right for you. Let's find you the perfect home, in the perfect location, at the perfect time. The LIVIN' IN CIN Experience is here to make your home-buying journey a breeze!

Once you've found "the one," it's time to get down to business! Work with your agent (that's us, your trusty guides at The LIVIN' IN CIN Experience) to whip up a fair offer based on what other homes are going for in the area. Depending on whether it's a buyer's or seller's market (we'll decode that for you), your offer could land below, at, or who knows, maybe even above the asking price. If there's a counteroffer dance, we'll put on our negotiation hats and make sure everyone's happy. Once we've all agreed, the house heads into that mysterious escrow phase—cue the dramatic music! Rest assured, we've got this part covered. Let's lock it down and get you one step closer to popping the champagne in your new living room!

Now it's time to circle back to your mortgage lender who gave you the thumbs-up earlier and pick your mortgage plan. They'll lay out a smorgasbord of options tailored to your financial flair—think fixed-rate, variable-rate, 15-year, 30-year, or even special treats like VA or FHA loans. Work your charm with your lender to snag the option that feels like a snug fit for your wallet and your future.

No one gets excited about mountains of paperwork, but hey, it's all part of the adventure! Luckily, your lender and the title company will handle the logistics like pros. Once you've survived the paperwork marathon, you'll walk away not just with a sore wrist, but also with the proud title of homeowner.