HOW IT WORKS · BUYING
How buying a home works
in Oregon, step by step.
Thirteen steps, from our first conversation to the day you get your keys. Here's what happens at each one, and what I'm doing for you along the way.
THE PROCESS
Buying a home, start to finish
01
Consultation and buyer agreement
We talk through your budget, timing, must-haves and the reasons behind them. Then we sign a buyer representation agreement, which sets out what I'll do for you and how my compensation is handled, so nothing about it is a surprise later.
02
Today’s market strategy
I walk you through what homes in your price range and areas are doing right now: how fast they sell, how often there are multiple offers, and what that means for how we'll write an offer.
03
Financing and pre-approval
You talk with a lender (I can introduce a few I trust) and get pre-approved, or better, underwriting-approved. Sellers take a stronger approval more seriously, so this step shapes everything after it.
04
Home search and tours
You get alerts the moment matching homes go live, and I tour with you in person. I'll point out what the photos don't show and what would worry me if it were my money.
05
Offer: price and terms
Before we write, I pull the recent sales that truly compare. Your offer covers price, earnest money, contingencies, closing date and possession, written to compete without overpaying.
06
Mutual acceptance
When you and the seller sign the same version of the agreement, you have a deal. Every deadline in the contract starts, and I track each one.
07
Earnest money deposit
Your good-faith deposit goes to the escrow company, not the seller. It counts toward your purchase at closing, and your contingencies protect it if something serious comes up.
08
Home inspection
A licensed inspector goes through the house, and I'll tell you which extra inspections are worth it for that home, like a sewer scope or a radon test.
09
Negotiate repairs
Based on the inspection, we can ask for repairs, a credit or a price change, or walk away within the inspection window. I help you sort what's serious from what's normal.
10
Appraisal
Your lender's appraiser confirms the home is worth the price. If it comes in low, we look at your options together: renegotiate, cover the gap, or use your contingency.
11
Loan approval and funds
Your lender finalizes the loan, and you arrange your down payment and closing costs. Always confirm wiring instructions by phone with escrow before you send money.
12
Title review and escrow
The title company confirms the seller can legally sell and there are no surprise liens. Escrow prepares the closing documents and schedules your signing.
13
Sign, close and get your keys
After a final walkthrough, you sign, your funds are delivered, and the deed is recorded with the county. Then the keys are yours.
Paige Radmer, broker with Delavan Realty, Inc.
Ready to start looking?
Let's map your search.
Tell me where you're headed and when, and I'll walk you through your first three steps. No pressure and no obligation.