The Buying Guide
How to buy a home in St. Louis.
Buying a home comes down to six clear steps, from getting pre-approved to getting your keys. I have walked first-time buyers, veterans, relocations, and downsizers through every one of them since 2013, and I will explain each step so you always know what comes next and why.
The process
Six steps, start to finish.
Get pre-approved
A lender reviews your income, debts, credit, and down payment, then tells you exactly what you can borrow. This shapes your search and makes your offer strong.
Define your wishlist
Location first: school districts, commute, and neighborhood character. Then layout, lot, and the features that matter to how you actually live.
Tour with a plan
We look at a focused set of homes that match your criteria and compare each one against the same checklist, so patterns and priorities become clear fast.
Make a strong offer
Based on comparable sales and current market conditions, we craft an offer that is competitive without being reckless. Earnest money is typically 1 to 3 percent.
Inspect & appraise
The inspection reveals the home’s true condition; the appraisal confirms the value. I help you decide what to ask for, what to let go, and what is a deal-breaker.
Close & get your keys
Financing, title, and paperwork come together, usually 30 to 45 days after the offer. On closing day, the home is yours.
Every kind of buyer
Whoever you are, the path is the same.
The steps above hold for every buyer. What changes is the emphasis, and that is where experience matters.
First-Time Buyers
I explain the entire process from start to finish, including the timeline, so you move forward with knowledge and confidence.
Move-Up Families
More space, better schools, the right county. We find the home that fits the family you are becoming.
Military & Veterans
VA loans handled with care, from the certificate of eligibility to the VA appraisal. No down payment in most cases, no mortgage insurance.
Relocating & Out-of-State
Video tours, honest assessments, and a focused buying trip so you can buy from a distance without the stress.
Downsizing & Empty Nesters
Right-sizing to a single-level or low-maintenance home that fits the life ahead, at your pace.
Investors
Numbers-first guidance on rental potential, appreciation, and the areas where the math works for you.
Plan for the costs
Beyond the down payment.
A clear budget includes more than the purchase price. Here are the costs first-time buyers most often forget to plan for.
Earnest money
Typically 1 to 3% of the purchase price, held in escrow as good faith.
Home inspection
Usually a few hundred dollars, and well worth it for the full picture.
Appraisal
Confirms the home is worth what you agreed to pay; often rolled into closing.
Closing costs
A few percent of the price, covering title, lender fees, and transfer. Your lender gives you an exact estimate.
Let's map out your first step.
Whether you are pre-approved this week or a year from starting, tell me where you are and I will tell you exactly what to do next. You can also call or text me at any time.
(636) 288-5576Start your home search
Share what you are looking for and your timeline, and I will send you homes and guidance that fit.