Your Buying Journey

Your Roadmap to Homeownership

Every great home starts with a clear path. Here’s yours — step by step, from first call to front door.

Step 1 of 10
Couple reviewing mortgage documents with lender
Step 01 You are here

Get Pre-Approved

1–3 days • In progress

Meet with a lender to learn your purchasing power. A pre-approval letter tells sellers you’re financially ready — it’s your ticket to being taken seriously.

Pro tip: Get pre-approved before you start browsing — it sets your budget and makes your offer stronger when you find the one.

02
Step 02

Define Your Wish List

1–2 days

Neighborhoods, school districts, bedrooms, budget — separate the non-negotiables from the nice-to-haves. This becomes the blueprint for your search.

Exploring Northern Kentucky neighborhoods
03
Touring a home with your real estate agent
Step 03

Tour Homes

1–4 weeks

Visit properties that match your criteria. Take notes, snap photos, and check the neighborhood at different times of day. Details blur after a few showings.

04
Step 04

Make an Offer

1–3 days

Your agent crafts a competitive offer backed by market data, comparable sales, and insight into the seller’s motivations.

Reviewing offer details with agent
05
Signing the purchase agreement
Step 05

Under Contract

1–5 days

Both sides agree on price and terms. You sign the purchase agreement, submit your earnest money, and the countdown to closing begins.

06
Step 06

Inspection & Due Diligence

7–14 days

A licensed inspector evaluates the property top to bottom. Review the report, negotiate repairs, and make an informed decision.

Home inspector evaluating property
07
Appraiser evaluating the home
Step 07

Appraisal & Loan Approval

1–3 weeks

Your lender orders an appraisal to confirm value. Once underwriting gives a “clear to close,” you’re in the home stretch.

08
Step 08

Final Walk-Through

1 day

One last look to confirm repairs are done and the home is exactly as expected. This usually happens the day before — or the morning of — closing.

Walking through your future home
09
Signing closing documents at title company
Step 09

Closing Day

1–2 hours

Sign the final paperwork at the title company, wire your funds, and receive the keys. This is the moment it all becomes real.

Pro tip: Bring a valid photo ID and confirm wire instructions with the title company in advance.

Step 10

Move In & Make It Home

1–2 weeks

Set up utilities, change your address, and start settling in. We’ll send a welcome package with local resources to help you feel at home from day one.

Family settling into their new home

Ready?

Questions About Your Next Step?

Get personalized guidance from a local Northern Kentucky real estate specialist.

Let’s Talk Search Homes

Welcome Back

Sign in to save homes and get alerts

Forgot password?

Don't have an account?

Protected by reCAPTCHA: Privacy · Terms