Buyer's Guide

A Step-by-Step First Time Buyer's Guide

Buying a home is one of the most exciting milestones of your life. To prepare yourself for this moment, you need to know what to expect during the process. This step-by-step first time buyer’s guide created by your agent will help reduce the stress of buying a home and help you enjoy the journey as much as possible.

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Step 1: Research

Do you already know where you want to buy? If you want a condo, townhome, or single-family home? Which features do you like and dislike? What’s available on the market now? If you answered no to any of these questions, now is the time to start researching. In addition to looking for homes that interest you, also take note of any changes in asking prices. This could give you valuable insight into housing trends in specific neighborhoods and help you when the time comes to make an offer.

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Step 2: Decide on Your Budget

Notice I said to decide on your budget—not determine how much the mortgage company will give you. In many cases, a mortgage company will pre-approve you for more than you’re comfortable spending, which is why you need to determine the monthly payment you feel comfortable with before talking to a lender. This likely includes doing a full household budget and taking into consideration what changes other than a mortgage payment will occur once you move into your new home. If you’ve lived in an apartment or with roommates, you may overlook new expenses like garbage, water, or HOA fees that could easily blow your budget.

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Step 3: Get Prequalified

Just because you think you can afford a certain payment every month doesn’t mean the mortgage company will agree. Just as they may approve you for too large of an amount, they may also approve you for a lesser amount or deny you a mortgage altogether. Lack of time at a job, insufficient credit, past bankruptcies, or other financial issues can cause major problems when trying to secure a mortgage. Before you get your heart set on a home, talk to a mortgage professional to find out what amount you can qualify for. This will also be an advantage when you make an offer on a home, as some sellers won’t entertain offers from those who aren’t already prequalified for a loan.

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Step 4: Tour Homes

When we’re ready to start looking at homes in person, it’s best to start with a consultation with a lender. I am happy to recommend a trusted professional who can talk to you about your financing options.

How can I make the most of my time when touring homes?
We’ll work together to get an accurate idea of your price range, an estimate of your monthly payments, and a pre-approval letter, so we can move quickly if need be.
Refining your “wants” and “needs” list will help us identify what’s most important to you, including both the location and the house itself.
Preview, favorite, and hide homes through the KW App to eliminate those you won’t need to visit in person.
Once we narrow your list, we’ll plan an itinerary together.
 
What should I expect when touring homes?
We will typically tour homes together alongside any co-buyers, friends, or family you’d like to join.
Homeowners usually aren’t home, so you’re free to spend as little or as much time as you want.
You may have a gut reaction when visiting a home. First impressions count, but I’ll advise you on home values and help evaluate priorities in the context of what’s available in your price range.
 
As your trusted partner for your home search, feel free to reach out at any time should you have any questions about any of the homes we tour.

My goal is to provide you with the most personalized service that is designed to help you buy your dream home

Schedule A Consultation
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Step 5: Make an offer

After you’ve found the one, I’ll evaluate the market and draft a well-thought-out offer that also protects your interests.
 
What should I include with my offer?
 
Your offer will be written using the most recent standard-purchase offer forms that comply with all state and local laws.
Your offer will include:
  • The price
  • Terms – such as a request for closing cost help or that the offer is subject to your obtaining financing and a home inspection
  • Target date for closing
  • Earnest money deposit – I can advise you about how big your deposit should be based on local customs and current conditions
  • Request for final walk-through
  • Time limit for the offer
I’ll work on your behalf to negotiate the terms of your purchase.
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Step 6: Home Inspection

As soon as your offer is accepted, we’ll schedule your home inspection. I have a number of trusted home inspectors we can turn to.

What is a home inspection?
Your home inspector will check a massive list (more than 1,000 items) of systems, appliances, and structures in your home to evaluate its condition. You’ll get a written report that identifies potential problems and future maintenance issues. We’ll look at it together to decide whether the report means you want to walk away from a house or ask the sellers to make repairs. You can also have an “information only” inspection, which means you’re buying the house as is, but want to know its condition.
 
What’s included in a home inspection?
The inspector will check:
Structural conditions such as the foundation, beams, and floors
Roof condition
Mechanical systems such as heat and air conditioning
Appliances – to make sure they’re working
Plumbing – for leaks, rust, and water pressure
Electrical systems such as grounded outlets and code violations
Safety issues such as stairs, handrails, mold, or chimney maintenance
 

I’ll be your partner in helping you understand the implications of the home inspection.

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Step 7: Purchase and sale contract

Execute Contract
The crucial period between an offer and a final contract is an important time to stay in close contact with me, so you’re equipped with all the information you need to make smart decisions.
I’ll review the contract with you to make sure all of your questions are answered.
 
We’ll watch out for:
  • Unrealistic deadlines: you’ll need time to arrange a home inspection and receive the report, as well as arrange financing
  • Missing deadlines means you lose your chance to end the contract and keep your deposit
  • Items that don’t convey with the property: if you’re not sure, we can discuss it
  • Communications from your lender
According to the National Association of REALTORS®, the most common reasons for contracts to fail or be delayed are home inspection problems, financing problems, or an appraisal issue.
 
I will be by your side at every step to help you navigate the complexities of a real estate contract.
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Step 8: Apply for a Mortgage

Submit all proper paperwork to mortgage company.

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Step 9: Buy Home Insurance

Home insurance protects your new home and belongings from accidental damages. Make sure you insure your home with a plan that fits.

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Step 10: Final Walk Thru

The final walk through is the home buyer’s opportunity to inspect the home prior to closing. It is the time to see if the sellers is leaving the property in the condition that was expected, and to ensure that the seller has fulfilled their contractual obligations.

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Step 11: Closing Day

There’s no need to feel jittery before your closing as I will have you fully prepared for the day. As the buyer, you choose the title company for your title search and the closing. I can recommend reliable title companies.
 
What should I do before the closing?
We’ll stay in close communication to make sure that your questions are answered and you feel ready to sign on the dotted line.
 
What can I expect at the closing
We’ll be finalizing all of the paperwork to close on the sale of your new home. You will want to allot a few hours for your closing.
 
What’s next?
After your closing:
  • Keep all your signed documents in a safe place.
  • Change your address.
  • Change the locks and security codes on your home.
  • Review your due dates and new budget.

Congratulations!
You’ve got the keys to your new home!

After your purchase, ask me to recommend fully-vetted service specialists in town or how you can care for your home. Further down the road, should you ever want to sell, I’ll have the scoop. You’ll always have my number, and I’ll always be ready to spring into action.

Testimonials

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  • Debbie always reaches my expectations. Whether you’re a buyer or seller Debbie always has your interests as a priority.
    — Dan J.
  • Debbie was responsive, and persistent and succeeded in helping me find a new home that answered my specific needs. She understood what was suitable for me, and made it work - and all in record time!
    — Kenneth A.
  • Her knowledge, expertise, responsiveness, and negotiation skills are extremely above and beyond the call of duty. She demonstrates perfection in her professionalism. Debbie Adamidis has assisted me with several transactions. I have always been thoroughly satisfied with her professionalism.
    — Jackie L.
  • With Debbie's help, I've purchased a condo, sold a condo, and purchased a single-family home. Through each of these large life decisions and processes, Debbie has been tremendously kind, patient, professional, and knowledgeable. In fact, I might not have undertaken the second two without her support. You won't find a more attentive real estate agent than Debbie Adamidis.
    — Jennifer A
  • Debbie is awesome. My wife and I have been working with her for about ten years and have completed several transactions with her as our agent. This includes purchasing multiple properties, two condos, and a single family, as well as renting and managing one of the condos. She has always been responsive, knowledgeable, and thorough in her dealings with us and I would highly recommend her.
    — Seller
  • Debbie is the real deal. She helped me purchase my first home and was extremely helpful in navigating the space. She was such an excellent advocate for me, constantly asking all the right questions and making sure I knew all the ins and outs of this place I was about to buy. She is diligent, attentive, and very knowledgeable. I will definitely be sending any friends looking for a Realtor® Debbie's way.
    — Maryanna V.
  • I just saw your advert email. Just want to touch base with you and Say another thank you for helping me to sell my house in 2013. I will never forget your kindness and assistance. Hope you remember -Pastor Jacob Oni, 17/19 Lambert Avenue, Roxbury – a house that you sold for me. Thank you again and I wish you the best always. When I am buying or selling gain, I will reach out to you. God bless you richly, Amen.
    — Jacob O.
  • Debbie is amazing! She is the expert in her field, and most notably, with real estate sales in Jamaica Plain. The current pandemic and its effects on real estate sales concerned me, but Debbie proved herself with nine offers in two days, and the house was only on the market for five days! My phenomenal experience was only possible due to her vast knowledge, marketing forte, and, most of all, her communication - she advised and informed me every step of the way. Thank you, Debbie - I look forward to doing business with you again and again!
    — George V.
  • Debbie was a great Realtor® - I bought my first home and also sold it a few years later, both times with her representing me. She is very knowledgeable about the Greater Boston area real estate as well as all other aspects of real estate in general. She was very helpful in both transactions, especially since I am based out of town, assisting me with various inspections and helping with various other tasks related to buying and selling the condo. I also appreciate her prompt communication and her commitment to find us the best deal. I have already recommended Debbie to family and friends, and look forward to working with her on other real estate inve...
    — Buyer & Seller
  • Debbie was not just our real estate agent but our partner in the home-buying process. She came highly recommended by a good friend and lived up to that recommendation in every way. We had a very specific set of criteria for our new home and Debbie helped us to find the perfect property. She respected our budget ceiling and her expert advice allowed us to come out on top of multiple bidders. Debbie was there for the home inspector's entire visit and stayed for over an hour afterward as we went over his report. She checked in regularly as we applied and were approved for financing. She also negotiated an excellent credit from the seller and ensured th...
    — Kiki V.
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My extensive knowledge of Boston's investment real estate market is unparalleled. My clients have consistently sought my advice and trusted my judgement on multi-million dollar deals.

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Contact Details

Debbie Adamidis

Phone

(617) 510-6019

Email

[email protected]

Address

607 Boylston St Ste 500 Boston MA 02116

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