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Welcome to Our

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 our team 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 we 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: Choose Real Estate Experts

Can you shop for, look at, and ultimately make an offer on a home without real estate experts? Technically yes, but why would you when it costs you nothing for agents like us to take much of the stress off your shoulders? Not only will we help identify properties you might be interested in, arrange showings, and ultimately handle the offer process, but we also have knowledge of the market that you don’t possess. Finding the perfect home can be a daunting task, this is where our expertise and wealth of knowledge come into play. Let us show you around some homes that meet your dream home criteria so you can find the one that's right for you.

Passion & Expertise

Our goal is to provide you with the most personalized service possible, meticulously designed to help you navigate the process of buying your dream home. We are dedicated to understanding your unique needs and preferences, ensuring that every step of the journey is tailored to achieve your ultimate home-buying aspirations.

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Step 5: Find the Right Home

This should be the most enjoyable step of the entire process (other than moving in!). We will arrange showings of homes you’re interested in that are within your price range. Take notes about what you like and don’t like, and make sure to pay attention to details. Turn light switches on and off, open and close doors, and run the faucets in various rooms. Don’t limit your inspection to the home itself. Make sure to take time to explore the neighborhood and keep an eye on traffic at certain times of the day, the parking situation, and how close it is to necessities like schools and grocery stores.

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Step 6: Make an Offer

Once you have selected the perfect home, work with your agent to craft a fair offer based on the value of comparable homes on the market. Depending on what the home is listed at and whether the current environment is a buyer’s or seller’s market, your offer may be below, at, or even above the asking price. We will be able to help you negotiate if you receive a counteroffer and reach an agreement. At this point, the house will go into escrow.

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Step 7: Have the Home Inspected

In most cases, your offer will be contingent on having the home inspected to ensure there is no major structural damage or large repairs needed. We can help you arrange this, and you can schedule it within days of making an offer. If there are no major issues, the process goes to step eight. If there is, you can renegotiate your offer based on what needs to be fixed, or you can withdraw it.

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Step 8: Select Your Loan

Now is the time to go back to the mortgage lender who pre-approved or pre-qualified you and choose your mortgage. You will be presented with various options based on your unique financial situation, including fixed-rate, variable-rate, 15-year, 30-year, or special programs such as VA loans or FHA loans. Work with your mortgage lender to select the option you feel the most comfortable with.

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Step 9: Get a Home Appraisal

Your lender will have your new home appraised so they have their independent value of it. The appraisal is to ensure that all parties involved are paying a fair price for the house.

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Step 10: Finish Paperwork

No one looks forward to all the paperwork involved in buying a home, but it’s a necessary part of the process. Fortunately, everything will be arranged by your lender and title company and, when you’re finished, you’ll know you are the legal owner of your new home.

Congratulations!

After signing the final paperwork to complete the purchase, you are now the owner of a new house. It may take a few days for your loan to be funded once the paperwork has been returned to the lender, but once that check is delivered to the seller, you’ll be all set to move into the home of your dreams. 

Real Stories | Real People | Real Results

Your Satisfaction Is Our Greatest Achievement

Nothing makes us happier than seeing our clients’ smiles when they find the perfect property.
From first-time buyers to seasoned sellers, we are proud to have earned the trust and gratitude of those we serve.

"Kristin did an amazing job helping us find a new home and selling our home. Her expert knowledge of the market helped us find a home that would fit our needs in the budget we had. She also was able to sell our home in a few hours. We had a same-day close, which she walked us through the process, so it was less stressful. Her professionalism through the whole process kept us calm. Thank you, Kristin, for helping us find the perfect home for our next chapter in our life!"
"Kristin did an amazing job helping us find a new home and selling our home. Her expert knowledge of the market helped us find a home that would fit our needs in the budget we had. She also was able to sell our home in a few hours. We had a same-day close, which she walked us through the process, so it was less stressful. Her professionalism through the whole process kept us calm. Thank you, Kristin, for helping us find the perfect home for our next chapter in our life!"
Ken & Jacki T.
"Kristin White is the ultimate real estate professional. She is exceptionally knowledgeable about the Lakes Region. She gives very direct, factual information to help clarify your real estate questions without judgment or pressure. Kristin is exceptionally responsive to any inquiry by text, phone, or email. She is the ultimate in flexibility, being willing to hike up a steep, snow-covered driveway in boots and crampons to show us properties. Her warm, calm, and confident personality made the whole purchasing process enjoyable, and we ended up with a wonderful lake house. I would highly recommend Kristin as your trusted real estate agent!"
"Kristin White is the ultimate real estate professional. She is exceptionally knowledgeable about the Lakes Region. She gives very direct, factual information to help clarify your real estate questions without judgment or pressure. Kristin is exceptionally responsive to any inquiry by text, phone, or email. She is the ultimate in flexibility, being willing to hike up a steep, snow-covered driveway in boots and crampons to show us properties. Her warm, calm, and confident personality made the whole purchasing process enjoyable, and we ended up with a wonderful lake house. I would highly recommend Kristin as your trusted real estate agent!"
Jan & Bill A.
"Kristin White was our agent for the recent sale of our home in Sandwich. We believe that it was because of her hard work, expertise, and marketing skills, that our home sold much faster than we both thought! Her professional diligence and patience also helped during this difficult transition. The team behind her is obviously a strong and well-organized group that simply gets results. They also brought in the photography and drone services of Hommati who performed a wonderful job. Kristin is your only choice to sell or buy real estate in New Hampshire."
"Kristin White was our agent for the recent sale of our home in Sandwich. We believe that it was because of her hard work, expertise, and marketing skills, that our home sold much faster than we both thought! Her professional diligence and patience also helped during this difficult transition. The team behind her is obviously a strong and well-organized group that simply gets results. They also brought in the photography and drone services of Hommati who performed a wonderful job. Kristin is your only choice to sell or buy real estate in New Hampshire."
Christine & George L.
"Kristin White is an absolute pro. She’s attentive, thoughtful, and detail-oriented. We found her to be a committed partner to us throughout the process, even late-night calls to accommodate our West Coast schedule. We’ve worked with Kristin twice and highly recommend."
"Kristin White is an absolute pro. She’s attentive, thoughtful, and detail-oriented. We found her to be a committed partner to us throughout the process, even late-night calls to accommodate our West Coast schedule. We’ve worked with Kristin twice and highly recommend."
Owen T.
"I was so very fortunate to have Kristin as my realtor when I decided to sell my home of 20 years while simultaneously relocating to Scotland. This was my first time selling a home and I was initially very intimidated by the entire process. However, with her referrals, guidance, and immense knowledge the stress factor surrounding my home was completely alleviated. Kristin was such a pivotal part in this life-changing move, and it gave me great peace knowing she would do the best she possibly could regarding everything I held important. The care, kindness, and understanding given towards the wildlife preserve and animals and her empathy and great help with re-homing my cat she simply went above and beyond. I am so grateful and thankful to have Kristin sell my home; words can only express just a small fraction of my gratitude."
"I was so very fortunate to have Kristin as my realtor when I decided to sell my home of 20 years while simultaneously relocating to Scotland. This was my first time selling a home and I was initially very intimidated by the entire process. However, with her referrals, guidance, and immense knowledge the stress factor surrounding my home was completely alleviated. Kristin was such a pivotal part in this life-changing move, and it gave me great peace knowing she would do the best she possibly could regarding everything I held important. The care, kindness, and understanding given towards the wildlife preserve and animals and her empathy and great help with re-homing my cat she simply went above and beyond. I am so grateful and thankful to have Kristin sell my home; words can only express just a small fraction of my gratitude."
Hope
"From the moment we connected with Kristin White, our entire lake house hunting experience shifted. After stumbling upon her contact through a real estate sign, Kristin's immediate engagement and genuine interest in our aspirations set her apart. Despite our previous realtor's lackluster engagement in our search, Kristin's proactive approach breathed new life into it. What struck us most was Kristin's keen ability to understand our particular criteria for a lake house. With precision and dedication, she delved into the depths of the market, ensuring no opportunity slipped through the cracks. In a challenging low-inventory landscape like Squam, Kristin's tenacity shone brightly as she navigated us toward our dream home within a mere 18 months. Kristin wasn't just our real estate agent; she became our steadfast partner throughout the entire process. Her intellect, coupled with an extensive understanding of land use, waterfront intricacies, and real estate law instilled us with unwavering confidence. Kristin knew precisely which questions to ask and which paths to explore, ensuring every decision was informed and strategic. Her unwavering commitment and expertise turned what is typically an overwhelming experience into a seamless and rewarding one. Kristin isn't just a real estate agent; she's a beacon of professionalism, knowledge, and unwavering support. For anyone embarking on their real estate journey, Kristin is the epitome of excellence, and we wholeheartedly recommend her services."
"From the moment we connected with Kristin White, our entire lake house hunting experience shifted. After stumbling upon her contact through a real estate sign, Kristin's immediate engagement and genuine interest in our aspirations set her apart. Despite our previous realtor's lackluster engagement in our search, Kristin's proactive approach breathed new life into it. What struck us most was Kristin's keen ability to understand our particular criteria for a lake house. With precision and dedication, she delved into the depths of the market, ensuring no opportunity slipped through the cracks. In a challenging low-inventory landscape like Squam, Kristin's tenacity shone brightly as she navigated us toward our dream home within a mere 18 months. Kristin wasn't just our real estate agent; she became our steadfast partner throughout the entire process. Her intellect, coupled with an extensive understanding of land use, waterfront intricacies, and real estate law instilled us with unwavering confidence. Kristin knew precisely which questions to ask and which paths to explore, ensuring every decision was informed and strategic. Her unwavering commitment and expertise turned what is typically an overwhelming experience into a seamless and rewarding one. Kristin isn't just a real estate agent; she's a beacon of professionalism, knowledge, and unwavering support. For anyone embarking on their real estate journey, Kristin is the epitome of excellence, and we wholeheartedly recommend her services."
Natalie
"By far the best real estate transaction I have ever experienced. I would highly recommend this agency."
"By far the best real estate transaction I have ever experienced. I would highly recommend this agency."
David
"My husband, Michael, and I had a great experience with Kristen from start to finish. Kristen was available 24/7 and was knowledgeable about anything and everything regarding this sale. She was a perfect front person, super professional. I would recommend Kristen 100%. She made the whole transaction seamless on our end. Exactly what we wanted."
"My husband, Michael, and I had a great experience with Kristen from start to finish. Kristen was available 24/7 and was knowledgeable about anything and everything regarding this sale. She was a perfect front person, super professional. I would recommend Kristen 100%. She made the whole transaction seamless on our end. Exactly what we wanted."
Michael & Maryann M.
"My fiancé and I recently had the pleasure of working with Derek St. Cyr and Kristin White. Prior to connecting with them, we had spent months searching for the perfect multi-family property with no luck. Within days of meeting Kristin and Derek, we were under contract. As first-time home buyers, they were able to patiently coach us through the process while having our best interests at heart. Kristin and Derek were clear and transparent and kept us informed every step of the way. We are so appreciative of all the work they put in to help us close on our very first property!"
"My fiancé and I recently had the pleasure of working with Derek St. Cyr and Kristin White. Prior to connecting with them, we had spent months searching for the perfect multi-family property with no luck. Within days of meeting Kristin and Derek, we were under contract. As first-time home buyers, they were able to patiently coach us through the process while having our best interests at heart. Kristin and Derek were clear and transparent and kept us informed every step of the way. We are so appreciative of all the work they put in to help us close on our very first property!"
Becca O.
"We could not have asked for a better agent. Kept us posted and informed at all times. Made sure we knew what was expected and what we needed to do."
"We could not have asked for a better agent. Kept us posted and informed at all times. Made sure we knew what was expected and what we needed to do."
Cathy & Ken M.

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