JF John Farkash Realtor® · Wallingford CT

For buyers

How buying a home works, step by step

Buying a home is a process, and most of the stress comes from not knowing what comes next. Here's the whole path, from the first conversation to the keys, so you always know where you stand.

A classic New England colonial home in Connecticut in autumn

First-time buyer? Start with the first-time buyer hub for pre-approval, down payments, and Connecticut programs.

Moving from out of state? The relocation guide covers towns, schools, and what to do first.

Not sure where to start? Just call. A 15-minute conversation will point you in the right direction.

The process

Six steps from searching to closing

01

Get pre-approved

Before we look at homes, talk to a lender and get pre-approved. It tells you exactly what you can afford, and it tells sellers you're serious. I can recommend lenders I've worked with, but the choice is yours.

02

Define what you need

We'll talk through what matters: town, schools, commute, size, condition, and what you're willing to fix. I'll set up a search that matches your priorities, not mine.

03

Search and tour

Before we tour the first home, you'll sign a written buyer-agency agreement that spells out how I'm compensated, so there are no surprises. Then I'll send you homes that fit, and we'll go see them. I'll point out what's a real issue and what's an easy fix, so you're comparing homes fairly, not just falling for the best photos.

04

Make an offer

When you find the one, I'll pull the comps and help you decide what to offer and what terms make sense. In a market where homes move fast, I'll help you put together an offer that's competitive without being reckless.

05

Inspection and appraisal

After the offer is accepted, the inspection and appraisal happen. I'll be there to help you understand the report, decide what to ask for, and keep the deal moving.

06

Close

I'll keep you informed through the final walk-through, the paperwork, and the closing table. You'll know what's happening and what's next the whole way.

Questions to ask

Before you make an offer

A few questions that separate a good decision from a rushed one. I'll help you answer all of them with real data.

  • What have comparable homes actually sold for, and what did they look like?

  • How long has this home been on the market, and has the price changed?

  • What condition is the roof, heating system, and water heater in?

  • Are there any known issues with the property or the neighborhood?

  • What does the inspection cover, and what can I reasonably ask for?

  • What will my monthly payment really be, including taxes and insurance?

Ready to start looking?

Tell me what you're looking for and I'll set up a search, answer your questions, and help you move at your pace.