Buying a home—whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or an experienced buyer—can feel overwhelming. For many, purchasing a home is the largest financial investment they’ll ever make, which is why having a clear plan and the right real estate professional matters.

At Home City Real Estate, we guide buyers through every step of the home-buying process in Springfield and the surrounding areas.

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First Steps for Home Buyers

Here are some recommended steps to help you get started on your home-buying journey:

• Choose the right licensed agent to represent your interests
   

• Explore home loan and mortgage financing options
   

• Create a realistic home-buying timeline
   

• Get Excited!

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Choose the right agent for Your Home Purchase

You get to choose your agent! It’s worth it to invest your time in picking an agent that meets your needs and is someone that you connect with too. Some agents specialize in certain areas, types of housing, or have specific certifications that may better suit your needs. It is encouraged to meet with your potential real estate professional in person and see how you connect with one another. Once you find the right agent for you, you’ll be given a contract that details and clarifies the relationship, it’s called Buyer-Representation Agreement. The mandated agreement is newer to Ohio and it brings transparency to the relationship between the buyer and the agent. Interested in learning more? Click the pdf below to review Ohio’s Buyer Representation Agreement.

 

https://db6482c9-eef8-4f82-be86-44daa1d54a3f.usrfiles.com/ugd/db6482_90c98010acaf42cc9f1f12580adf3aac.pdf​

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A knowledgeable agent will guide you from your initial home search through closing: providing access to expanded listing searches, explaining inspections and contracts, negotiating terms, and advocating for you at every stage of the transaction. 

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Explore Mortgage and Financing Options

Early in the home-buying process, it’s important to speak with a lender to understand mortgage options and determine what fits your financial goals. Different lenders may specialize in various loan programs, including conventional, FHA, VA, or first-time buyer financing.

Not sure where to begin? Your agent can connect you with trusted local lenders in the Springfield area. Knowing your price range early allows your agent to focus your home search on properties that fit your budget and long-term goals.

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Build a Home-Buying Timeline

Consider when you realistically plan to move. If your purchase is several months away, prioritizing lender selection and financial preparation may be more beneficial than an aggressive home search, as many homes currently on the market may not still be available later.

A dedicated agent will monitor market trends, keep your preferences in mind, and stay in touch so you’re ready when the timing is right.

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Get Excited About Finding Your New Home

Buying a home is more than a transaction—it’s the beginning of your next chapter. It’s where everyday moments turn into lasting memories, and where you get to create a space that truly feels like yours.

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Our goal at Home City Real Estate is to make the home-buying process clear, confident, and enjoyable, so you can focus on what matters most, finding a home that fits your lifestyle and your future!

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