Home Buying Process

Buried heating oil tanks are sometimes hidden beneath older properties, and they can create costly problems if left undiscovered. An oil tank scan uses specialized equipment to detect hidden tanks, helping buyers avoid environmental hazards, legal liabilities, and expensive cleanups. For a small upfront cost, this inspection can save major headaches down the road.

A sewer scope inspection lets you see what’s happening inside a home’s sewer line. Using a small camera, inspectors can spot hidden issues like tree root intrusion, cracks, or settling that could lead to costly repairs. For a relatively small upfront cost, a sewer scope can provide peace of mind and help buyers avoid surprises after closing.

Home inspection day is likely the most exciting day of your transaction period! For many buyers, it can also be one of the most nerve-wracking, especially if this is the first inspection you’ve attended. You’re excited, hopeful, and then the inspection report hits your inbox, and it’s… a lot.

As we move forward with your home purchase, I want to ensure you understand every step of the process. I believe the most important phase to be aware of is the “due diligence” aka “inspection” period, and I want to explain what this means and how it impacts your transaction.

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that comes from the breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water. You can’t see it, smell it, or taste it. And just because it’s natural, doesn’t mean it’s healthy. It can be harmful when it gets trapped inside our homes. If you’re buying a home with me I will always suggest you get a radon test.

Online home listings on sites like Zillow or Redfin can be a great way to start the home search, but it’s easy to overlook important factors. Here’s what I recommend looking for when searching for a home online.

It’s easy to get distracted by cute furniture and nicely painted walls and miss out on important (and expensive) things to fix, like the home’s systems, roof, or foundation. And pay special attention to the location, as you can’t change that.

Here’s the timeline of a typical transaction if you’re a buyer, if purchasing with a loan.

When I bought my first home, I had no idea how realtors got paid, what was expected of me as a buyer, or how this whole thing worked. This post is to hopefully make you not feel that way!