
BUYER'S GUIDE
YOUR PATH TO FINDING THE PERFECT HOME STARTS HERE
At Brookes & Company Realty Group, we understand that purchasing a home can be a daunting process. That's why we created this simple guide to walk you through every step, from starting the search for your dream home to ending with the keys in your hand.
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STEP-BY-STEP HOME BUYER'S GUIDE
01
START YOUR SEARCH
Your next home search begins right here on our website with our online Home Finder. With powerful tools and local insights, you can filter by neighborhood, school district, amenities, and more — because where you live is just as important as what you live in.
Tips to get the most from your search:
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Browse by neighborhood or school district
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Discover area details, lot features, school information, and more
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Request information on listings you're interested in
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Save or share your favorite listings to review later
We will schedule an initial buyer consultation to review your wants, needs, and criteria so we can get to work for you. Brookes & Company Realty Group is here to help with your search and get you closer to your perfect home.
02
TOURING HOMES
When you're ready to see homes in person, we recommend scheduling a quick consultation with a lender first to establish your budget and get pre-approved. We can connect you with trusted local pros and then plan efficient, personalized home tours around your timetable.
How to make the most of your tours:
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Refine your “must-haves” and “nice-to-haves” list
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Keep track of each home with notes and photos
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Look beyond the decor — focus on condition, layout, and features
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Check out the neighborhood, commute, amenities, and HOAs (if applicable)
We’ll help evaluate each property so you can compare options with confidence. Whether you find the one on the first day or the tenth, we’re here to guide every showing.

03
MAKING AN OFFER
Found a home you love? Let’s make it official! It's time to craft a competitive offer that protects your interests while giving you a strong position in the market.
Your offer will include:
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Purchase price
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Terms (like contingencies for financing, inspection, or closing costs help)
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Target closing date
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Earnest money deposit (to show you're serious about the purchase)
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Time limit for seller response
Most offers include clauses that protect you in case of common contingencies, such as if you can't finalize your loan or if the home fails to pass an inspection.
Multiple offers?
In a competitive market with multiple offers on the home, the seller has a few options:
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Accept the most favorable offer
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Counter all offers in hopes of getting better terms and pricing
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Counter a single offer
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If there are multiple offers, we’ll strategize together — from adjusting terms to writing a heartfelt letter to the seller.
04
TOURING HOMES
Once your offer is accepted, we move into the contract phase. This is where every detail matters, and we’re by your side to make sure nothing is missed.
Key contract elements:
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Accurate personal information and property details
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The date the contract comes into effect (important for timing your contingencies)
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A list of items and assets that stay with the home
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All required inspections and property disclosures
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Any kick-out or rentback clauses that would affect when you can move into the home
We’ll review everything together to ensure you’re confident before moving forward.
When to walk away from a home purchase:
Sometimes it's best to move on if:
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A bidding war pushes the price too high
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The inspection reveals costly issues
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The appraised value is lower than your offer
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HOA rules don’t fit your lifestyle
We’ll help you weigh each scenario and make the best call.
05
HOME INSPECTION
A thorough home inspection is one of the smartest steps you’ll take, as it provides vital information about your potential new home. We’ll schedule it promptly and review the inspection report with you so you’re fully informed.
What’s inspected?
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Foundation, structure, and roof
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HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems
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Appliances and safety features
You’ll get a detailed report, and we’ll walk through:
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Which issues are major or minor
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Estimated repair costs
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Whether to negotiate repairs or walk away
Ask us anything-we're here to make sure you feel confident.
06
PREPARING TO CLOSE
As we approach closing day, you can use the following checklist to keep everything on track, and we’ll help you every step of the way.
Before closing, you'll need to:
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Secure final approval for your loan
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Review the closing disclosure document and ask questions if anything looks off
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Do a final walkthrough 24-48 hours before closing to ensure everything is in the expected condition
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Arrange a payment method (such as a wire transfer or certified check from your lender)
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Gather your ID and any documentation you've been asked to provide
On closing day:
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Arrive on time
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Review and sign documents
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Pay closing costs
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Get the keys!




CONTACT US
CONGRATULATIONS — YOU DID IT!
You’re officially a homeowner! Whether this is your first purchase or your forever home, we’re honored to have been part of the journey.
Keep us in your contacts, we’re here for you long after the move. From future buying and selling to contractor recommendations and real estate advice, we’re just a call or click away.