Buyers Guide: 6 Steps to Home Buying

Three siblings excitedly peer out the window of their brand new home, filled with curiosity and wonder.

1. Establish Broker Agency

Buying a home is one of life’s biggest investments, and having the right representation is key to a smooth and successful experience. In North Carolina, establishing a formal agency relationship with a broker ensures you have a dedicated professional advocating for your best interests. At Shelly Realty Co., we take this responsibility seriously, providing expert guidance, market insight, and negotiation skills to help you make the best decisions.

From the moment we discuss your needs, we work under NC agency laws to protect your interests, maintain confidentiality, and provide full transparency. With a signed agreement, you gain exclusive representation, ensuring every step—from searching for homes to closing—is handled with your goals in mind. Let us be your trusted partner in making homeownership a reality. Schedule a Free Consultation!

2. Search for Your Perfect Home

Finding your perfect home starts with the right tools. At Shelly Realty Co., we make the search process easy by setting you up with a personalized home buyers portal account, where you can save searches, receive instant listing alerts, and track properties that match your criteria. Using advanced filters, you can narrow your search based on price, home features, and must-have amenities.

From there, refine your options by focusing on specific neighborhoods, commute times, and proximity to schools or lifestyle preferences. As new listings hit the market, you'll be the first to know—helping you stay ahead in a competitive market. Let’s start searching for your dream home today!

3. Pre-Qualification

As a home buyer, before you start house hunting, getting prequalified for a mortgage is a crucial step in this guide. Prequalification helps you understand how much home you can afford, giving you a clear budget and a competitive edge in today’s market.

At Shelly Realty Co., we guide you through the process by connecting you with trusted lenders who will assess your income, credit score, and financial history to determine your borrowing power. With a prequalification letter in hand, sellers take your offer more seriously, and you can shop with confidence. Let us help you get prequalified and one step closer to your dream home!

A family explores a potential new home with a Shelly Realty Co. advisor, eagerly reviewing details and envisioning their future space.

4. Submit an Offer

Once you’ve found the perfect home, making a competitive offer is essential. The process begins with submitting a written Offer to Purchase and Contract (OPC), which outlines the offer price, contingencies, and other important terms. At Shelly Realty Co., we help you determine an appropriate offer based on current market trends, recent comparable sales, and the seller’s motivation.

After submitting your offer, the seller will review it and can either accept, reject, or counter your terms. If the seller counters, we’ll help you navigate the negotiation process to reach a mutually beneficial agreement. Throughout the process, we provide expert guidance, ensuring your interests are protected and your offer stands out in a competitive market. Our goal is to help you secure the home of your dreams at the best possible terms.

5. Due Diligence & Earnest Money

Beyond price, financial negotiations include the due diligence fee (paid directly to the seller for time off the market) and the earnest money deposit (held in escrow until closing). These amounts impact how attractive your offer appears and can strengthen your position in a competitive market.

We also negotiate concessions such as closing cost assistance, repair credits, and seller-paid home warranties to maximize your savings. With our expert guidance, you can confidently navigate the negotiation process and secure the best possible deal for your future home.

6. Closing Day & Welcome Home

Once your offer is accepted, the final steps toward homeownership begin! During this phase, you'll complete any remaining contingencies, such as home inspections and appraisals, and finalize your financing with your lender. At Shelly Realty Co., we help you stay organized and on track with timely reminders and support. 

As closing day approaches, you’ll do a final walkthrough of the property to ensure everything is in order. On closing day, you'll meet with the closing attorney to sign the necessary documents and officially transfer ownership. Once all documents are signed and funds are transferred, you'll receive the keys to your new home!

This is the moment you’ve been waiting for—welcome home! Whether it's moving in or celebrating with loved ones, we’re here to ensure a smooth and exciting transition into your new chapter.

A joyous couple celebrates closing on their dream home with the help of a Shelly Realty Co. advisor, overlooking a stunning waterfront view.