The
Buying
Process
Buying a house, land, or commercial property can seem daunting, but at Montana Property Angels, we’re here to make the experience as smooth and reassuring as possible. With our decades of combined experience, we’ll guide you through every step, offering personalized support and expert advice to ensure you feel confident and well-informed throughout the entire process.
Initial Consultation
Meet with your real estate agent to discuss your needs, goals, and preferences. This step helps clarify your ideal property type, desired location, and budget while ensuring your agent understands your long-term objectives. It’s a great time to ask questions and get a clear overview of the buying process.
Mortgage Pre-Approval
Before diving into property visits, getting pre-approved for a mortgage is essential. It sets your budget, improves your standing with sellers, and helps avoid delays when making an offer. Your lender will review your financial documents and determine how much you can borrow, giving you clear price boundaries for your search.
Refine Your Search
If you’ve already been browsing, this is where your agent steps in to guide your search. Based on your preferences and budget, your agent will suggest properties that align with your goals, send you listings, and arrange viewings. You’ll focus on properties that best meet your needs.
Visit the Properties
As you visit properties, your agent will point out key features, highlight potential areas of concern, and provide local market insights. Take this opportunity to compare properties, consider renovations, and envision living in each space. Your agent will help you evaluate how each property aligns with your lifestyle and long-term goals.
Make an Offer & Negotiate
When you’ve found the right property, your agent will help you submit a formal offer. This includes deciding on a competitive price, terms, contingencies (such as inspection or financing), and a closing timeline. Your agent will also guide you through negotiations with the seller regarding price, terms, and contingencies, working to reach an agreement that benefits both parties. Once both sides agree, you’ll sign the purchase agreement.
Inspection
After the offer is accepted, an inspection is essential to uncover any issues with the property. A licensed inspector will check the structure, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems, among other things. Depending on the results, you may negotiate repairs or adjust the price with the seller.
Appraisal
Your lender will order an appraisal to ensure the property’s value matches the agreed-upon price. This protects both you and the lender by confirming that you’re not overpaying. If the appraisal comes in lower than expected, your agent will work with you to renegotiate with the seller.
Secure Financing
Finalize your mortgage by submitting all necessary paperwork to your lender. This includes income verification, credit checks, and an appraisal report. Once approved, your lender will lock in your interest rate and issue the loan commitment, ensuring funds are available for closing.
Title Search & Insurance
A title search ensures there are no legal claims, liens, or disputes regarding property ownership. Your agent will work with a title company to verify a clean title. Additionally, title insurance protects you and your lender from any potential future claims against the property.
Final Walkthrough
A day or two before closing, you’ll do a final walkthrough of the property. This ensures that it’s in the condition agreed upon in the contract, any requested repairs have been made, and nothing unexpected has changed since your last visit.
Closing & Move-In
At closing, you’ll sign all necessary paperwork, pay any remaining closing costs, and officially receive the keys to your new property. Once ownership is transferred, you’re ready to move in. Coordinate your move, set up utilities, and settle into your new space. Congratulations, you’re now an owner!
