Home Buying

Where to Begin

Step 1:

Reach Out to Me

Reach out to me, via email/text/social media and let me know you want to start exploring the idea of purchasing a property. We’ll schedule a time to chat or meet in person about what you’re hoping to accomplish. Whether that’s a first home, second home, vacation home, relocation, investment property or even commercial property, we can talk about it all! 

Nicole Harrison

Broker & Owner

Well, what if I'm not ready right now but I don't know where to begin?

That’s ok! I believe it’s pivotal to have a plan and sometimes that can be 6 months to 18 months out. Let’s formulate a customized plan for YOU! Think of the process like drawing a roadmap, to help you plan and strategize for the best purchasing experience.

Step 2:

Preapprovals or Proof of Funds

Preapprovals or Proof of Funds are the next fundamental step in the home buying process. Before we look at property, we need to know what YOUR financial situation looks like. It’s important to find out your budget and what you can afford. Many times, Buyers are not sure of their price point, and what they truly can afford and be comfortable with in a house payment. Many websites give a glimpse of what payments might look like but it definitely doesn’t show the whole picture. I’ll guide you on choosing a lender that works best for you, giving you access to my exclusive contacts in the lending community.

Know this: I do NOT get paid for sending to you someone on my exclusive contacts. I’m not a fan of kickbacks or side agreements, as transparency to YOU is important to me. I don’t ever want there to be a sense of impropriety and for that reason, I am NOT part of any joint ventures or affiliated business arrangements. I am here to help you find the best option for you, not to push a company or product that would wouldn’t work best for you. And if you’re interviewing agents, be sure to ask if they are, as most ARE involved in those arrangements. Not all Real Estate agents are CREATED EQUAL.

Step 3:

Review of the Entire Process

Before we step foot in a home, understanding the entire process is one of the most important steps in buying a home. I want you to know what documents are involved in the transaction BEFORE you are signing them. Remember that whole transparency thing? Yeah, I WANT you to know and understand what you’re signing. This includes a review of the required documents for the State of Ohio, including:

Plus other proprietary documents that will help guide you through the home buying process. We’ll go over timelines, costs involved for you, hurdles in the contract we need to clear, possession, closing and so much more!

Step 4:

Let's Go Look at Homes!

A NEW law in Ohio went into effect in October 2024, requiring you to sign a Buyer Representation Agreement before you can be shown a home. What’s the purpose? It’s all about transparency. For you as the Buyer, this tells you HOW your agent is compensated and HOW MUCH your agent is being compensated. Be careful, not all Buyer Representation Agreements are the same and it’s important that BEFORE you sign one, you feel comfortable with the terms set forth that you are agreeing to.

Once you’ve signed this with me, along with our Consumer Guide and Agency Disclosure, we’re ready to go! I’ll set up a search through MLS (Multiple Listing Service) where you’ll get access to the most accurate and timely real estate data available. You can still send me homes you might find on a third-party website and I’ll double-check that it meets the criteria you’ve given me and confirm its accuracy. (Some third party websites have outdated information) Then, you tell me your availability to see it and I’ll make it happen!

Each Buyer’s home-buying process is different so a standard process isn’t the way to go. I provide a tailored process, specific to YOU and your needs. Concierge-level of service provides you access to the best of the best referral network and the most up-to-date information.

What Happens when I'm ready to write an offer?

I’ll be pulling area comparables, communicating with the listing agent to find out details about the home, in addition to Seller’s preferences for possession and other items to make sure you’re armed with as much information as possible to make the best possible offer you can. We’ll talk strategy, pros and cons, long-term or short-term holding goals and more.

What happens when we're officially in contract?

I’ll walk you through the timelines involved, help you schedule any/all inspections permitted, all the while, keeping you informed of the key dates and items in the contract.

I’ll be in contact with your lender, if applicable, as well as the title company that’s handling the closing. I’ll be communicating with you, all along the way.

In Conclusion

I Can Assist You

I assist Buyers who are looking for primary residences, as well as investment properties.  Looking to buy land? I can help with that too! I’ll make sure the land you’re purchasing allows you to do what you want to with it. New Construction? If you’re wanting to build, I’ll be sure to provide you with the best industry insights into builders, break down the process, explain financing options and walk you through it, step by step.

There’s much more to Buying a home than I’ve outlined here, as I’ve just touched on some of the more prominent steps. Let’s schedule a time to outline your personalized process for buying your next home!

Work Exclusively with Nicole

Contact Nicole today to schedule an appointment for a custom consultation.