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Buyer's Guide

A Step-by-Step First Time Buyer's Guide

Buying a home is one of the most exciting milestones of your life. To prepare yourself for this moment, you need to know what to expect during the process. This step-by-step first time buyer’s guide created by your agent will help reduce the stress of buying a home and help you enjoy the journey as much as possible.

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Step 1: Research

Do you already know where you want to buy? If you want a condo, townhome, or single-family home? Which features do you like and dislike? What’s available on the market now? If you answered no to any of these questions, now is the time to start researching. In addition to looking for homes that interest you, also take note of any changes in asking prices. This could give you valuable insight into housing trends in specific neighborhoods and help you when the time comes to make an offer.

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Step 2: Decide on Your Budget

Notice I said to decide on your budget—not determine how much the mortgage company will give you. In many cases, a mortgage company will pre-approve you for more than you’re comfortable spending, which is why you need to determine the monthly payment you feel comfortable with before talking to a lender. This likely includes doing a full household budget and taking into consideration what changes other than a mortgage payment will occur once you move into your new home. If you’ve lived in an apartment or with roommates, you may overlook new expenses like garbage, water, or HOA fees that could easily blow your budget.

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Step 3: Get Prequalified

Just because you think you can afford a certain payment every month doesn’t mean the mortgage company will agree. Just as they may approve you for too large of an amount, they may also approve you for a lesser amount or deny you a mortgage altogether. Lack of time at a job, insufficient credit, past bankruptcies, or other financial issues can cause major problems when trying to secure a mortgage. Before you get your heart set on a home, talk to a mortgage professional to find out what amount you can qualify for. This will also be an advantage when you make an offer on a home, as some sellers won’t entertain offers from those who aren’t already prequalified for a loan.

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Step 4: Choose a Real Estate Agent

Can you shop for, look at, and ultimately make an offer on a home without a real estate agent? Technically, yes, but why would you when it costs you nothing for an agent like me to take much of the stress off your shoulders? Not only will I help identify properties you might be interested in, arrange showings, and ultimately handle the offer process, but I also have a knowledge of the market that you don’t possess. Finding the perfect home can be a daunting task, and this is where my expertise and wealth of knowledge come into play. Let me show you around some homes that meet your dream home criteria so you can find the one that's right for you.

Passion & Expertise

My goal is to provide you with the most personalized service possible, meticulously designed to help you navigate the process of buying your dream home. I am dedicated to understanding your unique needs and preferences, ensuring that every step of the journey is tailored to achieve your ultimate home-buying aspirations.

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Step 5: Find the Right Home

This should be the most enjoyable step of the entire process (other than moving in!). I will arrange showings of homes you’re interested in that are within your price range. Take notes about what you like and don’t like, and make sure to pay attention to details. Turn light switches on and off, open and close doors, and run the faucets in various rooms. Don’t limit your inspection to the home itself. Make sure to take time to explore the neighborhood and keep an eye on traffic at certain times of the day, the parking situation, and how close it is to necessities like schools and grocery stores.

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Step 6: Make an Offer

Once you have selected the perfect home, work with your agent to craft a fair offer based on the value of comparable homes on the market. Depending on what the home is listed at and whether the current environment is a buyer’s or seller’s market, your offer may be below, at, or even above the asking price. I will be able to help you negotiate if you receive a counteroffer and reach an agreement. At this point, the house will go into escrow.

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Step 7: Have the Home Inspected

In most cases, your offer will be contingent on having the home inspected to ensure there is no major structural damage or large repairs needed. I can help you arrange this, and you can schedule it within days of making an offer. If there are no major issues, the process goes to step eight. If there is, you can renegotiate your offer based on what needs to be fixed, or you can withdraw it.

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Step 8: Select Your Loan

Now is the time to go back to the mortgage lender who pre-approved or pre-qualified you and choose your mortgage. You will be presented with various options based on your unique financial situation, including fixed-rate, variable-rate, 15-year, 30-year, or special programs such as VA loans or FHA loans. Work with your mortgage lender to select the option you feel the most comfortable with.

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Step 9: Get a Home Appraisal

Your lender will have your new home appraised so they have their independent value of it. The appraisal is to ensure that all parties involved are paying a fair price for the house.

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Step 10: Finish Paperwork

No one looks forward to all the paperwork involved in buying a home, but it’s a necessary part of the process. Fortunately, everything will be arranged by your lender and title company and, when you’re finished, you’ll know you are the legal owner of your new home.

Congratulations!

After signing the final paperwork to complete the purchase, you are now the owner of a new house. It may take a few days for your loan to be funded once the paperwork has been returned to the lender, but once that check is delivered to the seller, you’ll be all set to move into the home of your dreams. 

What Clients Say About Working With George

Testimonials

"George Brookhart was our buyer’s agent when we bought a beautiful summer home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware - within walking distance from Deauville Beach this past January 2025. George made himself available and flexible, often on short notice, as Heather and I toured homes in Milton, Lewes, Rehoboth and Dewey beach. George was very helpful in our negotiations with our offer and final agreement with our Park Avenue property. He knows the luxury market and is extremely responsive, Professional and engaged. We recommend him highly and without reservation."
"George Brookhart was our buyer’s agent when we bought a beautiful summer home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware - within walking distance from Deauville Beach this past January 2025. George made himself available and flexible, often on short notice, as Heather and I toured homes in Milton, Lewes, Rehoboth and Dewey beach. George was very helpful in our negotiations with our offer and final agreement with our Park Avenue property. He knows the luxury market and is extremely responsive, Professional and engaged. We recommend him highly and without reservation."
Tom Q.
"I've been working with George since 2012. His experience and knowledge about the real estate market make him one of the top agents in the Mid Atlantic. His thorough understanding of sales contracts and real estate ethics make him an invaluable resource to his clients and other real estate agents that work with him, to keep all parties safe in what can be a complicated transaction."
"I've been working with George since 2012. His experience and knowledge about the real estate market make him one of the top agents in the Mid Atlantic. His thorough understanding of sales contracts and real estate ethics make him an invaluable resource to his clients and other real estate agents that work with him, to keep all parties safe in what can be a complicated transaction."
Barry H.
"George helped our family purchase several properties over the past few years with great efficiency and smooth transaction. From our working experience with him we are very impressed with his patience, excellent professional communication skills and real estate knowledge. He is our favorite Broker."
"George helped our family purchase several properties over the past few years with great efficiency and smooth transaction. From our working experience with him we are very impressed with his patience, excellent professional communication skills and real estate knowledge. He is our favorite Broker."
Charles & Jinny
"Working with George is a tremendously fulfilling experience. No matter what other clients George is representing, he always makes you feel that your needs are his top priority. When you are selling or buying a home, you need a Broker you can trust. We trust George."
"Working with George is a tremendously fulfilling experience. No matter what other clients George is representing, he always makes you feel that your needs are his top priority. When you are selling or buying a home, you need a Broker you can trust. We trust George."
Tom & Maureen
"Our first meeting with George lasted nearly two hours as he provided us with a well rounded education on the ins and outs of selling and buying a home. He is an excellent communicator and a good listener, someone who can be counted on to understand your wants, needs and goals."
"Our first meeting with George lasted nearly two hours as he provided us with a well rounded education on the ins and outs of selling and buying a home. He is an excellent communicator and a good listener, someone who can be counted on to understand your wants, needs and goals."
Dr. Norman
""Opportunity seized at the right time can change lives" George knew how to market a high end historic property and gave his complete attention to the sale of our home. We have nothing but good things to say about our entire experience. In our minds, you can't go wrong with George and his years of experience complimented by his optimism, attention to detail and connections throughout the Baltimore area."
""Opportunity seized at the right time can change lives" George knew how to market a high end historic property and gave his complete attention to the sale of our home. We have nothing but good things to say about our entire experience. In our minds, you can't go wrong with George and his years of experience complimented by his optimism, attention to detail and connections throughout the Baltimore area."
Bill & Jane
"George is one of the most personable and hardworking people I know. He not only serves his real estate clients well but also commits a lot of volunteer time to his community."
"George is one of the most personable and hardworking people I know. He not only serves his real estate clients well but also commits a lot of volunteer time to his community."
Ellen H.
"Working with George is a tremendously fulfilling experience. No matter what other clients George is representing, he always makes you feel that your needs are his top priority. When you are selling or buying a home, you need a Broker you can trust. We trust George."
"Working with George is a tremendously fulfilling experience. No matter what other clients George is representing, he always makes you feel that your needs are his top priority. When you are selling or buying a home, you need a Broker you can trust. We trust George."
Tom & Maureen
"I worked with George in the context of the Catonsville Rotary and the board of the Catonsville Chamber of Commerce. George is a true leader, committed to the greater Catonsville and Baltimore community. His knowledge of the local real estate market and unique attributes of living and working in Catonsville are a significant value to his clients as well as business partners."
"I worked with George in the context of the Catonsville Rotary and the board of the Catonsville Chamber of Commerce. George is a true leader, committed to the greater Catonsville and Baltimore community. His knowledge of the local real estate market and unique attributes of living and working in Catonsville are a significant value to his clients as well as business partners."
Steve D.
"I've been working with George since 2012. His experience and knowledge about the real estate market make him one of the top agents in the Mid Atlantic. His thorough understanding of sales contracts and real estate ethics make him an invaluable resource to his clients and other real estate agents that work with him, to keep all parties safe in what can be a complicated transaction."
"I've been working with George since 2012. His experience and knowledge about the real estate market make him one of the top agents in the Mid Atlantic. His thorough understanding of sales contracts and real estate ethics make him an invaluable resource to his clients and other real estate agents that work with him, to keep all parties safe in what can be a complicated transaction."
Barry H.
"Worked with George on many houses. Great guy and awesome realtor."
"Worked with George on many houses. Great guy and awesome realtor."
Mary B.
"I would highly recommend anyone interested in buying or selling a home in the Columbia - Baltimore corridor meet with George to discuss the best way to accomplish their housing goals. His high level of energy and integrity speak volumes about him as both a businessman and contributing member of the greater Baltimore community."
"I would highly recommend anyone interested in buying or selling a home in the Columbia - Baltimore corridor meet with George to discuss the best way to accomplish their housing goals. His high level of energy and integrity speak volumes about him as both a businessman and contributing member of the greater Baltimore community."
Mike F.
"George helped our family purchase several properties over the past few years with great efficiency and smooth transaction. From our working experience with him we are very impressed with his patience, excellent professional communication skills and real estate knowledge. He is our favorite Broker."
"George helped our family purchase several properties over the past few years with great efficiency and smooth transaction. From our working experience with him we are very impressed with his patience, excellent professional communication skills and real estate knowledge. He is our favorite Broker."
Charles & Jinny
"Our first meeting with George lasted nearly two hours as he provided us with a well rounded education on the ins and outs of selling and buying a home. He is an excellent communicator and a good listener, someone who can be counted on to understand your wants, needs and goals."
"Our first meeting with George lasted nearly two hours as he provided us with a well rounded education on the ins and outs of selling and buying a home. He is an excellent communicator and a good listener, someone who can be counted on to understand your wants, needs and goals."
Norman
"George is exceptionally diligent at his profession. He puts 100% of his energy into the success of his clients. I recommend him highly also for his ethics and integrity."
"George is exceptionally diligent at his profession. He puts 100% of his energy into the success of his clients. I recommend him highly also for his ethics and integrity."
Tom Q.

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