The Home Buying Process

From “Maybe It’s Time” to “Welcome Home”

Buying a home is exciting—but there are a lot of steps between deciding you’re ready and getting the keys.

The good news? You don’t have to figure them out alone.

At CENTURY 21 Bessette Flavin, our job is to help you understand what comes next, prepare you for the decisions along the way and make sure you have someone in your corner from the first conversation through closing day.

1. Start With a Conversation

You don’t need to have everything figured out before talking with a real estate agent. In fact, that’s one of the best places to start.

We’ll talk about what you’re looking for, where you’d like to live, your timeframe, your priorities and any questions you have about the process.

No pressure. No expectation that you already know all the answers.

2. Get Pre-Approved

Before we start seriously shopping, you’ll want to talk with a trusted lender.

A mortgage pre-approval helps you understand your buying power, estimated monthly payment and the loan programs that may be available to you.

And remember: the price you can qualify for and the price you’re comfortable paying don’t have to be the same number.

3. Build Your Wish List

Now for the fun part.

What matters most to you?

Location? Commute? Schools? A big backyard? Home office? New construction? Established neighborhood? Room to grow?

We’ll help you separate the must-haves from the nice-to-haves so your home search stays focused without overlooking a great possibility.

4. Start House Hunting

We’ll help you find properties that fit your needs, schedule showings and give you information that goes beyond what you see online.

As you tour homes, your priorities may change—and that’s completely normal.

Sometimes finding the right home is just as much about discovering what you don’t want as figuring out what you do.

5. Make an Offer

Found the one?

Your agent will help you evaluate the property, review comparable sales and current market conditions, and develop an offer strategy.

An offer is about more than price. Financing, closing date, inspections, seller concessions and other terms can all matter.

Our job is to help you make an informed offer—not simply an emotional one.

6. Inspections & Due Diligence

Once you’re under contract, it’s time to learn more about the home.

Depending on the property and your agreement, this may include a home inspection and other inspections or evaluations.

We’ll help you understand the timelines, work through questions that arise and navigate any negotiations allowed under your contract.

7. Financing & Appraisal

While inspections are happening, your lender will continue working toward final loan approval.

If required by your lender, an appraisal will provide an independent opinion of the property’s value.

You’ll also be working through important details such as homeowners insurance—and, depending on the property, flood insurance.

8. Get Ready for Closing

You’re almost home.

Before closing, we’ll help make sure the remaining pieces are coming together. You’ll typically review final loan and closing information, arrange utilities, complete a final walkthrough and make sure you’re prepared for closing day.

9. Closing Day

This is the day all those signatures finally lead to something much more exciting:

Keys.

Once the closing requirements are complete, the home is officially yours.

But our relationship doesn’t end at the closing table.

Whether you need a recommendation for a local service provider, have a question about your home or simply want to know what it’s worth a few years from now, we’re still here.

More Than a Transaction

A home purchase is a big financial decision—but it’s also where everyday life happens.

It’s where you’ll drink your morning coffee, celebrate birthdays, invite people over, make memories and eventually wonder how you ever fit all that stuff into the moving boxes.

That’s why we believe buying a home should feel personal.

At CENTURY 21 Bessette Flavin, we go beyond transactions. We build relationships, deliver results and help our clients confidently make their next move.

Ready to Get Started?

You don’t need to be ready to buy tomorrow.

You just need a place to start.

Let’s talk about what home looks like for you.