This time of year, a lot of people start asking the same question:
“How does the home buying process actually work?”
Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, someone who has owned before, or you’re relocating to Metro Atlanta, our goal is simple—to make buying a home clear, smooth, and stress-free.
There are a lot of moving parts, but our job is to help you move into the home you truly want without confusion or surprises. Below is a full breakdown of the current home buying process, step by step. Stick with it until the end, because I’ll also show you how to schedule a free consultation to get started.
My name is Cas Thompson, and my team and I help hundreds of families buy, sell, and invest in real estate across Metro Atlanta every year.
Let’s jump in.
Step 1: Connect With a Realtor
The first step is simple—connect with a real estate professional.
You’ll work with me or someone on our team to talk through:
The current market
Different home types
Areas that fit your lifestyle
Your overall plan and timeline
This step sets the foundation for everything that follows.
Step 2: Get Pre-Approved (Before Looking at Homes)
This is one of the most important steps in the entire process.
Before you start shopping, we’ll connect you with a trusted lender to:
Check your credit score
Review your income and debt
Explore loan options
Common documents you’ll need:
Pay stubs
Tax returns
Bank statements
Proof of income
Tip: Don’t skip this step. Looking at homes before getting pre-approved can lead to frustration and wasted time.
Step 3: Set a Realistic Budget
This is my favorite step.
Your pre-approval amount and your comfort budget are not always the same thing. Just because a lender says you can buy at a certain price doesn’t mean you should.
As my mom always said:
“Just because you can fit into it doesn’t mean you should wear it.”
We’ll set a budget that allows you to enjoy your home and your life.
Step 4: Start Home Shopping
Once your budget, location, and must-haves are clear, the fun begins.
We’ll look at:
Neighborhoods
Home size and layout
Bedrooms and bathrooms
Community features
When you find the right home, we’ll write and submit your offer.
Step 5: Offer Accepted & Earnest Money
Once the seller accepts your offer and terms, you’ll submit earnest money.
This shows the seller you’re serious.
It’s typically about 1% of the purchase price
It is not extra money
It goes toward the cost of your home at closing
Step 6: Home Inspection
Next, you’ll hire a licensed home inspector (this cost is paid by the buyer).
The inspection covers:
Roof
Plumbing
Electrical
Foundation
Heating and cooling systems
After the inspection, you can:
Ask for repairs
Renegotiate price or terms
Walk away if major issues are found
This step is designed to protect you.
Step 7: Home Appraisal
The lender orders an appraisal to confirm the home’s value.
This ensures:
The home is worth the price
The loan program still qualifies
If the value comes in low, we address it together.
Step 8: Underwriting (Very Important)
The lender reviews your file one final time.
During this phase:
Do not open new credit
Do not buy a car
Do not take on new debt
Even small changes can delay or cancel your loan approval.
Step 9: Final Walk-Through
We’re almost there.
Before closing, you’ll walk through the home one last time to:
Confirm repairs are complete
Make sure nothing is damaged
Ensure systems and appliances still work
Step 10: Closing Day 🎉
Closing day is the best part.
You’ll:
Sign the paperwork
The loan will be funded
Get the keys
Take photos
Celebrate—you officially own your home
Homebuyer Assistance Programs in Georgia
Many buyers qualify for state-run assistance programs.
One of the most popular is the Georgia Dream Homeownership Program.
You may qualify if you have:
A 620+ credit score
$1,000 minimum contribution
Two years of stable employment
We determine eligibility early in the process so there are no surprises.
Ready to Get Started?
Whether you’re planning to buy in:
2 days
2 months
or even 2 years
We can start working for you right away.
Schedule a free one-on-one consultation to build your plan, answer questions, and move forward with confidence.
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