Buying

The more your Wright Home Realty® affiliated agent understands about the type of home you’re seeking, the better they can help you find the right match. Take time to identify the features your new home must have, as well as the features you’d ideally like to have. Some key areas to consider include:

• Exterior – Architectural style, curb appeal, view, swimming pool, deck or patio, garage, lakefront access, and other outdoor features.
• Interior – Floor plan, overall layout, room sizes, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, kitchen style, dining room, bonus or game room, and the location of living or family spaces.
• Community/Location – Commute times, transportation options, quality of nearby schools, access to shopping and dining, proximity to police and fire services, neighborhood appearance, and average home values in the area.

Buying a home is one of life’s biggest milestones, but the process can often feel overwhelming — which is why 87% of buyers begin by choosing an agent to guide them*.

With our Office Search, you can easily connect with a Wright Home Realty® affiliated agent who understands your needs and will help you find the right local expert.
Here’s a straightforward overview of what you can expect throughout the home buying journey:

Obtaining Mortgage Pre-Approval

If needed, your agent will walk you through the mortgage qualification process and connect you with a trusted lender to secure pre-approval. While not a final loan commitment, a pre-approval letter demonstrates your financial strength to sellers, showing that you’re ready and qualified to purchase. This can give you a crucial advantage, especially when multiple offers are on the table.

Determining Your Wants and Needs

From location and commute times to floor plans, square footage, and amenities, there are many factors to weigh when choosing a home. To avoid wasting time, it’s best to define your top priorities before you start touring. Your agent will help you distinguish between “must-haves” and “nice-to-haves,” so your search is focused on homes that truly fit your lifestyle.

Selecting Properties to View

Your agent will curate a list of properties that match your criteria and arrange showings. Together, you’ll tour the homes, discuss pros and cons, and refine your preferences along the way. Your agent has access to detailed information on nearly all homes for sale — including Wright Home Realty listings, MLS listings, online advertisements, and even “For Sale by Owner” properties.

Making an Offer

When you find the home you love, your agent will guide you through making an offer. The process and paperwork vary depending on local requirements, but typically you’ll decide on:

• The price you’re willing to pay
• Your mortgage amount
• Closing and move-in dates
• Personal property to include or exclude (appliances, fixtures, etc.)
• Contingencies such as financing approval or inspections

Negotiating with Sellers

If your initial offer isn’t accepted, negotiations may follow. Counteroffers are common, and your agent will help you review and respond quickly to reach terms that work for both sides.

Contract to Closing

Once an agreement is reached, your agent will help draft the contract and guide you through the remaining steps: down payment, inspections, appraisals, insurance, and contingency deadlines. In some areas, a lawyer may also assist with the contract.

Finally, all parties sign the closing documents, payment is made, and ownership is officially transferred. The seller receives their proceeds — and you receive the keys to your new home.

When you rent, monthly payments often rise over time, and once you leave, you don’t gain any equity from those payments.

Owning a home, however, offers several long-term financial advantages that can help you build wealth:

• Predictable payments – Lock in a stable monthly mortgage for 15–30 years.
• Equity growth – Build wealth as your home’s value appreciates.
• Tax benefits – Deduct mortgage interest on your income taxes.
• End payments eventually – Once your mortgage is paid off, your housing costs decrease dramatically.
• Flexibility – Refinance when interest rates drop or your credit improves, letting you lower payments, pay off your home faster, or access equity for major expenses.

Naturally there are situations when renting may make more sense, but for most, buying will be a better option in the long term.While renting can make sense in certain situations, buying is often the smarter long-term choice for most people.

Several factors can influence the market value of a home. Your Wright Home Realty® affiliated agent will provide expert insights and guidance to help you craft a strong, fair offer that aligns with your budget and goals. Some key considerations include:

• Time on the market – How long the property has been listed.
• Price history – Any prior reductions in the asking price.
• Market value – A Comparable Market Analysis (CMA) prepared by your agent, showing list and sale prices for similar nearby homes.
• Competing offers – Whether other buyers are actively bidding.
• Included items – Such as furniture, appliances, or hot tubs.
• List-to-sale price ratio – A measure of how competitive the local market is.
• Seller’s motivation – Why the seller is moving and how quickly they want to close.
• Financing options – If the seller offers an assumable loan or other financing incentives.

Once your offer is prepared, your agent will present it to the seller’s agent. The seller may accept, reject, or counter your proposal. From there, your agent will help you navigate the negotiation process and develop a strategy to secure the best possible terms for you.

For most people, buying a home is the biggest financial decision they’ll ever make. Having a Wright Home Realty® affiliated agent by your side ensures you get expert guidance, confidence, and support throughout the entire process.

Here’s how your Wright Home Realty agent will help:

• Understand your needs, goals, and budget.
• Assist with pre-approval and setting a realistic price range.
• Show you properties that fit your criteria and keep you updated on new listings.
• Guide you in making a strong, informed offer.
• Negotiate on your behalf to protect your best interests.
• Coordinate inspections and help resolve any issues.
• Prepare you for closing and explain all associated costs.
• Keep you informed at every stage of the transaction.

It’s important to remember: your buyer’s agent represents you—while the seller’s agent is legally obligated to represent the seller’s best interests. If you rely only on the seller’s agent, you could lose negotiating power, since anything you share with them (such as a willingness to pay more) will likely be passed on to the seller.

Start your journey with confidence—use our Agent Search to find a Wright Home Realty agent near you.

Once your offer is accepted, the closing process begins. This stage involves several important steps to finalize the sale and transfer ownership of the property. Common elements include:

Home Inspection

Most purchase agreements are contingent upon a home inspection, which is paid for by the buyer. Typically completed within 10 days of the accepted offer, the inspection covers the home’s exterior (roof, siding, trim, windows), interior fixtures (kitchens, bathrooms, appliances), and major systems (heating, cooling, plumbing, and electrical). If issues are found, you may use remedies outlined in the contract or negotiate repairs with the seller.

Title Search

A title search reviews historical ownership records to confirm there are no legal claims or liens against the property. Buyers are generally advised to purchase title insurance to protect against errors or oversights in the review.

Appraisal

As part of the mortgage process, your lender will order an appraisal to confirm that the home’s value supports the loan amount.

Final Walkthrough

If specified in the contract, you’ll have the opportunity to do a final walkthrough to verify the property’s condition before closing.

Closing Costs

In addition to your down payment and deposit, buyers are responsible for a variety of closing costs, which may include:

• Loan origination fees, appraisals and reports
• Surveys and inspections
• Mortgage insurance
• Hazard insurance
• Taxes and assessments
• Title insurance, notary and escrow fees
• Recording fees and stamps