Step-by-Step Homebuyer Process — From First Zoom to Keys in Hand

by Jessica J Baldovinos

My Step-by-Step Homebuyer Process — From First Zoom to Keys in Hand:

Buying a home should feel exciting, not overwhelming. I’ve streamlined the entire process so you always know what’s next and who’s handling what. Here’s exactly how it works when you work with me.

1️⃣ Schedule Your Free 30-Minute Zoom Consultation

We’ll start with a quick, no-pressure Zoom call to discuss your goals, budget, and timeline. During this call, we’ll also establish a written Buyer Agency Agreement — which is now required before touring homes due to the NAR settlement and new industry rules.

This agreement:

Confirms I legally represent you, the buyer.
Explains how my compensation works.
Protects your interests throughout the entire transaction.

Under the new rules, compensation is fully negotiable and must be agreed to in writing before we view any homes (in person or virtually).

👉 Book your free Zoom here

2️⃣ Fast, Reliable Pre-Approval (Same Day in Many Cases)

Once we’ve connected, I’ll introduce you to one of my amazing lender partners who can help you get pre-approved quickly and painlessly. A strong pre-approval letter not only shows sellers you’re serious — it also helps us narrow your home search to realistic, winning options.

If you already have a lender, great! If not, I can connect you today with trusted professionals who consistently deliver smooth closings.

3️⃣ Personalized Home Tours — Virtual or In-Person

With your goals and pre-approval in hand, we’ll start touring homes that fit your criteria.
I organize your showings efficiently, often stacking appointments back-to-back so we can compare properties in real time. I’ll point out resale considerations, neighborhood trends, and market nuances so you can make confident decisions.

4️⃣ Making an Offer & Negotiating with Confidence

When you find “the one,” I’ll prepare a clear, side-by-side offer breakdown so you can easily see your options.
Here’s what to expect in terms of buyer-side costs during escrow and due diligence:

Due Diligence Fee (DDF): Paid directly to the seller once your offer is accepted. It’s generally non-refundable but applied toward your purchase price at closing.
Earnest Money Deposit (EMD): Held in escrow to show good faith. Refundable only under certain contract conditions, but also credited at closing.
Appraisal: Ordered by your lender to verify property value.
Inspections: You choose which inspections to complete (home, HVAC, pest, radon, etc.). I’ll help you schedule trusted pros and interpret results.

💬 Off-MLS Compensation Conversations & Seller Contributions

Because of the NAR settlement, buyer-agent compensation can no longer be displayed inside the MLS. That means any arrangement for buyer-agent pay is now handled off-MLS through private negotiation or seller concessions.

Here’s the truth:
💡 It was never guaranteed that sellers would pay buyer-agent commissions — not before, and not now. It was simply a common practice because it helped homes sell faster and attracted more buyers.

Today, in both the Triad (Greensboro, Winston-Salem, High Point) and Triangle (Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill) markets, many sellers still choose to cover some or all of the buyer-agent compensation to remain competitive.
A majority of sellers are still contributing — whether as a direct payment or a credit toward closing costs — because it makes their home more appealing to buyers.

I’ll always bring these conversations to the table early so you understand your options. If a seller isn’t offering compensation, I’ll help structure your offer strategically so your out-of-pocket costs stay manageable.

5️⃣ Stress-Free Escrow Coordination

Once your offer is accepted, I coordinate all the moving parts so you don’t have to:

Scheduling inspections and appraisals
Managing deadlines and documents
Communicating with your lender and attorney
Overseeing repairs, credits, and contingencies

My goal is to relieve your stress and make the entire process feel seamless. You’ll stay informed every step of the way.

6️⃣ Closing Day — I’m With You at the Table

On closing day, I’ll be right there with you (alongside your lender partner) to ensure everything is accurate, signed, and finalized without delay.
If a last-minute issue pops up — we’re on it. I make sure you get your keys without complications or surprises.

Why Buyers Love Working With Me

✅ Clear, efficient process under the new NAR rules
✅ Trusted lender and service partners for a smooth experience
✅ Strong negotiation skills that protect your interests and budget
✅ Hands-on coordination — from contract to closing
✅ Local expertise in both the Triad and Triangle markets