Every step from "thinking about it" to holding your keys, explained plainly so nothing catches you off guard.
A typical transaction takes 30–45 days from accepted offer to keys. Here's what each step involves.
Pull your credit report for free at AnnualCreditReport.com. Review all three bureaus, Experian, Equifax, TransUnion. Dispute any errors now, because fixing them after you apply can delay everything. At the same time, map out your monthly budget: income, existing debts, and how much mortgage payment you're comfortable carrying.
Pre-approval is the most important step before you start touring homes. I'll verify your income, review your assets, pull your credit, and issue a letter confirming the loan amount you qualify for. This is a real underwritten review, not a soft estimate. In San Antonio's market, sellers won't take your offer seriously without it.
A buyer's agent represents you, not the seller, and their commission is typically paid by the seller. Interview a couple of agents, find someone who knows the neighborhoods you're targeting, and make sure they communicate the way you prefer. Your agent and your loan officer need to work well together; I'm happy to recommend agents I've closed deals with.
With your pre-approval in hand, you're a serious buyer. Make a list of must-haves versus nice-to-haves before you start touring, it's easy to get emotionally attached to features that are outside your budget. Stick to homes priced at or below your pre-approval amount, accounting for closing costs and moving expenses.
Your agent writes a purchase offer based on comparable sales, market conditions, and your goals. Once the seller accepts, or you reach an agreement through negotiation, you're officially under contract. You'll typically submit earnest money (usually 1% of the purchase price) to show you're serious. The closing clock starts here.
Hire a licensed home inspector, your own, not the seller's. They'll examine the structure, roof, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and more. You'll receive a detailed report. Depending on what they find, you can request repairs, ask for a price reduction, or walk away (during the option period) if the issues are serious.
A licensed appraiser ordered by the lender visits the property and confirms its value is at or above the purchase price. Simultaneously, I submit your full loan file to underwriting. The underwriter reviews every document, income, assets, employment, credit, and may issue conditions requiring additional documentation.
When underwriting approves your file, you receive your Clear to Close, the best words in the homebuying process. Three days before closing you'll receive your Closing Disclosure, which shows your final loan terms, monthly payment, and exact amount you need to bring to closing. Review it carefully and ask me about anything that looks different from what you expected.
You sit down at the title company, sign a stack of documents (digital or paper), wire your closing funds, and receive your keys. The whole signing typically takes 45–90 minutes. From that moment forward, you're a homeowner.
The pre-approval is free, takes about 10 minutes, and puts everything else in motion.