Home Buying 101.

"Kayla was truly instrumental in helping us navigate the crazy housing market. Her expertise and dedication helped us secure our dream home — we couldn’t be happier with the outcome!"

- Erin

“The words cannot express how thankful we are to Kayla! She is very detail-oriented, thorough, professional and passionate about her job. We feel like she really cared about us – and ALWAYS went above and beyond to help us have a very smooth experience.”

- Alexey & Lidia

The road to closing…

  • You’ve spent months on Zillow and now you’re wondering, am I ready? First step—get preapproved. It’s not scary, and if you’re unsure where to start, ask me and I’ll point you in the right direction.

    Before touring homes, you want to be sure you’re looking in the right price range. Otherwise you’ll end up spinning in circles—and in this market, you need to be ready to make an offer fast.

    The good news? Getting preapproved is easier than you think. Most Loan Officers just need a quick 15–30 minute call.

  • A good Real Estate Agent sets you up for success and looks out for your best interests. Buying a home can feel overwhelming, but your agent will explain what to expect and guide you through every step.

  • We’ll go over your wants, needs, must-haves, nice-to-haves, location, and price point. From there, I’ll set you up with automated emails featuring accurate, up-to-date properties. No more sifting through real estate sites.

  • You found a property you love! Your Real Estate Agent will help you write a strong offer. An offer isn’t just the price; it also includes contingencies like inspections, appraisal, or a home sale. This is where your agent’s expertise is essential.

  • Once your offer is accepted, you’re officially Under Contract. Your agent will guide you through each step. Typically, the home inspection happens within 7–14 days, followed by the appraisal. Your financing commitment is usually due within 3–4 weeks, and the full Under Contract–to–Close timeline is generally 30–60 days.

  • You made it! At closing, a Title Company and/or Attorney will walk both the Seller and Buyer through the paperwork for signing. Then, you get the keys!

FAQ

  • Do I need to get preapproved before looking?

    It’s not always required, but it’s highly recommended. Even if you’re confident you qualify, a preapproval gives you clear numbers at your price point and can uncover issues you didn’t know about, like a credit ding from an unpaid balance. It’s better to catch and fix these early. Some sellers even require a preapproval before showings to ensure only serious buyers come through and, in this market, they can afford to be selective.

  • What if the home inspection "fails"?

    “Fail” is a relative term when it comes to home inspections. Inspectors don’t necessarily pass or fail a property. They provide a detailed report outlining items that could be cause for concern and the current condition of major systems (roof, wiring, plumbing, windows, etc.). It’s up to the buyer to review the report and decide what they’re comfortable with. Depending on the contract, buyers can accept the inspection as-is, negotiate repairs or a price adjustment, or walk away.

  • How much do I need for a down payment?

    It depends on your situation. There are many loan programs depending on what you qualify for. Some buyers use NH Rural Housing with 0% down, FHA with 3.5% down, or Conventional loans with 5%+. There are also VA, Rehab, and other specialty loan products. A Loan Officer can help you determine which option is best for you.

  • Can you show me a house that's not your listing?

    Absolutely! That is what I am here for. No matter which brokerage a house is listed with, I can schedule you a private showing.

  • What does "under contract" mean?

    This means a seller has accepted a buyer’s offer and the property is now “under contract.” It can still fall through and return to the market if contract terms aren’t met—such as issues with the inspection, a low appraisal, failed negotiations, or financing falling through.

  • How much is a home inspection and appraisal?

    This depends on which inspections you choose (radon, water, sewer, etc.), the home’s size, and the inspector. I typically estimate $600–$1,500. An appraisal usually runs $500–$700. Both are paid before closing.

  • What does "in escrow" mean?

    Once an offer is accepted and the buyer submits an earnest money deposit, the parties enter escrow. The deposit is held by the listing brokerage until all contract conditions are met (i.e. inspections, appraisal, title search, financing).

  • What happens if my offer is accepted?

    You’re officially under contract to purchase the home! Your Realtor will guide you through the next steps such as…providing your earnest money deposit, scheduling inspections, submitting documents to your lender, paying for the appraisal, and reviewing property documents like the deed, bylaws, or easements. The timeline from accepted offer to closing is typically 30–60 days.

  • What should I do if I see a house online that I like?

    Send it to me! Or your Realtor. We can see if the property is still available, when showings are allowed, gather the property disclosures ahead of time and if all looks good, get a private showing on your calendar!

Even if you’re not planning to buy this year—or even next—don’t hesitate to reach out. We won’t solicit or pressure you. Our role is simply to be a trusted, ongoing real estate resource whenever you need us.

Download our buyer guide to learn more about the buying process, who we are, and what it’s like to work with KP Collective.