Ted Stumpf
Ted Stumpf, Windermere Napa Valley PropertiesPhone: (707) 246-9825
Email: [email protected]

How to start buying a house

by Ted Stumpf 12/31/2023

With so many steps involved, answering the question of how to start buying a house can seem daunting. However, there are some basic steps you can take to make the process more manageable before you get to the home inspection and final purchase of your home.

Here are some of the basic things you need to do to start buying a house:

Get preapproved for a mortgage

Getting a preapproval letter from a mortgage lender benefits you in several ways. It helps you determine how much you can afford to spend on your new house, and also shows sellers you’re a qualified and motivated buyer.

Hire a real estate agent

Real estate agents are equipped with knowledge and resources to help you navigate every part of the real estate process. Most importantly, they can use their expertise to find listings that match your criteria for a perfect home.

Start your home search

Utilize the skills and resources provided by your real estate agent to find your dream home. Start with a list of priorities like must-have features, location and purchase price.

Make an offer

Once you’ve found the right house, your real estate agent can help you with any necessary negotiations and make the best offer based on purchase price, home inspection results, appraisal and home features.

While this is a simplified version of the home-buying process, it can be helpful to think about it in these basic steps.

About the Author
Author

Ted Stumpf

Ted draws energy and joy from building synergetic relationships with his Clients. Ted's nature is graciously gregarious and persevering; he's honest; and he's been dedicated to a substantial list of clientele throughout his 25 years in the hospitality business and almost two years as a REALTOR. His passion is creating a sincere, successful relationship with people.

Ted grew up in a family of Realtors in central Indiana, earned a degree in economics and philosophy from the University of Notre Dame, and jumped into all aspects of the restaurant business. His ensuing hospitality career path eventually led him into the Event Management Sales & Service role in hotels and quickly guided him to Los Angeles, San Francisco, and finally to a luxury resort in the Napa Valley, where he, his husband, and their dog have resided for almost a decade now.  

The irony is not lost on Ted that his ‘growth’ journey has culminated in“living happily ever after” in an agricultural area with a small-town feel and sense of community strikingly reminiscent of his youth…and as a REALTOR nonetheless!