Buying a home is an exciting milestone—and a significant financial decision. In a dynamic and ever-changing market, having the right guidance makes all the difference. This Buyer’s Guide reflects Valerie Lachowski’s decades of real estate experience and is designed to help you navigate each step with confidence, protect your investment, and move seamlessly from offer to closing.
Before starting your home search, securing a mortgage pre-approval is an essential first step—unless you plan to purchase with cash. Pre-approval helps define your budget and positions you as a serious, well-prepared buyer in a competitive market.
Mark Paulson can connect you with trusted lending professionals who will evaluate your financial profile and determine your purchasing power, ensuring your home search is focused, confident, and aligned with your goals.
When you find a home you love, Mark Paulson will prepare and present a strong, well-structured offer on your behalf. He guides you through every stage—from acceptance to counteroffers and negotiations—using strategic insight and in-depth market expertise.
Each step of the process is handled with precision and care, ensuring you make informed decisions while your best interests are always protected.
Once your offer is accepted, it’s important to carefully review the purchase contract and all required disclosures to fully understand the terms, timelines, and responsibilities involved.
Mark Paulson will guide you through this process with clarity and attention to detail, ensuring every document is thoroughly reviewed and your interests are protected throughout the transaction.
Sign the purchase contract and submit your deposit—typically around 10% of the purchase price—to formally secure the agreement and move the transaction forward with confidence.
The lender will arrange for an appraisal, coordinating with the agents to evaluate comparable properties and confirm the home’s fair market value.
If you’re purchasing a home within a homeowners association (HOA) or condominium community, additional approval steps may be required, including submitting an application and financial documentation to the association.
Mark Paulson will guide you through each step—helping you gather the necessary materials, understand HOA rules and fees, and coordinate with the association to keep your transaction moving forward smoothly. For non-HOA properties, this step is typically not required, allowing you to proceed directly toward closing.
Once all requirements have been completed and reviewed, final approval of your purchase is issued—clearing the way to move forward toward closing.
Mark Paulson will guide you through the remaining steps, ensuring timelines are met and every detail is handled smoothly so you can focus on preparing for your new home.
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