Your Ukiah Home Buying Journey Starts Here

Essential Guide to Buying a Home!

If you’re looking to purchase a home, you’ve come to the right place! Whether you’re a first-time buyer or an experienced homeowner, I’m here to guide you every step of the way. My name is Kasie Gray. I’m a mom, a realtor, and a broker associate with eight years of experience helping people buy and sell homes right here in Ukiah, the town I know better than the back of my hand!

Step 1: Finding the Right Realtor

The first step in your home-buying journey is finding the right realtor, and trust me, this can make or break your experience. A good realtor won’t just show you houses—they’ll have established relationships with lenders, escrow companies, and inspectors. That network can make all the difference in a smooth process. When choosing a realtor, don’t just pick the first one you find online. Interview agents and ask for consultations.

As a referral-based agent, many of my clients come to me because they’ve been recommended by past clients. This trust means I can focus on finding the perfect home for you, not just closing a deal. During our consultation, we’ll discuss your goals and needs in detail. It's not just about getting you into any house—it's about finding the right house for you at the right time, within a budget you’re comfortable with.

For more information about my home-buying services, check out my Buying a Home Guide.

Step 2: Getting Pre-Approved

Once you've found a realtor, the next step is getting pre-approved for a loan. This is the crucial part of the home-buying process because it ensures you don’t waste time looking at homes that aren’t within your budget.

A lender will typically ask for your last two years of tax returns, bank statements, pay stubs, and your ID. They’ll also pull your credit score, which can differ from what you might see on websites like Credit Karma. It’s important to understand what fees you’re paying and how much interest you’re buying down, so having the right lender is essential. I can refer you to lenders who fit your personality and financial needs because a good lender will explain all of these details in a way that makes sense to you.

Need help finding a trusted vendor or lender? View my Vendor Recommendations.

Step 3: Shopping for Your Home

Once you’ve been pre-approved, the fun begins—house hunting! I’ll set you up with a property search, and you’ll be able to browse listings from apps like Zillow. The more homes we view together, the better I’ll understand what you’re looking for, making it easier to find your dream home.

Explore Current Listings Here.

Step 4: Writing an Offer

After finding the right home, we’ll write an offer. This can feel intimidating the first time, but don’t worry—after you do it once, it’ll become second nature. Your offer will include earnest money, similar to a security deposit, which holds the house for you while we go through the rest of the process.

Step 5: Inspections & Contingencies

After your offer is accepted, you’ll go through inspections. You can expect these to cost around $1,000, but they’ll help you understand the property’s condition. Depending on the property, you might need a home inspection, pest inspection, or a well water quality test. If the results reveal issues beyond what you’re comfortable with, you can negotiate with the seller or back out of the deal.

Step 6: Closing the Deal

The entire process, from offer to close, typically takes about 30 days, although it can be faster if you're fully prepared. Throughout this time, you’ll need to stay in close communication with your agent to ensure everything goes smoothly. You'll also have contingencies like appraisals and loan approval, which your agent will help manage.

Final Thoughts

Buying a home is a huge step, and it’s important to go through this process with a trusted realtor. By finding the right agent and being informed at each step, you’ll be able to buy a home you love, within your budget, and without unnecessary stress. Whether you're looking to buy now or in a few years, it's never too early to start planning.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out. I’m based in Ukiah, but even if you're watching from elsewhere, I can help connect you with a great referral agent. Schedule a free consultation with me today, and let's chat about your home-buying goals. Also, check out my free Buyer’s Guide and Move-Up Guide (if you have a home to sell before buying).

Schedule a Consultation: www.calendly.com/kasierealtor
Download My Buyer’s Guide: www.kasie.realtor/buying-a-home
Download My Move-Up Guide: www.kasie.realtor/listing