Buying with Porchlight

The home buying process

Five phases, in the order you'll actually live them. Most of the work happens after your offer is accepted. That's the part nobody explains, so it gets the most room here.

01 Meet

We talk about what you're actually after: style, price, location, and your timing.

Meet with your agent We talk through the type of home you want. Style, price, location.

What it costs you In almost every case the seller pays your agent. Representation costs you nothing.

This phase is done when we've talked and we know what you're looking for.

02 Pre-Approval

Know your number before you fall in love with a house.

Get pre-approved Pay stubs, W-2s and bank statements. Knowing what you can afford is what makes everything after this work.

This phase is done when your pre-approval letter is on file.

03 Search

The fun part, and the part where having the full picture matters.

See homes We schedule the showings and help you find the right one.

The full picture Not every listing shows up on every website. You see everything that matches, not just what's advertised.

This phase is done when we write your first offer.

04 Under Contract

Five things happen between your offer and the keys. This is the stretch that worries people most, so here it is in full. It's also the part of the deal we ran for other agents before we ever ran our own. This is home turf.

Make an offer We prepare it on the price and terms you choose.

Negotiation It can take a few rounds to get it right. That's normal. Hang in there.

In escrow You and the seller have agreed. The home is effectively held for you until closing.

Inspection & appraisal Due diligence on the house itself, and the lender confirming its value.

Final details Finalizing the loan, reviewing documents, settling anything the inspection turned up. We manage this part for you.

This phase is done when the contract is signed and clear.

05 Closed

Funds and ownership transfer. Then you have the keys.

Closing A title company or attorney handles the transfer as the neutral third party.

You own it Keys. Then we stay in touch. The relationship doesn't end at settlement.

This phase is done when settlement is recorded.

The one thing most buyers don't know

In almost every case, the seller pays your agent's commission. Having someone represent your side of the transaction generally costs you nothing, which means there is no financial reason to go through this alone.

Start with a conversation, not a commitment.

Phase 01 is just us talking about what you're after. No paperwork, no pressure, and you'll leave knowing more than you came with.

Book a time with us