Home Buying Process

You’ve made the decision to buy a new home. Congratulations!

The first step is to contact your local Coldwell Banker Prime Properties agent to begin the home buying process. If you’re not already working with a specific REALTOR®, let our agents and offices search help you find the right fit.

By choosing a CBPP agent, you’ll have a professionally trained, experienced real estate advisor who can explain your agency representation options and guide you through every step—from first tour to closing day.

Pro Tip: Get pre-approved before you shop. It strengthens your offer and helps you move quickly when the right home hits the market.

Step 1: Choose an Agent & Get Pre-Approved

Your agent can help you get pre-approved for a mortgage before starting the house hunting process. While a pre-approval is not a final loan commitment, it helps you understand your buying power and shows sellers you’re ready to move forward.

Your agent can also provide detailed information on nearly any property listed for sale—including Coldwell Banker listings and all other real estate broker listings on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). If you see a home advertised online, in the newspaper, or even For Sale by Owner, your agent can help you evaluate it and decide what makes sense.

During this early phase, you may also want to select a local real estate attorney to represent you once you have an accepted offer. If needed, your agent can provide a list of local attorneys who specialize in real estate transactions.

Making an Offer on a Home

Once you’ve found the right home, instruct your agent to prepare and present your offer. Paperwork can vary by region—some areas use Offer to Purchase forms, others use Contracts for Sale—your agent will guide you through what’s required.

Typically, your offer includes:

  • Purchase price (the amount you are willing to pay)
  • Mortgage amount (or proof of funds if paying cash)
  • Closing and occupancy dates
  • Personal property included/excluded (appliances, lighting fixtures, etc.)
  • Contingencies such as obtaining a mortgage and inspections (building, pest/termite, radon, water quality, well, lead, septic, oil tank, etc.)
Counteroffers are common. Staying in close contact with your agent helps you respond quickly and keep momentum during negotiations.

Your Offer Has Been Accepted!

Congratulations—now timing matters. The contract procedure, down payments, inspection contingency dates, and next steps can vary by region. Your agent will help you stay on schedule, meet deadlines, and keep the deal moving forward.

Between Contract & Closing

There are a lot of details to manage during this stage—and we’re here to help. Our exclusive Concierge Program is designed to assist you before, during, and after your move. From moving companies and local resources to home services, we help simplify the transition.

Common Next Steps
  • Schedule inspections and review results
  • Finalize mortgage underwriting (if applicable)
  • Confirm insurance and utility setup
  • Review title work and closing disclosures
  • Plan your move + final walk-through
How CBPP Helps
  • Negotiation support after inspections
  • Vendor and service-provider recommendations
  • Relocation and community guidance
  • Clear communication and deadline tracking
  • Support through closing day and beyond

What to Expect at the Closing

Closing is the formal process where all parties sign the paperwork to complete the transaction and transfer the property’s title from the seller to you. The seller receives payment, and you receive the keys!

Deeds, loan papers, and other documents are prepared and signed, then filed with the local property records office. Your agent will help you understand what to bring, what to expect, and what happens next.

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