House hunt to home

Guiding you home with confidence.

From your first house hunt to the moment you call it home, we’re with you every step of the way. For decades, we’ve helped Michigan buyers find the perfect place to call their own. Start your property search and take the first step toward your new home.

Getting pre-approved for a mortgage gives you the confidence to start your home search. It shows sellers you're serious and helps us understand your financing options, so you know how much you can apply toward your new home. Start the pre-approval process here.

Pre-Approval Checklist:

  • Government-issued photo ID & Social Security card
  • Recent pay stubs & last 2 years of W2s/1099s
  • Last 2 months of bank statements
  • Last 2 years of tax returns (1040)
  • profit & loss statements (if self-employed)

If you don't have a real estate professional, we have many trusted professionals so you can find the right fit and feel confident throughout the process. Buying a home is smoother when you have the right partner by your side. A great agent will give you market insight, handle the paperwork, and advocate for your best interests from start to finish. Once your agent is selected, you will meet and review the "Buyer Agency Agreement" to begin the process.

Here's the fun part, house hunting! Register for First to Know New Listing Alerts so you never miss a home that fits your wish list. When you see one you love online, just send the address to your agent to schedule a showing.

Once you're ready to make an offer, your agent will prepare a purchase agreement outlining price, closing date, deposit, and other terms. Sellers can accept, reject, or counter, so negotiations may follow. And for a secure transaction, use Deposit Express to send your Earnest Money Deposit electronically, it's easy and we're proud to be the first brokerage nationwide to offer it!

Once the seller accepts your offer, the buying process moves into the under-contract phase, during which inspections are scheduled. A licensed inspector evaluates the structure, systems, and major components, helping you make informed decisions before closing. This ensures you know exactly what you're buying and can address any issues early.

Inspection Tips:

  • Look for leaks, cracks, dampness, or other red flags.
  • Attend the inspection to see everything firsthand.
  • Consider extra inspections for structural or engineering concerns.
  • Use the report to renegotiate if needed.

It's time to finalize your mortgage with a signed contract. You'll confirm your down payment, interest rate, loan term, and repayment schedule. With a 97% satisfaction rate with home buyers, our John Adams Mortgage team will assist you in every step.

Mortgage Finance Options:

  • Fixed-rate mortgage: same rate for the life of the loan.
  • Adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM): rate may change over time.

Understanding your financing now ensures stress-free payments later.

The homebuyer typically pays for the appraisal, which helps the lender confirm the home's value. If the appraisal comes in low, your agent can help guide the next steps.

Before closing, you'll need homeowners insurance to protect your investment. Our family-owned insurance agency, Insurance One, works with multiple top-rated carriers, so you get competitive quotes and coverage that fits your needs and budget.

Insurance Checklist:

  • Know the coverage amount you need.
  • Check your credit score.
  • Gather property details.
  • Confirm whether the home is in a flood plain.

A title search is a detailed review of a property's history to ensure the seller has the legal right to sell it and that there are no liens, claims, or legal issues attached. Our affiliate title companies, Capital Title and Michigan Title, handle this process to help protect you from surprises after you buy.

Before signing the final papers, you'll do one last check of the house. Bring your contract and look closely, it's your chance to confirm everything's in order.

Walkthrough Checklist:

  • Repairs completed and documented?
  • Warranties and receipts provided?
  • Personal property removed as agreed?
  • No damage from moving?
  • House clean and landscaping intact?
  • All items included in the sale still there?

Closing day finally! You'll sign paperwork, receive the title, and walk out with keys in hand.

What to Bring to Closing:

  • Bank paperwork required for loan approval.
  • Government-issued photo ID (newlyweds: the ID must match the name on the title and mortgage).
  • Certified funds for closing costs.

Welcome home!

Moving out of the area? We can help.

Whether you’re moving across the country or overseas, our relocation team ensures a smooth transition. Through our trusted network, we’ll connect you with expert agents in your new market. Contact our relocation team today.