Search

Leave a Message

Thank you for your message. We will be in touch with you shortly.

Explore Our Properties

Buyer's Guide

Homebuyer's Guide

Buying a home should be one of the most exciting milestones of your life. To prepare yourself for this moment, you need to know what to expect during the process. This step-by-step first-time homebuyer’s guide created by our team will reduce the stress of buying a home and help you enjoy the journey.

Default Image

Step 1: Compile Your Wish List

Decide which communities, home features, and property types you and your family prefer. Have candid conversations about which of these characteristics are required, and which are “nice to have” in your next home.

Default Image

Step 2: Decide on Your Budget

Examine your current expenses and determine how they might change if you purchase a home. Create a comprehensive household budget so you can factor in any new ongoing expenses that might come with a home purchase, such as garbage and recycling, water, or homeowner’s association fees. Once you decide how these expenses will change, you’ll be better equipped to leverage the information you get in step three.

Default Image

Step 3: Get Prequalified

Prequalification is a great start for understanding your purchasing power, but it’s not the only factor. A lender may pre-approve you for more than you’re comfortable spending, which is why the budget you compiled in step two is so important. The opposite can also happen, where you believe you can afford a certain payment every month, but the bank doesn’t agree. This often happens when you’re new to your job, have insufficient credit, or have bankruptcies or other financial issues in your history.

You’re not required to stick with this lender when you ultimately finance your purchase, but this process is a great way to vet mortgage providers. Also, a prequalification letter can make you a more competitive candidate in multiple-offer situations.

Default Image

Step 4: Choose Your Real Estate Experts

Now it’s time to find your dedicated real estate representative! Regulations enacted in 2024 require real estate agents to obtain a signed buyer’s agreement before showing consumers homes. Of course, we do a great deal more than opening up listings; we can help you understand your local market, identify areas and properties that fit your specific criteria, help you create competitive offers that match your financial and logistical needs, and much more.

Dedicated Service, Real Results

Finding the perfect home and navigating the purchase process can be daunting. Leverage our knowledge and expertise and enjoy your personalized real estate journey.

Default Image

Step 5: Find the Right Home

Your agent will arrange showings of properties that meet your specific criteria and price range, taking note of your likes and dislikes to further refine their search parameters. They’ll help you explore the details — from storage to light switches to the flow of a home — and understand the pros and cons of the options in front of you. They’ll also help you make time to explore the neighborhood and examine elements like local traffic at different times of the day, parking options, and proximity to neighborhood amenities like schools and grocery stores.

Default Image

Step 6: Finalize Your Financing

Once you’ve narrowed down your home search, it’s time to go back to the mortgage provider who prequalified you in step three and obtain preapproval. With a property and purchase price in mind, your lender can get much more specific about your interest rate, monthly payments, the term of the loan, and special programs such as first-time homebuyer grants and loans through the VA and FHA. While you will primarily work with your bank to select the right options for you, we’re here to offer support and recommend mortgage providers we’ve worked with in the past if you get stuck.

Default Image

Step 7: Make an Offer

Once you have selected the perfect home and have your finances in order, your agent will help you craft a fair offer price based on the value of comparable homes on the market. You’ll also work through details such as timing, contingencies, and fees. After your agent submits the offer on your behalf, they will help you negotiate counteroffers and reach an agreement with the seller. At this point, the house will go into escrow.

Default Image

Step 8: Have the Home Inspected

In most cases, your offer will be contingent on the home passing inspection. This protects you from purchasing a property that has serious structural issues or requires major repairs. We have a list of trusted local providers, but you can hire any licensed home inspector you like. If the inspection uncovers major issues, you can withdraw from the sale or renegotiate your offer based on what needs to be fixed.

Default Image

Step 9: Obtain a Home Appraisal

The appraisal ensures that you are paying a fair price for the house. Your mortgage provider will hire an appraiser to inspect the property and offer an independent opinion of its value. Sometimes, appraisals may come in too low, which can impact the amount of money the bank is willing to lend. In this case, your agent can help you determine next steps and navigate the appeal process.

Default Image

Step 10: Complete the Paperwork

No one looks forward to all the paperwork stacked up on the closing table, but it’s a necessary part of the process. Fortunately, everything will be arranged by your lender and title company. And, when you’re finished, you’ll be the legal owner of your new home.

What Clients Say About Working with Us

Reviews

"Rob and his team are the most knowledgeable, professional, well prepared realtor team I have come across and dealt with not just in the area but anywhere. If you're looking to buy or sell choosing Rob would without a doubt be the only option to consider. He is educated and experienced in every aspect of property listing, buying, selling, renting, renovating, remodeling and investing. Beyond his professional side, I consider him a good person, a trustworthy man and a friend not much more you can ask for in a business dealing or in life."
"Rob and his team are the most knowledgeable, professional, well prepared realtor team I have come across and dealt with not just in the area but anywhere. If you're looking to buy or sell choosing Rob would without a doubt be the only option to consider. He is educated and experienced in every aspect of property listing, buying, selling, renting, renovating, remodeling and investing. Beyond his professional side, I consider him a good person, a trustworthy man and a friend not much more you can ask for in a business dealing or in life."
Buyer & Seller
"My husband and I worked with Jacki Taylor on Rob Morrison's team. We could not be more pleased with our experience working with Jacki to buy our first home. From our first meeting to negotiations to final closing, Jacki was the height of professionalism. And her incredible responsiveness always made us feel like a priority! Jacki's work ethic, customer service, and industry and market knowledge is unmatched! We have told all our friends and family about Jacki and look forward to working with her again for future home sales and purchases."
"My husband and I worked with Jacki Taylor on Rob Morrison's team. We could not be more pleased with our experience working with Jacki to buy our first home. From our first meeting to negotiations to final closing, Jacki was the height of professionalism. And her incredible responsiveness always made us feel like a priority! Jacki's work ethic, customer service, and industry and market knowledge is unmatched! We have told all our friends and family about Jacki and look forward to working with her again for future home sales and purchases."
Meredith
"Best realtor we've had. Practical advice, keen to help the process along and support the seller, very responsive to questions, reliable - all of the things you'd want in a realtor."
"Best realtor we've had. Practical advice, keen to help the process along and support the seller, very responsive to questions, reliable - all of the things you'd want in a realtor."
Carlyn Z.
"The Rob Morrison team is by for the most skilled real estate team i have come across in the area. I could not of asked for better service and results from start to finish in the buying and selling experience. They are educated and qualified to help one through every aspect of home buying and selling. If you're looking for top dollar for your sale or efficient negotiations for a purchase, this is the team to choose."
"The Rob Morrison team is by for the most skilled real estate team i have come across in the area. I could not of asked for better service and results from start to finish in the buying and selling experience. They are educated and qualified to help one through every aspect of home buying and selling. If you're looking for top dollar for your sale or efficient negotiations for a purchase, this is the team to choose."
Seller
"Rob does a wonderful job sharing his knowledge of the area, making a closing come together smoothly, and helping a buyer to feel comfortable. He is trustworthy, supportive, and willing to answer any questions you have (no matter how tough)! Our family highly recommends him to anyone looking for a home, a vacation property, or an investment opportunity."
"Rob does a wonderful job sharing his knowledge of the area, making a closing come together smoothly, and helping a buyer to feel comfortable. He is trustworthy, supportive, and willing to answer any questions you have (no matter how tough)! Our family highly recommends him to anyone looking for a home, a vacation property, or an investment opportunity."
Buyer
"Rob did an amazing job selling my home of 18 years. He was in constant communication with me, keeping me informed at every step, ensuring a smooth and stress-free process. Rob displayed a high degree of professionalism and a deep understanding of the market. I can't recommend him enough!"
"Rob did an amazing job selling my home of 18 years. He was in constant communication with me, keeping me informed at every step, ensuring a smooth and stress-free process. Rob displayed a high degree of professionalism and a deep understanding of the market. I can't recommend him enough!"
Stephanie
"I met with Nicole on Jan 18, 2024 and my house closed just 18 days later. I was a little skeptical of the higher listing price that she recommended, but it proved to be right in the ballpark for area buyers - my own selling price estimate was $50K below hers and way too low! She did an excellent job of handling questions between buyer and seller, and managing the quick closing. She proved to be a great advocate during the entire process."
"I met with Nicole on Jan 18, 2024 and my house closed just 18 days later. I was a little skeptical of the higher listing price that she recommended, but it proved to be right in the ballpark for area buyers - my own selling price estimate was $50K below hers and way too low! She did an excellent job of handling questions between buyer and seller, and managing the quick closing. She proved to be a great advocate during the entire process."
Stark L.
"Rob and his Team were great to work with. Very helpful and informative; patiently answered all my questions throughout the buying and selling process. Rob was able to get both transactions done in a timely manner at the prices I was hoping for. Highly recommend Rob and his Team for anyone looking to buy or sell property in the greater Chicagoland area."
"Rob and his Team were great to work with. Very helpful and informative; patiently answered all my questions throughout the buying and selling process. Rob was able to get both transactions done in a timely manner at the prices I was hoping for. Highly recommend Rob and his Team for anyone looking to buy or sell property in the greater Chicagoland area."
Joseph
"Rob was outstanding to work with, he was very efficient, professional, new the market and pricing. I always returned phone call on time; Did an outstanding job on marketing the property and was great at negotiation skills. I would highly recommend Rob to anyone."
"Rob was outstanding to work with, he was very efficient, professional, new the market and pricing. I always returned phone call on time; Did an outstanding job on marketing the property and was great at negotiation skills. I would highly recommend Rob to anyone."
Seller
"Rob was a pleasure to work with. I couldn’t appreciate his hard work, incredible knowledge, efficiency, attention to detail or the care he puts into all aspects of his job more. It is rare to find someone as on top of things and as efficient as he is. Rob took so much stress out of the buying and selling process and made it fun along the way. If your are serious about selling your home or finding a new home, Rob is the best choice you could make."
"Rob was a pleasure to work with. I couldn’t appreciate his hard work, incredible knowledge, efficiency, attention to detail or the care he puts into all aspects of his job more. It is rare to find someone as on top of things and as efficient as he is. Rob took so much stress out of the buying and selling process and made it fun along the way. If your are serious about selling your home or finding a new home, Rob is the best choice you could make."
Buyer & Seller

Follow Us On Instagram