Buying a home is a major milestone — and with the right team in your corner, it can be an exciting and seamless experience. At the Kelly Stetler Team, we guide you through every step of the process with transparency, strategy, and support. From your very first conversation with us to the moment you get the keys (and beyond), we’re here to help you feel confident at every stage of your journey.
This is a simplified overview of our full buyer process — designed to give you a clear picture of what to expect when working with us.
Every buyer journey starts with a personalized consultation to discuss your goals, timeline, and the home features that matter most to you. We’ll also walk through the current market landscape and how we’ll tailor your search to meet your needs — including access to private and off-market listings you won’t find online.
As of August 17, 2024, all buyers are required to sign a buyer representation agreement before touring homes. This written agreement outlines our commitment to represent you and explains how agent compensation works. Having this agreement in place ensures you receive full support and advocacy from our team throughout your home search.
Unless you’re paying cash, you’ll need to secure financing with a lender. Getting pre-approved early helps us understand your budget and strengthens your offer when you’re ready to move forward on a home. If needed, we can refer you to a trusted lending partner to get you started.
We’ll create a customized home search that includes public, private, and off-market listings. Through Compass Collections — our interactive platform — you can favorite properties, request tours, and leave comments. We’ll also make sure you’re the first to know about listings from our internal network and builder connections. Your search can be adjusted anytime to reflect changes in preferences or needs.
Once you find a home that you would like to pursue, we will work together to craft a highly strategic and competitive offer. From there, we will begin to negotiate on the terms as necessary to seal the deal.
Once your offer is accepted, you’ll enter attorney review. Within five business days, your attorney (we can provide referrals if needed) will send a letter to the seller’s attorney with any requested changes and inspection-related asks. Both sides can negotiate until an agreement is reached. You may walk away during this period and receive your earnest money back if necessary.
We’ll help you schedule a reputable inspection to ensure the home is structurally sound and major systems are functioning properly. If issues arise, we’ll support you in understanding what’s typical, what’s negotiable, and whether any red flags require reconsideration.
Once attorney review is cleared, your lender will order a third-party appraisal to assess the home’s value. This step determines how much the lender is willing to loan. If any issues arise, we’ll help you navigate your options and next steps. Once all financing conditions are met, you’ll be marked clear to close — and the finish line is in sight.
Before closing, we’ll complete a final walkthrough to confirm the property is in the expected condition and all seller possessions have been removed. Then, it’s time to sign the final documents and get your keys!
We’re more than real estate agents — we’re your advocates, advisors, and community partners. We pride ourselves on providing exceptional service before, during, and long after your transaction. Even after closing, we remain a trusted resource for everything from contractors and designers to restaurant and daycare recommendations. Let’s get started on your home-buying journey together!