Buyers

Get expert guidance from pre-approval to closing—and every step between.

A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO BUYING REAL ESTATE

Ready to Buy Real Estate? Here’s Your Step-by-Step Guide to the Home Buying Process
Buying a home is one of the most exciting and life-changing decisions you’ll ever make—and having the right real estate agent for buyers by your side makes all the difference. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, upgrading your space, or purchasing a real estate investment, this step-by-step guide will walk you through the home buying process with clarity and confidence.
Mark A. Wolff is here to guide you as a real estate agent every step of the way. With deep market knowledge, strategic insight, and legal expertise, Mark ensures your home buying experience is informed, smooth, and successful.

Define Your Buying Goals.

Mark begins by understanding what matters most in your next real estate purchase. Are you buying your first house? Searching for more space? Planning a long-term investment? Together, you’ll clarify your goals, timeline, and location preferences—while also identifying where you’re willing to compromise, because no home is perfect until you make it perfect.
Your goals help shape your budget, property search criteria, and strategy—ensuring your home buying journey stays aligned with your lifestyle.
Use the Affordability Calculator on the Resources page to estimate how much real estate you can afford before you begin your search

Understand the Real Estate Market.

Mark will give you a detailed overview of current real estate market trends, pricing, and local housing inventory. You’ll gain insight into neighborhood data, average home values, and how competitive the Chicagoland real estate market is—empowering you to make smart, timely decisions.

Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage Loan.

Before you begin touring homes for sale, Mark will connect you with one of his trusted mortgage lenders to get pre-approved. Pre-approval shows sellers you’re a serious buyer, gives you a clear price range, and speeds up the real estate closing process.
Use the Mortgage Calculator and Refinance Calculator on the Resources page to explore your financing options and estimate your monthly payments.

Research and Tour Available Properties.

With your goals, budget, and pre-approval in place, Mark will curate a list of move-in ready homes, affordable homes, and other matching listings. He’ll schedule private showings, provide local insights, and guide you through open houses—helping you evaluate property value, condition, location, and long-term potential.

Submit a Competitive Offer on a Property.

Once you’ve found the right home, Mark will help you craft a strong, competitive offer. The strength of your offer will depend on the real estate market, the property’s demand, and your financing. Mark will advise you on the right offer price, contingencies, and timelines to make your offer attractive while protecting your interests.
Use the Closing Cost Calculator to prepare for estimated expenses associated with your purchase.

Get Your Offer Accepted.

Begin the Real Estate Closing Process. Once your offer is accepted, Mark will walk you through the real estate closing process step by step. He’ll connect you with recommended real estate attorneys he’s worked closely with in the past to help manage your transaction.

 

Please note: Mark does not act as both a real estate agent and attorney in the same transaction.

Complete a Home Inspection.

Mark will coordinate your home inspection with one of his trusted partners or support you in using your own inspector. This step ensures you’re fully informed of the home’s condition before finalizing the deal. If any concerns arise, Mark will assist in requesting repairs, credits, or contract modifications.

Final Loan Approval and Underwriting.

Your lender will now finalize underwriting for your mortgage loan. Mark will monitor all required steps, documentation, and timelines to keep your real estate transaction on track. His strong communication with lenders and attorneys helps prevent delays and ensures a seamless path to closing.

Close on Your New Home.

On closing day, you’ll sign your final paperwork, pay closing costs, and receive the keys to your new home. Mark will review your settlement documents, confirm all contract terms are satisfied, and ensure the real estate closing is handled smoothly and professionally.

Celebrate Your New Home.

Congratulations—you’re officially a homeowner! Mark will be there to congratulate you, support you post-closing, and make sure you feel confident and informed as you begin this exciting new chapter.

Contact Us Now!

Send Us a Message

Contact us today to begin your next real estate journey. Whether you’re a buyer, seller, or investor, we are here to complete your real estate needs. Let’s connect now!
Call: (224) 404-0804