Search

Leave a Message

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

Search Homes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Success Stories

Testimonials

"We first met Tim at an open house over a month before we were ready to buy. My wife and I were just browsing as first-time buyers, chatting briefly about our wish list, and were amazed when we reached out weeks later—he remembered us instantly, recalling our budget, preferences, and even the neighborhoods we’d mentioned. That personal touch set the tone for an outstanding experience. As nervous first-timers, Tim listened deeply to our needs and used his exceptional market knowledge to curate the perfect search, educating us on trends and values while steering us to a home we absolutely love. The process was remarkably smooth under Tim’s guidance. Every hiccup was handled with calm, creative solutions. Tim has “a guy” for everything. He recommended a lawyer, mortgage officer, as well as home inspector who were all top notch. From that first open house to closing, Tim Sotis was professional, proactive, and genuinely invested in our success. We’re now thrilled homeowners and lifelong fans, we HIGHLY recommend Tim to any prospective buyer!"
"We first met Tim at an open house over a month before we were ready to buy. My wife and I were just browsing as first-time buyers, chatting briefly about our wish list, and were amazed when we reached out weeks later—he remembered us instantly, recalling our budget, preferences, and even the neighborhoods we’d mentioned. That personal touch set the tone for an outstanding experience. As nervous first-timers, Tim listened deeply to our needs and used his exceptional market knowledge to curate the perfect search, educating us on trends and values while steering us to a home we absolutely love. The process was remarkably smooth under Tim’s guidance. Every hiccup was handled with calm, creative solutions. Tim has “a guy” for everything. He recommended a lawyer, mortgage officer, as well as home inspector who were all top notch. From that first open house to closing, Tim Sotis was professional, proactive, and genuinely invested in our success. We’re now thrilled homeowners and lifelong fans, we HIGHLY recommend Tim to any prospective buyer!"
John G.
"We received Tim’s name from a friend after having another realtor who did nothing. Tim was always available reached out consistently and kept us informed. We felt very confident in him. I would recommend him to anyone."
"We received Tim’s name from a friend after having another realtor who did nothing. Tim was always available reached out consistently and kept us informed. We felt very confident in him. I would recommend him to anyone."
Sue F.
"Tim was great every step of the way during the sale of my property as well as the purchase of my new home."
"Tim was great every step of the way during the sale of my property as well as the purchase of my new home."
Kelly F.
"Our family hired Tim Sotis to sell our business. We couldn't of had a more seamless experience. Selling a business is always stressful, not to mention emotional. The transaction went so well, that when we decided to sell our home, we called Tim. Again, stressful and emotional but they made it so easy. They kept us informed along every step of the way and made sure everything was taken care of. I would definitely recommend the Tim Sotis group if you are looking to sell a business or residence."
"Our family hired Tim Sotis to sell our business. We couldn't of had a more seamless experience. Selling a business is always stressful, not to mention emotional. The transaction went so well, that when we decided to sell our home, we called Tim. Again, stressful and emotional but they made it so easy. They kept us informed along every step of the way and made sure everything was taken care of. I would definitely recommend the Tim Sotis group if you are looking to sell a business or residence."
Sandi H.
"I have known Tim Sotis for many years. He has helped me buy and sell every home I have owned. He helped me get my mortgages and a high quality tenant for a property I decided to rent rather than sell. I would definitely recommend him."
"I have known Tim Sotis for many years. He has helped me buy and sell every home I have owned. He helped me get my mortgages and a high quality tenant for a property I decided to rent rather than sell. I would definitely recommend him."
Jennifer M.
"We’re forever grateful for Tim’s diligence and expertise throughout our home buying process. We can’t thank him and his team enough for all of their help making a stressful situation as smooth as possible. In the end we found the perfect home for us. I’ll absolutely recommend him to future home buyers. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️"
"We’re forever grateful for Tim’s diligence and expertise throughout our home buying process. We can’t thank him and his team enough for all of their help making a stressful situation as smooth as possible. In the end we found the perfect home for us. I’ll absolutely recommend him to future home buyers. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️"
Rosa C.
"One rule I follow when working with someone is if they practice what they preach. Tim owns the property and fully understands the real estate market. Very patient, informative, and understanding of his client's needs. Thank you!"
"One rule I follow when working with someone is if they practice what they preach. Tim owns the property and fully understands the real estate market. Very patient, informative, and understanding of his client's needs. Thank you!"
Karol M.
"Working with Tim was a great experience while purchasing my first property. He was extremely helpful in answering questions and walking through many many houses with me before we found one. I would recommend Tim to anyone looking for a house!"
"Working with Tim was a great experience while purchasing my first property. He was extremely helpful in answering questions and walking through many many houses with me before we found one. I would recommend Tim to anyone looking for a house!"
Tyler D.
"Tim was a great partner in helping sell our condo. He was on top of things and always showed that he cared. The transaction was pretty complicated but he was patient and was able to coordinate things to provide us with a good outcome. I will recommend Tim to anyone looking to sell."
"Tim was a great partner in helping sell our condo. He was on top of things and always showed that he cared. The transaction was pretty complicated but he was patient and was able to coordinate things to provide us with a good outcome. I will recommend Tim to anyone looking to sell."
Luis B.
"Tim is an old family friend and a fantastic Realtor®. He assisted with the purchase of a house in the Chicagoland area. On top of helping me buy my house, Tim was extremely generous with referrals for a lender, contractor, and attorney. Tim's help throughout the process was invaluable, as he went above and beyond what was expected during the entire process."
"Tim is an old family friend and a fantastic Realtor®. He assisted with the purchase of a house in the Chicagoland area. On top of helping me buy my house, Tim was extremely generous with referrals for a lender, contractor, and attorney. Tim's help throughout the process was invaluable, as he went above and beyond what was expected during the entire process."
Alex F.
"I've done 4 transactions with Tim, and all have gone perfectly smooth! Not only has he sold three properties for me, plus helped me find a rental home, he even assisted when I moved from IL to AZ connecting me with a Realtor® from out here! He and his staff are very professional, responsive, and knowledgeable. I highly recommend Tim Sotis for any of your real estate needs!"
"I've done 4 transactions with Tim, and all have gone perfectly smooth! Not only has he sold three properties for me, plus helped me find a rental home, he even assisted when I moved from IL to AZ connecting me with a Realtor® from out here! He and his staff are very professional, responsive, and knowledgeable. I highly recommend Tim Sotis for any of your real estate needs!"
Paula L.
"Tim Sotis is an amazing Realtor®! He helped us sell our mom's 60-year-old home. He gave expert advice as to what home improvements needed to be done before placing the house on the market and he had all of the contractors needed for every job that needed to be done. All of the contractors were excellent and Tim oversaw every step of the improvements. Tim sold our mom's house in less than 24 hours. Tim is truly one of a kind! "
"Tim Sotis is an amazing Realtor®! He helped us sell our mom's 60-year-old home. He gave expert advice as to what home improvements needed to be done before placing the house on the market and he had all of the contractors needed for every job that needed to be done. All of the contractors were excellent and Tim oversaw every step of the improvements. Tim sold our mom's house in less than 24 hours. Tim is truly one of a kind! "
Katherine T.
"Tim sold 3 properties for me along with purchasing one as well. He's a very hard worker, takes a lot of pride in to what he does, and listens to his clients. He goes out of his way to make sure things go smoothly and makes sure all sides are happy! He always keeps you updated and returns his calls asap. I would use him again if he didn't already find us our forever house but would refer him to someone else!"
"Tim sold 3 properties for me along with purchasing one as well. He's a very hard worker, takes a lot of pride in to what he does, and listens to his clients. He goes out of his way to make sure things go smoothly and makes sure all sides are happy! He always keeps you updated and returns his calls asap. I would use him again if he didn't already find us our forever house but would refer him to someone else!"
Raymond F.
"Tim Sotis goes above and beyond in helping make the sale of your home possible. In addition, he keeps you updated on everything. He also makes recommendations To ensure the sale of your house promptly. If I ever find myself needing to sell a home again he would be the person I would want to help with this. Anyone looking to sell a home should call him. He is professional, and responsive and would become a friend to the left."
"Tim Sotis goes above and beyond in helping make the sale of your home possible. In addition, he keeps you updated on everything. He also makes recommendations To ensure the sale of your house promptly. If I ever find myself needing to sell a home again he would be the person I would want to help with this. Anyone looking to sell a home should call him. He is professional, and responsive and would become a friend to the left."
Judie B.
"Tim and his team are phenomenal. He put in a lot of work to make the deal happen on both selling our home and getting our purchase solved. He is always willing to go above and beyond to solve any (inevitable) issues. Even a month after the purchase they keep in contact to make sure all is well. I would highly recommend talking with him for any real estate needs. His assistant Matt does a wonderful job at communicating and listening to your needs. Keep up the good work!"
"Tim and his team are phenomenal. He put in a lot of work to make the deal happen on both selling our home and getting our purchase solved. He is always willing to go above and beyond to solve any (inevitable) issues. Even a month after the purchase they keep in contact to make sure all is well. I would highly recommend talking with him for any real estate needs. His assistant Matt does a wonderful job at communicating and listening to your needs. Keep up the good work!"
Nick F.
"Tim’s team stands out in a world where customer service is a dying art. When I retained Tim to help me downsize, I did not expect such excellent customer support not only from him but the vendors he recommended to get my home ready for sale. They did such a fantastic job in staging, marketing, and selling my home that it was on the market for less than a day. Tim takes the time to know the market where your home is located and prices it to its best advantage! I received more than I was asking for! The effort Tim put into selling my house was above the average. I recommend his services to anyone! He also helped me purchase my new place, making that transaction effortless while dealing with the challenges of Covid. Thanks for all the hard work!"
"Tim’s team stands out in a world where customer service is a dying art. When I retained Tim to help me downsize, I did not expect such excellent customer support not only from him but the vendors he recommended to get my home ready for sale. They did such a fantastic job in staging, marketing, and selling my home that it was on the market for less than a day. Tim takes the time to know the market where your home is located and prices it to its best advantage! I received more than I was asking for! The effort Tim put into selling my house was above the average. I recommend his services to anyone! He also helped me purchase my new place, making that transaction effortless while dealing with the challenges of Covid. Thanks for all the hard work!"
Anastasia Z.
"This was my first time purchasing a home and Sheena made sure I understood everything along the way. Whenever we had questions she had answers! She is very knowledgeable and just awesome in general! Would definitely recommend her to anyone looking to buy a home."
"This was my first time purchasing a home and Sheena made sure I understood everything along the way. Whenever we had questions she had answers! She is very knowledgeable and just awesome in general! Would definitely recommend her to anyone looking to buy a home."
Buyer
"We had the best experience working with Tim and associates! He is so knowledgeable and great at his craft. We would not be where we are without his help."
"We had the best experience working with Tim and associates! He is so knowledgeable and great at his craft. We would not be where we are without his help."
Victoria M.
"Tim and his team (Dana and Natalie) were great! Truly made us feel comfortable with the whole process. Never felt pressure, easy to contact, and super accommodating. We will be recommending Tim and his team in the future to friends and family."
"Tim and his team (Dana and Natalie) were great! Truly made us feel comfortable with the whole process. Never felt pressure, easy to contact, and super accommodating. We will be recommending Tim and his team in the future to friends and family."
Rebecca S.
"Tim, We have bought all 4 houses from you and will keep coming to you for all our real estate needs because you are the best in the real estate world! Your expertise, market knowledge, guidance, customer service, negotiation and problem solving skills are the best we have seen! You listen to what the customer needs, you check the numbers, help solve financial obstacles and make the impossible, possible for everyone! We have recommended you to everyone we know and we will keep doing so! Pete and I are so grateful to have you as our real estate agent and can’t wait for the future opportunities to come!"
"Tim, We have bought all 4 houses from you and will keep coming to you for all our real estate needs because you are the best in the real estate world! Your expertise, market knowledge, guidance, customer service, negotiation and problem solving skills are the best we have seen! You listen to what the customer needs, you check the numbers, help solve financial obstacles and make the impossible, possible for everyone! We have recommended you to everyone we know and we will keep doing so! Pete and I are so grateful to have you as our real estate agent and can’t wait for the future opportunities to come!"
Maria M.
"Great Experience!"
"Great Experience!"
Muneeb A.
"Tim Sotis and his team are absolutely remarkable. What they did to sell my father's house went above and beyond. They were friendly, courteous, and explained everything at a level that we could understand. They really helped us navigate every aspect of the sale. I highly recommend Tim Sotis for any real estate transaction. He is the best!"
"Tim Sotis and his team are absolutely remarkable. What they did to sell my father's house went above and beyond. They were friendly, courteous, and explained everything at a level that we could understand. They really helped us navigate every aspect of the sale. I highly recommend Tim Sotis for any real estate transaction. He is the best!"
David T.
"Tim's experience and knowledge of the real estate market was invaluable throughout the entire process. He was always available to answer any questions I had, even outside of work hours, which was a great help. Tim and his team are very efficient, and together they made the entire process go smoothly. I highly recommend Tim to anyone looking for a real estate agent who is knowledgeable, patient, and dedicated to his clients. Tim never gave up and always went above and beyond to get us the right home for our family. Now, our family has a beautiful house where we can watch our little daughter grow up. She loves to run around the house, and we are so grateful to Tim for helping us find the perfect home for our family."
"Tim's experience and knowledge of the real estate market was invaluable throughout the entire process. He was always available to answer any questions I had, even outside of work hours, which was a great help. Tim and his team are very efficient, and together they made the entire process go smoothly. I highly recommend Tim to anyone looking for a real estate agent who is knowledgeable, patient, and dedicated to his clients. Tim never gave up and always went above and beyond to get us the right home for our family. Now, our family has a beautiful house where we can watch our little daughter grow up. She loves to run around the house, and we are so grateful to Tim for helping us find the perfect home for our family."
Carlos O.
"I cannot express enough how grateful I am to have worked with Tim during my recent home-buying experience. Tim has been patiently helping me for the past three years, and he has always gone above and beyond to help me find the perfect home. He has been an absolute pleasure to work with, and his dedication to his clients is truly admirable. Tim's expertise and knowledge of the real estate market were invaluable during the entire process. He was always available to answer any questions I had, even during non-business hours, which was incredibly helpful. Tim's team is just as wonderful and proficient as he is, and together they made the entire process seamless. I highly recommend Tim to anyone looking for a realtor who is knowledgeable, patient, and dedicated to his clients. Tim truly went above and beyond for me, and I am so grateful for his help in finding my dream home. Thank you, Tim, for all that you have done!"
"I cannot express enough how grateful I am to have worked with Tim during my recent home-buying experience. Tim has been patiently helping me for the past three years, and he has always gone above and beyond to help me find the perfect home. He has been an absolute pleasure to work with, and his dedication to his clients is truly admirable. Tim's expertise and knowledge of the real estate market were invaluable during the entire process. He was always available to answer any questions I had, even during non-business hours, which was incredibly helpful. Tim's team is just as wonderful and proficient as he is, and together they made the entire process seamless. I highly recommend Tim to anyone looking for a realtor who is knowledgeable, patient, and dedicated to his clients. Tim truly went above and beyond for me, and I am so grateful for his help in finding my dream home. Thank you, Tim, for all that you have done!"
Violeta O.
"Tim Sotis is an amazing realtor! He helped us sell our mom's 60 year old home. He gave expert advice as to what home improvements needed to be done before placing the house on the market and he had all of the contactors needed for every job that needed to be done. All of the contractors were excellent and Tim oversaw every step of the improvements. Tim sold our mom's house in less than 24 hours. Tim is truly one of a kind!"
"Tim Sotis is an amazing realtor! He helped us sell our mom's 60 year old home. He gave expert advice as to what home improvements needed to be done before placing the house on the market and he had all of the contactors needed for every job that needed to be done. All of the contractors were excellent and Tim oversaw every step of the improvements. Tim sold our mom's house in less than 24 hours. Tim is truly one of a kind!"
Katherine T.
"Tim is our go-to guy!"
"Tim is our go-to guy!"
Emily

Follow Us On Instagram