The Home Buying Process

A thoughtful, strategic approach to purchasing your next home.

Chris Fehring in a checked blazer, seated against a dark background.

Step 1: Define Your Vision

We begin with a personal consultation to understand your goals, lifestyle, preferences, and priorities. Together, we’ll define the communities, architectural styles, price range, and amenities that matter most to you, creating a clear vision for the home and the search ahead.

Modern living room with a sectional sofa, large windows, tiled fireplace, and geometric rug.

Step 2: Establish Your Purchasing Strategy

Determine how you intend to structure the purchase, whether through cash, financing, or a combination of both, and establish the appropriate purchasing parameters for your search. If financing is involved, I’m happy to recommend trusted lenders I work with and help coordinate the process so you’re positioned to move confidently when the right opportunity arises.

Modern white home with a steep gabled roof, wood-clad garage, and mature trees.

Step 3: Curate the Search

With your priorities and purchasing strategy established, I’ll monitor the market daily and proactively identify opportunities that align with your vision. I’ll stay connected through broker opens, agent relationships, sales meetings, my own professional network, and Compass Private Exclusives, ensuring you’re aware of opportunities both on and beyond the public market.

Bright home entry with a black front door, pale wood floors, and an adjoining dining area and staircase.

Step 4: Tour the Properties

Once we’ve identified compelling opportunities, we’ll arrange private showings and explore the properties that best align with your vision. I’ll provide insight throughout each tour, from the home itself to the neighborhood, condition, positioning, and potential, helping you evaluate each opportunity with a discerning eye.

Dedicated Service, Real Results

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

Glass-and-steel skyscrapers rise around a cloudy sky, their grid-patterned windows reflecting daylight.

Step 5: Evaluate the Opportunity

When a property stands out, I’ll conduct a comparative market analysis, review recent sales and neighborhood trends, and assess the property’s value, condition, and long-term potential. Together, we’ll narrow the focus and determine whether the home represents the right opportunity and investment for you.

Staged living room with a white sofa, two ottomans, and a black round glass coffee table.

Step 6: Structure the Offer

Once we’ve identified the right opportunity, I’ll help you develop and structure a compelling offer based on the property, current market conditions, comparable sales, seller circumstances, and your objectives. We’ll determine the appropriate price and terms, then position the offer strategically.

White house on a tree-lined riverbank, with a broad lawn and a small boat moored at the shore.

Step 7: Navigate the Negotiation

Once the offer is submitted, I’ll manage the negotiation and communication with the seller’s agent, keeping your priorities at the forefront while navigating price, terms, contingencies, timing, and other considerations. My goal is to protect your interests while positioning you for the best possible outcome.

Modern kitchen with charcoal cabinetry, a large white island, and gray bar stools.

Step 8: Conduct Due Diligence

Once under contract, we’ll conduct the appropriate inspections and due diligence to fully understand the property. I can recommend trusted inspectors and other professionals from my network, help coordinate the process, review the findings with you, and address any considerations that arise before moving forward.

White shingle home with an arched entry, dark-framed windows, and a landscaped front yard.

Step 9: Confirm Value & Financing

As the transaction progresses, we’ll coordinate the appraisal and work alongside your lender to ensure the property and financing remain on track. I’ll stay closely involved throughout the process, monitoring timelines, addressing issues as they arise, and keeping all parties aligned through closing.

Modern living room with a light sofa, glass coffee table, and floor-to-ceiling sheer curtains.

Step 10: Close With Confidence

As we approach closing, I’ll coordinate closely with your lender, title company, and the other professionals involved to ensure every detail is in place. From the final walkthrough to the closing table, I’ll be there to help make the process seamless and ensure you’re ready to take ownership of your new home. Then, it’s time to celebrate.

Work With Chris

Every client deserves a thoughtful, results-driven approach. Chris combines extensive local expertise, elite marketing, and personalized representation to create a smooth, successful real estate experience from beginning to end.