Buying a Home Should Feel Exciting, Not Overwhelming
Let’s be honest, buying a home is one of the biggest personal and financial decisions you’ll ever make. It’s thrilling, yes, but it can also be full of questions, moving parts, and pressure to "get it right." That’s where preparation meets peace of mind.
At New Roots South Jersey, we help you cut through the confusion and build a clear, personalized roadmap to homeownership. The more you understand the process, the more confident and in control you’ll feel every step of the way. From getting financially prepared to navigating negotiations, inspections, and closing, we’re here to guide you with clarity, calm, and strategy.
Want to decode the lingo before you dive in?
Check out our Handy Guidebook to Real Estate Jargon for simple explanations of the most common terms you’ll encounter many of which are in bold throughout these pages.
STEP 1: Choose the Right REALTOR® & Sign a Buyer Agency Agreement (It Makes All the Difference)
With Zillow, Trulia, and Realtor.com at your fingertips, it’s easy to think you don’t really need an agent to buy a home, but that’s one of the biggest myths in real estate.
The truth? A great REALTOR® is your competitive edge.
REALTORS® (with the ®) are members of the National Association of REALTORS®, held to a higher standard of ethics, professionalism, and ongoing education.
We have direct access to the MLS (Multiple Listing Service), the only platform that updates in real time. That means while third-party sites may show delayed or outdated info, your agent sees homes the moment they hit the market.
As your REALTOR®, I’ll not only set up your private MLS portal for real-time listing alerts, but I’ll also guide you through every step with local expertise, quick communication, and your best interest at heart.
✨ Pro Tip: In a fast-moving market, working with the right agent can be the difference between getting the house and missing it entirely.
Let’s start your search the smart way—strategic, informed, and ready.
Step 2: Get Pre-Approved (Before You Fall in Love with a House)
Before we start scrolling listings or scheduling showings, it’s time to talk money, but in a way that makes the rest of your home search way less stressful.
Getting pre-approved by a trusted lender is a crucial first step in the buying process. It gives you a clear understanding of your budget, down payment, estimated monthly payments, and loan options, so you can shop smart and avoid surprises.
STEP 3: Get Clear on Location & Lifestyle
Before we dive into showings, it’s important to zoom out and ask:
Where do you want to live and why?
Your home isn’t just about the number of bedrooms or the backyard, it’s about your day-to-day quality of life. Choosing the right location means finding the right fit for you (and your family’s) priorities.
By narrowing in on your lifestyle needs before we start looking, we can focus our search in areas that align with your goals, and avoid wasting time on homes that won’t truly fit.
Step 4: Start Touring Homes (This Is the Fun Part!)
Once you’re pre-approved and have your search area dialed in, it’s time to hit the road (or the app) and start touring homes.
As your REALTOR®, I’ll schedule showings, coordinate access, and guide you through each property, pointing out things you might not notice on your own and helping you compare homes with clarity and confidence.
Heads up: Most showings require at least 24 hours' notice, especially if the home is still occupied. We’ll do our best to accommodate your schedule, but flexibility is key as we work around sellers’ availability too.
Haven’t started your search yet? It’s totally normal to begin browsing online 6–9 months before you're ready to buy. It helps you get familiar with the market, understand what your money can buy, and start dreaming about your next chapter.
Ready to explore?
Download my free home search app to browse South Jersey listings in real-time, no delays, no fluff, just the latest homes that match your criteria.
Step 5: Understand the Market Before You Make an Offer
When it’s time to write an offer, your REALTOR® (that’s me!) will provide a clear overview of the South Jersey market conditions so you can make a smart, strategic move. The real estate market is fluid and it shifts based on supply and demand, and your offer strategy should shift with it.
STEP 6: OFFER ACCEPTED
You’ve officially made it past one of the biggest milestones in the buying process. Now it’s time to shift from search mode to closing mode.
From inspections and appraisals to paperwork and final walkthroughs, I’ll guide you through every step between signed contract and closing day, making sure nothing gets missed and everything stays on track.
For more steps on the contract to close process,
grab a complimentary Buyer Guide below!
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My goal is to help showcase South Jersey and help elevate real estate experience for buyers and sellers. I prioritize your needs, preferences, and happiness, ensuring a personalized experience that aligns with your goals. Reach out to us to explore South Jersey homes for sale.
DISCLAIMER
New Roots South Jersey is founded by Jamie Hartman. She is a licensed REALTOR® at eXp Realty. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal, without notice. No statement is made as to the accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footages are approximate. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, accounting, or other professional advice outside the realm of real estate brokerage.
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215-888-4060