Sole and Shane were tired of renting and wanted a place to call their own. They imagined sunshine, freedom from landlords and a backyard where their dogs could run free. An area with good schools, lower crime and plenty of neighborhood amenities. But, how to get started they wondered?

The path to homeownership seemed like a winding desert trail. But then, Sole remembered a friendly face. A local expert named Andrea Scheppe, a Phoenix native and award-winning REALTOR® known for guiding many to their perfect Phoenix homes.

Sole and Shane reached out and Andrea set up a buyer presentation to explain the home-buying process. From the crucial new step of signing a buyer-broker agreement (effective nationwide on August 17th, 2024) to explaining market trends, negotiations, timelines and legalities of different contracts.

Sole and Shane felt confident in Andrea's expertise and knew she would explain everything from HOA rules, to hidden new-build stipulations, to commute times and crime maps. Sole and Shane listened and nodded, understanding the importance of this first step in securing proper legal representation.

"Next," Andrea continued, "we need to get you pre-approved for a home loan. This is different from being pre-qualified, where a lender might only go off what you tell them. For pre-approval, the lender will pull your credit and ask for documentation to verify your finances, like federal tax returns, W-2s, pay stubs, and bank statements." She explained, "Being pre-approved shows sellers you're serious and that a lender has already approved you for enough money to purchase the home, giving your offer more weight!"

The real fun begins! Andrea immediately set up instant alerts for new listings through the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), ensuring Sole and Shane would be emailed within minutes of new properties hitting the market. "I also have access to 'coming soon' properties not yet syndicated to the public," Andrea added. "I'll continually seek out and research properties, discuss Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) reports for your desired neighborhoods and help you research potential negative aspects that could impact your future value." She reminded Sole and Shane, "If you find a property outside our alerts, like through a drive-by or online app, call me for more details and to retain proper legal representation."

Touring Homes begins! Most buyers view 5-10 homes before making a decision. But Andrea assured them she worked on their timeline, and they would look until they found the right home. In greater Phoenix, AC age, pool condition, roof condition and HOA fees can make or break a choice. New builds typically have multi-year warranties and awesome neighborhood amenities, but often have higher than median prices and outskirt locations. Resales can offer established neighborhoods closer to the action, but might come with older plumbing and less than desirable interiors.

Sole and Shane carefully crafted their "Wants & Needs List," prioritizing what truly mattered, from the number of bedrooms to the type of backyard. Andrea advised, "It's important to investigate neighborhoods by driving around to get a feel for traffic and how homes are cared for. Ask around, keep an open mind and always take notes and pictures during showings to remember specific details!" Andrea committed to learning their specific real estate goals, ensuring they focused on properties that truly fit their needs.

When they found the perfect home, it was time to make an offer. Andrea guided Sole and Shane on making it competitive, explaining they would decide on a reasonable offer price based on current market conditions, comparable properties and the home's condition. "A larger earnest money deposit presents a more serious offer," Andrea explained, "and a shorter closing timeline can also be attractive to sellers."

Sole and Shane's offer was accepted! The house was officially "under contract and in escrow." Andrea connected them with the title company for their earnest money deposit and helped them schedule a comprehensive home inspection, explaining, "It's highly recommended to check everything – structural integrity, electrical, plumbing, roof and built-in appliances. You'll receive an itemized report, and I encourage you to meet the inspector to discuss any concerns." She noted, "While the contract is 'as-is,' if major issues arise, we can request repairs, concessions, or even void the contract within your contingency period so you receive your deposit back." She also explained, "The next 10 days will be wild. Hold tight and I'll guide you through everything!"

Before closing, there were a few more crucial steps. Andrea explained the importance of both homeowner's insurance, which protects against damage and theft, and title insurance, which protects against financial loss from claims regarding legal ownership. "Lenders require both," she stated, plus, ordering an appraisal. Finally, Andrea emphasized the closing disclosure and the final walkthrough, done within 48 hours of closing, to ensure all agreed-upon repairs were completed and that nothing had been removed from the home.

Finally, the big day arrived – Close of Escrow! A few days prior, Sole and Shane reviewed and signed the final paperwork and submitted a wire transfer for their closing funds. Andrea reminded them keys arrive once the county has recorded the deed, and at that time, the home would be officially theirs! They had navigated the complex trail of home buying, with Andrea's expert guidance and unwavering support, and found their perfect oasis in the desert.

Want to go deeper? Every buyer who works with Andrea gets her privately crafted Greater Phoenix Homebuying Guide right at the start — packed with practical tips, checklists, and insights you won’t find online. It’s the kind of playbook only a Phoenix native and award-winning REALTOR® can put together.

Ready to start your journey? Call, text, or email Andrea today. Still curious about what it’s like to work with her? Check out her Google Reviews below.