Purchasing a home is one of the most meaningful financial decisions you’ll make — whether it’s your first home or your fifth. We begin by helping you clarify your goals, your timing, and what “the right home” truly looks like for you.
Your motivations shape your search.
Maybe you’re ready to stop renting, want more space, need a shorter commute, want to live in a new neighborhood, or you're thinking about building an investment portfolio. Understanding your “why” allows us to match you with homes that support your lifestyle today and your plans for the future.
Buying a home can be a smart long-term investment.Whether you’re looking for your dream home, a rental property, or your first step toward building wealth, real estate offers stability, equity growth, and the potential for strong returns — especially when purchased strategically.
A little preparation goes a long way in making the buying process smooth and stress-free.
Before speaking with a lender, gather documents such as:
- Recent pay stubs
- Tax returns
- Bank statements
- Investment accounts
- Credit card and loan information
- Retirement documentation (401k, etc.)
Having this information ready speeds up your pre-approval and strengthens your position once you’re ready to make an offer.
Your credit score impacts the types of loans available to you and what interest rate you qualify for.We can connect you with trusted lenders who will help you understand what you can comfortably afford and map out the financing options best suited to your goals.
Now is not the time for big purchases, career changes, or taking on new debt.Maintaining financial stability protects your pre-approval and puts you in the strongest position when it’s time to make an offer.
The buying process involves legal paperwork, negotiations, inspections, financing deadlines, and countless decisions. A knowledgeable, responsive agent makes all the difference.
- Experience: Choose an agent familiar with the type of home you want and the neighborhoods you're considering.
- Local Knowledge: Understanding Richmond’s micro-markets is essential.
- Communication: Your agent should be accessible, proactive, and communicative.
- Trust & Rapport: You should feel heard, understood, and supported — this is a major life decision.
With Hamnett Properties, you gain an advocate who simplifies the process, provides early access to listings, and helps you move confidently from search to closing.
This is the fun part — exploring neighborhoods, touring homes, and envisioning your life in different spaces.
Drive through neighborhoods, visit local parks and businesses, and get a feel for day-to-day life in each community. Understanding the rhythm of a neighborhood helps you determine if it’s a good long-term fit.
Once you’ve narrowed your favorites, we’ll schedule private showings and discuss resale potential, nearby amenities, and long-term value — so you’re not just choosing a home, but making a smart investment.
When you find the right home, we’ll prepare a strategic offer based on market data, recent sales, and your goals. We’ll help you understand the total costs associated with the home and position your offer to stand out in any market.
Once your offer is accepted, the property enters escrow — and several important steps follow.
A purchase agreement becomes binding once both parties sign and the initial deposit is placed into escrow. Throughout the process, we’ll ensure all documentation is accurate, timely, and easy to follow.
Deadlines matter. We’ll keep you informed at every milestone so nothing is overlooked and your transaction remains on track.
A title company or attorney will research the property history, verify clear title, and prepare the legal paperwork for closing.
Different ownership structures carry different legal and tax implications. We may recommend consulting an attorney or financial advisor to determine what’s best for your situation.
A licensed home inspector will evaluate the property’s condition, and depending on your needs, you may choose specialists for HVAC, roof, pest, structural, or environmental evaluations.Based on results, we’ll help you negotiate repairs or adjustments.
Your lender will order an appraisal to confirm the home’s value. Throughout the loan process, staying in close communication with your lender is key. We’ll help you navigate any additional documentation and ensure your financing moves forward smoothly.
If the property requires association approval, we’ll help you gather the necessary documentation and meet all deadlines.
Your lender will require homeowners insurance. We can connect you with trusted insurance professionals who can help you find the right coverage at a competitive rate.
You’re almost there — this is where everything comes together.
Before closing, you’ll visit the property to confirm that it’s in the same condition as when you made your offer and that any agreed-upon repairs have been completed.
We’ll provide local utility contacts to help you transfer or activate services quickly.
Occasionally, minor issues arise close to closing. We’ve navigated these situations many times and will handle them efficiently and calmly.
The closing agent will prepare a settlement statement summarizing all financial details.You’ll sign the necessary documents, transfer funds, and receive the keys to your new home.If you can’t attend the closing in person, we’ll arrange alternative signing options when needed.
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