Use this checklist to understand the steps in the home buying process.

1. Get approved! You will need an approval letter to be able to make an offer on a property. You can get help figuring out what you can afford at www.drodio.com/loan. We also have several suggested loan officers for you to talk to at www.drodio.com/resources. You are not obligated to use this loan officer for the actual purchase of your house.

2. Fill out the Buyer Representation Agreement. We cannot technically represent your interests until you've filled out a Buyer Representation Agreement making us your Realtor.

3. Get email MLS alerts. We can set you up to receive a daily email alert with any properties that match your buying criteria.

4. Have us do a manual MLS search for you. You can also do your own searching at www.drodio.com/properties

5. Write an offer. When you're ready to put an offer on a property, you'll need three things: the contract, which we'll help you write, the approval letter from your loan officer (see point 1), and an escrow check. This is a deposit that signifies your level of seriousness regarding the purchase contract. Usually this amount will be for 1% to 2% of the purchase price.

6. Next steps: Once your offer is accepted, your DROdio Realty agent will get you copies oft he contract, and there will be several contingencies in the contract which will have to be satisfied. These may include: A home inspection, getting the seller an approval letter (if you only got the seller a pre-qualification letter previously), termite inspection, well & septic inspection, receipt of HOA documents, and any other contingencies listed in the contract.

7. Get your loan paperwork worked out! You'll need to make sure you can successfully close on the property.

8. The Walkthrough: Your DROdio Realty agent will do a walkthrough inspection on or before your closing date to ensure all the walkthrough items in paragraph 7 of the sales contract have been taken care of by the seller.

9. At settlement: You'll pay the seller for the home and get the keys for your house. At this point, the property will be yours and the seller will have no more rights to it (unless you agree to a rent-back, which sometimes happens).

Professional Tip: If you are in a competitive buying situation, we recommend you write an "emotional letter"� to the seller, telling the seller why the property you've selected is so well suited for you. You'd be surprised, but we've seen our clients beat other buyers out because they connected with the sellers on an emotional level.

These "Professional Tips" show you how important it is to have a Realtor representing your interests!