How does buying a home work, step by step?

1. Goals and an initial consultation

Start by getting clear on what you actually want: the areas you're considering, your timeline, the type of home, and the monthly payment you'd feel comfortable with. A first conversation with an agent turns that into a plan and surfaces questions worth answering early.

2. Financing and pre-approval

Unless you're paying cash, an early step is talking with a lender about financing and getting pre-approved. Pre-approval tells you a realistic budget and shows sellers you're a serious buyer. Your lender — not your agent — is the right person to explain loan programs and what you qualify for.

The Forturro Group is not a lender and does not set loan terms. We're glad to point you to local lenders; the loan decision is always between you and the lender you choose.

3. Setting up your search

With a budget in hand, you and your agent set up a focused search — the areas, price range, home type, and must-haves that matter to you. On Forturro you can search live Grand Strand listings and save the ones worth a closer look.

4. Touring homes

Once listings match your criteria, you tour the ones that fit. Touring in person tells you things photos never will — light, sound, layout, condition, and how a neighborhood actually feels. Bring your questions and take notes as you go.

5. Buyer-agency documentation

In South Carolina, a written buyer-agency or touring agreement is required before an agent tours homes with you — so putting the working relationship in writing is a normal, expected step near the start of your search, not an afterthought. Your agent explains what each document means, and you should read it and ask questions before you sign.

Take the time to understand the agreement — what it covers and how long it lasts. Read it, ask questions, and don't sign anything you don't understand; that's your right as a buyer.

6. Writing an offer

When you find the right home, you and your agent prepare an offer — price, financing, timelines, and terms. Your agent advises on strategy; you decide what to offer. A strong offer balances price with terms the seller cares about, like the closing date and contingencies.

7. Inspections and due diligence

Once under contract, you use your due-diligence window to learn about the home — most buyers hire a licensed home inspector, and depending on the property may look into other specialized inspections. This is your chance to understand the home's condition and decide how to proceed.

8. Appraisal and financing

If you're financing, your lender orders an appraisal and completes underwriting. The appraisal is the lender's independent read on value; underwriting is the final review of your loan. Both happen on the lender's side, with your agent helping keep the timeline on track.

9. Final walkthrough

Shortly before closing, you do a final walkthrough to confirm the home is in the condition you expect and that any agreed-upon items are handled. It's a last look before the keys change hands.

10. Closing

At closing, ownership transfers and the transaction is finalized. South Carolina is an attorney-closing state, which means a real estate attorney conducts the closing and handles title. Your agent and lender coordinate with the attorney's office so everyone reaches the table prepared.