Buying a Home? Here Are the 10 Steps I Walk You Through
Buying a home is a big step. It is about more than a pretty kitchen. It is about finding the right home for you and your family, at the right price, with no surprises along the way.
I'm Rima Hodgeson, a REALTOR® with Compass. These steps work wherever you're buying. I help buyers in Baton Rouge and the surrounding communities, and if you're moving somewhere I don't serve, I'll connect you with a great agent there. Here are the 10 steps I walk you through, plus a simple tip for each one.
Award-winning, multi-million-dollar producer · Compass Rising Star · Silver Award
Your Home Buying Roadmap
Tap any step to jump to it.
Part 1 · Get Ready
Part 2 · Choose & Offer
Part 3 · Get to Closing
Part 4 · Beyond Closing
The 10 Steps I Walk You Through
Start With Your Goals
Before we look at a single home, I want to know what matters to you. Your budget. The areas you like. Your daily drive. Your plans for the next few years. The better I understand your goals, the better I can help you find the right home.
My tip: Talk to a lender early. A pre-approval shows you your real budget, and it makes your offer stronger when you find the one.
Find the Right Home (Not Just What's Online)
I look beyond the big home search sites. I check MLS listings, Compass Private Exclusives, Compass Coming Soon homes, off-market homes, For Sale By Owner homes, and new construction. I set up a search just for you, and I let you know as soon as a new match comes up.
My tip: Some homes are never posted on public sites. Ask me what is available that you won't find online.
Research Every Home
A listing only tells part of the story. I look up the home's sales history, taxes, flood zone, seller disclosures, HOA rules, recent nearby sales, and how long it has been on the market. That way you know the home beyond the photos.
My tip: If you are buying in Louisiana, always check the flood zone and get an insurance quote early. Insurance can change your monthly payment more than you might think.
Want to see homes you won't find online?
Tell me what you are looking for, and I will let you know what is available right now.
Tour Homes With a Sharp Eye
Before we start touring, we sign a Buyer Representation Agreement. It simply spells out how I work for you. Then, on tours, I help you look past the paint and finishes. We look at the home's condition, layout, upkeep, resale value, and the neighborhood. Informed buyers make better decisions.
My tip: Visit your top choice at different times: during rush hour, on a weekend, and after a heavy rain.
Make a Smart Offer
Every offer is built around you. We go over price, recent sales, closing costs, seller help with costs, financing, earnest money, the inspection period, and move-in date.
My tip: The highest price is not always the strongest offer. Clean terms and a solid pre-approval matter too.
Understand the Contract
I explain each part of the Purchase Agreement in plain language: what you are signing, key deadlines, your rights, your options, and what happens next.
My tip: Ask me anything, anytime. There is no such thing as a silly question when you are buying a home.
The Inspection Period
This is your time to take a close look at the home. I help you schedule inspections, read the reports, decide what really matters, and ask for repairs or credits. No home is perfect. I'll help you tell the difference between normal upkeep and problems that affect safety, value, insurance, or future costs.
My tip: Focus on the big items first: roof, foundation, plumbing, electrical, and the A/C.
From Contract to Closing
I work with your lender, title company, appraiser, inspector, insurance agent, and the other side's agent. I watch every deadline and keep you in the loop every step of the way.
My tip: Hold off on new credit cards, car loans, or job changes until after closing. Talk to your lender first.
The Final Walkthrough
Right before closing, we check that any agreed repairs are done, the home is in the same shape, and everything that should stay is still there. It is your chance to make sure everything is as it should be.
My tip: Bring your repair list. Turn on the lights, run the faucets, test the A/C, and try the appliances.
After Closing, I'm Still Here
Our work together does not end at the closing table. I can share trusted contractors and vendors, answer questions, and help with your next move, whenever that may be. I'm always here for you!
My tip: Keep your closing papers, home warranty, and inspection reports together in one safe place. You will be glad you did.
My Promise to You
Buying a home is one of the biggest investments you will ever make. I will teach you what you need to know, stand up for you, talk openly with you, and help you make good choices every step of the way.
Whether we find the right home this weekend, next month, or next year, my goal is simply to help you make the best decision for you and your family.
Your Vision, My Commitment.
Questions Buyers Ask Me
Tap a question to see my answer.
What is the first step to buying a home in Baton Rouge?
Start with your goals: your budget, the areas you like, your daily drive, and your plans for the next few years. Then talk to a lender about a pre-approval. It shows you your real budget and makes your offer stronger.
Why does the flood zone matter when buying a home in Louisiana?
The flood zone can change what you pay for insurance, and insurance can change your monthly payment more than you might think. If a home is in a high-risk flood zone, your lender may require flood insurance. That is why I check the flood zone on every home and suggest getting an insurance quote early.
Do I need to sign anything before we tour homes?
Yes. Before we start touring, we sign a Buyer Representation Agreement. It simply spells out how I work for you, so we are on the same page from day one.
Can you show me homes that are not on the big home search sites?
Yes. Along with MLS listings, I look at Compass Private Exclusives, Compass Coming Soon homes, off-market homes, For Sale By Owner homes, and new construction. Some homes are never posted on public sites, so just ask me what is available.
Is the highest offer always the best offer?
Not always. Clean terms and a solid pre-approval matter too. I help you build your offer around price, recent sales, closing costs, financing, earnest money, the inspection period, and your move-in date.
What should I avoid while I am under contract?
Hold off on new credit cards, car loans, or job changes until after closing. If something comes up, talk to your lender first.
What if I am buying outside the Baton Rouge area?
These steps work wherever you are buying. If you are moving somewhere I don't serve, I will connect you with a great agent there.
Keep Exploring
Start looking around while we get to know each other.
Know someone thinking about buying?
Share this guide with them. It might be just what they need.
Selling a home too? See how I help sellers
Rima Hodgeson, REALTOR® | ABR® | SRS® | BGRS · Award-winning, multi-million-dollar producer · Compass · Serving Baton Rouge & surrounding areas
Let's Talk
Ready to Start? Or Just Have Questions?
Reach out either way. I'm happy to help. Call or text me, or send me a quick message below. I will get back to you personally.
Email: rimastylehomes@gmail.com
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