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Cliff Notes to Buying a Home

  1. Find Home
  2. Make Offer on Said Home
  3. Offer Accepted
  4. Close on Home
  5. Move In
  6. Typical Home Buying Process

Homework

Do some leg work to find out if buying makes sense for you. Will you move a lot with your current job, do you need a bigger home, do you need to downsize, is it a good time to invest in homes, is home affordability still at an all time high, is your financial outlook stable, will buying now increase your net worth in the short/long term, etc. are some things to consider.

  • Find a Competent & Trusted Lender
  • Get Lender Approval
  • More Homework
  • Hit the Road
  • Make an Offer
  • Inspections
  • Monitor the Loan
  • Appraisal
  • Utilities and Services
  • Final Walk Through
  • Closing Time
  • Get Keys & Move In
  • Detailed Home Buying Process

Find a Competent & Trusted REALTOR® - don’t be afraid to interview the agent that is representing one of the biggest financial decisions of your life. Not only is there a lot of money at stake, but the process should be as smooth and stress free as possible. A strong, experienced REALTOR® will not only negotiate aggressively on your behalf, but also guide you seamlessly through this complex process. You want someone that will look you in the eye and tell you that maybe you should NOT buy a particular home and explain why. No deal is better than a bad deal. Remember you are hiring this person to give you their professional advice. So when they give the good, the bad and the ugly remember not to take it personally. It is good to have someone in your corner that can manage your emotions during a highly emotional process! Sometimes it may be easier to work with someone who isn’t a friend or family member, too.

Find a Competent & Trusted Lender - just how finding a great REALTOR® can make a world of difference, so can a great lender. Of course you want someone that can accurately tell you the figures. More importantly you want someone that will be honest when buying a home may or may not make sense. A good lender doesn’t just close a bunch of deals. They also stop someone from getting into a bad one! Real estate is a great way to build wealth with the right people on your team. You want someone that will explain in detail why borrowing from your retirement may not make sense. You want a lender that will explain the downfalls to down payment programs. If you are going to finance this purchase… DO NOT put this part off! No matter what you think you will or will not be approved for, have a conversation with the trusted lender. If they believe buying is a possibility, then complete the application! You may be surprised how easy it is… and it’s free! Without the application the lender and the REALTOR® won’t be much help to you!

Get Lender Approval - this doesn’t mean just a quick online application with an approval amount based on the information your input. You want this approval after the lender has verified your income, assets, taxes, credit profile, debts (including alimony or child support), employment and/or profit and loss statements. This eliminates any surprises and will allow you to narrow in on that payment you desire.

More Homework - start showing online to find the type of home you like. Find out what areas are attractive to you and your family. Check into schools, HOAs, commutes, growth, surrounding, etc.

Hit the Road - start touring some homes in the areas you like with your REALTOR®. Don’t be afraid to walk in an open house and take a look. Check out the community at different hours of the day. Find out how busy the roads are in the mornings and afternoons. See if there are lots of kids outside playing. Find out if the railroad and airports nearby are active!

Make an Offer - Once you’ve found the home discuss the current market and factors affecting that home and submit a formal offer. Agents understand that you want the best deal possible and of course they want to get you one. However, listen to their feedback and work together to determine the not just the offer price, but the terms, too! Remember you hired a professional for their advice. So make sure to consider it when making that offer. Otherwise you may lose a several homes before getting an accepted offer.

Inspections - this is a huge investment so you want to make sure you are getting what you’re paying for. You will want to hire a home inspector at the very least. They are like a general practitioner because they look at the home and its systems as a whole. If there is a problem with a specific “system” they will explain it to you and likely recommend a “specialist” like an electrician. Other inspections can include, but are not limited to; foundation reports, structural engineer reports, roofing, HVAC, mold, lead based paint, terminate or wood destroying insect reports, well tests, septic inspections, static plumbing tests, video drain inspection, green efficiency to name a few.

Monitor Loan - there will be things the lender needs as the home gets closer to the closing date. It could be updated bank statements or a quote from the home owners insurance company that you would like to insure your home and belongings. Your REALTOR® and lender should be in constant contact with you so nothing is missed!

Appraisal - the majority of purchases involving a loan will require some type of appraisal. This is just an independent person’s opinion of the home’s value. It allows the lender to confirm that they are loaning money on a valid asset. If it comes in high… congratulations your REALTOR® did a great job negotiating and you have instant equity! If it comes in low… you will be faced with some options in order to get the loan from the lender. Hopefully you can get the seller to lower the price to the appraised amount. If not, you may want to negotiate a new price and/or terms to make it work. If that fails then you would need to bring more cash to closing to offset the difference in the appraised value and the loan amount. If you don’t have the cash then this could ultimately lead to the termination of the contract. That is why it is very important to take your REALTOR®’s advice when submitting an offer. Just because you really, really, really want the home doesn’t mean you should offer $25,000 over the asking price. If you are not prepared to pay the difference and you have to terminate the contract… you probably just wasted a bunch of money. This can be very confusing… please ask any questions to help you understand this!

Utilities & Services - the appraisal is back and everything is good. The lender is probably running your file through the final underwriting and you are almost in the clear! Now you can start setting up utility transfers, such as; water, sewer, trash, internet, phone, security, etc. Also, make sure your knock out your change of addresses! You can also finalize those movers!

Final Walk Through - again, this is a huge investment. You want to make sure you and/or your agent physically checks the home as close to the closing time and date as possible. Once you sign and the deal is funded, you own it with or without and defects. It could be something as simple as the sellers scratched the wood floors when moving out to the home flooded last night! The home should be handed to you in the same condition as when you made your offer or with any repairs the seller agreed to make before closing.

Closing Time - all of your hard work, your REALTOR®’s hard work, your lender’s diligence has paid off! Now you sign the final documents. Once you and the seller sign, the title company verifies the documents and sends them to the lender. Once the lender reviews and okays the documents, the lender will send the money to the title company to disburse to all the involved parties including the seller. At that moment, your deal has “funded” and you are now the owners! FYI… you don’t actually have to be at the title company! We’ve had clients close internationally when needed!

Get Keys & Move In - the transaction has funded, now you get your keys! Call your friends and the movers and tell them to hurry up! Congratulations!!!

*** When financing your home please check with your lender before opening any credit accounts! It will be tempting to run to Nebraska Furniture and pick out some new furniture, televisions, etc and utilize their 0% financing. However, that simple credit check could kill the loan! Even if it was just a $25 per month payment!!!

Luxury Homes

$64,000,000
10 Beds ⋅ 17 Baths ⋅ 20854653 MLS
A symbol of an era, a setting for the future — Dallas’ most legendary estate is ready for its next chapter. Since 1938, the prestigious Crespi Estate has hosted presidents, dignitaries and icons like Coco Chanel and the Duke and Duchess of Windsor. Designed by Swiss architect Maurice Fatio for Italian count Pio Crespi, this palatial French-style chateau blends intimacy with grandeur across more than 27,000 square feet. With 10 bedrooms, 12.5 baths, a ballroom, an Art Deco bar, two wine cellars, a conservatory, a library imported from France, a media room and a 3,000-square-foot primary suite, luxury is everywhere. Enhancements by noted architect Peter Marino include an elegant 3,300-plus-square-foot guesthouse and a remarkable 4,800-plus-square-foot entertainment pavilion with a 19-seat theatre. The three adjacent lots are included in the listing, making a total of 15.687 acres. The grounds feature a swimming pool and spa, tennis and bocce ball courts, gardens, greenhouses, a creek and a heliport. A rare opportunity to own a Dallas masterpiece.

5619 Walnut Hill Ln, Dallas
$24,999,900
7 Beds ⋅ 11 Baths ⋅ 21190599 MLS
NOW COMPLETE, brand new construction on Dallas’s most iconic street, known as Billionaire’s Row. Poised on 2.2 expansive acres along Bachman Creek, 10010 Strait Lane blends craftsmanship, elegance, & luxury. Interiors ft soaring ceilings, clean lines, & floor-to-ceiling Kolbe windows. Designed for comfort & entertaining, chefs kitchen boasts 2 La Cornue dual-fuel ranges (10-burners total), Subzero, Wolf, & Miele appliances, & Thomas OBrien chandeliers. Catering kitchen includes elevator access to support events with ease. Sunroom & Formal Living space soar w 24 ceilings, glass walls, & Vida chandelier. Owners wing ft vaulted ceilings, fireplace, indoor outdoor sitting areas, Julie Neill chandelier, spa bath w Bain Ultra tub, dual water closets, beverage bar, towel warmer, Nobu Ribbon tile (Spain), Kalta Fiore marble, Kelly Wearstler & Arteriors lighting. 2 walk-in closets, Hers w island, hidden shoe, handbag, & jewelry closets; His w safe & luggage storage. Other amenities include elevator, wellness retreat for massage & fitness, opt 1,600-bottle glass wine room & or lower-level wine vault, golf sim rm, craft & music rm, 3-tier theater, & study w fireplace. Entry ft 25 ceilings, 23-light John Richard chandelier & oak herringbone floors. 3 utility rms (1 per floor), mudroom w dog shower. Outside ft screened loggia w fp & heaters, outdoor kitchen w pass-through window to main kitchen, negative-edge pool, spa, sun deck, & opt fire pit create a resort retreat. 4,181 sf air conditioned 10-car garage that doubles as an event venue. 8 terraces include cigar balcony, primary terraces, upstairs suites, front colonnade, & back loggia. Landscape lighting, optional tennis or sport court. Surrounded by mature trees & creek, offering privacy in prestigious Preston Hollow neighborhood. Built with concrete walls & steel supports, ensuring bunker-like strength, 10010 Strait Lane offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity in the heart of the private school corridor.

10010 Strait Ln, Dallas
$23,975,000
6 Beds ⋅ 10 Baths ⋅ 21309297 MLS
INTRODUCING 'THE ESTATE AT MEANDERING MEADOWS' a truly exquisite Napa inspired Estate in coveted Quail Hollow-Westlake. ESTIMATED COMPLETION AUGUST 2026. Built by the Esteemed SCH Homes, this Architectural Masterpiece spans over 12,000+ square feet, built with a fully integrated TESLA SOLAR Roof and is thoughtfully designed to blur the lines between indoor & outdoor living, w expansive walls of Glass framing picturesque Views. Approach via beautifully landscaped grounds, featuring drystacked stone retaining walls, Tranquil Water Features & Mature Trees. This Earthy Modern residence evokes the relaxed sophistication of California wine country. A babbling Creek meanders beneath a Suspended Bridge, creating a breathtaking passage to a private Primary Suite Wing. Primary Retreat features the Owners Study w fp, spacious Bedroom w fp, Spa inspired Bath w a glass-enclosed wet room, soaking tub, oversized shower + on-demand fog glass, sep office nook, dedicated utility space & boutique caliber His&Her closets. The Chef's Kitchen is a work of art, showcasing premium Miele and Gaggenau appliance package & dual islands, seamless connected to the grand Living and entertaining spaces. White oak floors, solid core white oak doors, designer lighting + meticulously curated finishes dress every space. Large Bar-Family Room, adjacent to stunning Guest Suite. Upper level has 3 spacious Bedrooms + expansive Game Room. Temperature controlled Wine Room, designer Powder Baths with custom fluted marble & luxury wall coverings. State of the art infrastructure includes TESLA SOLAR Roof, SPAN smart electrical system, Elevator & advanced Smart Systems. Fully appointed Wellness Retreat offers privacy & flexibility w infrared sauna, cold plunge, eat-in Kitchen, Family Room + en-suite Bed. Outdoor living at its finest with private grounds, Claffey custom pool & spa, expansive Living spaces, outdoor Kitchen + Games area. Car enthusiasts dream with 6 car garage +double-lift option for 4+ vehicles

1525 Meandering Way Dr, Westlake
$22,000,000
7 Beds ⋅ 13 Baths ⋅ 21234854 MLS
There are only three private homes ever designed by I.M. Pei. This is the last, largest and most significant — and it has never before been offered for sale. Westover House, Fort Worth, 1969: more than 19,000 square feet of landmark modernist architecture on nearly 4 sloping acres in Westover Hills, with a soaring glass-roofed garden room, art gallery, one primary suite, six additional bedrooms, wellness room, heated pool, putting green and hilltop views. An acquisition of genuine architectural and cultural consequence.

1400 Shady Oaks Ln, Westover Hills
$21,500,000
5 Beds ⋅ 7 Baths ⋅ 21291288 MLS
Breathtaking new construction by Robert Elliott Homes, located in one of Dallas’ most sought-after neighborhoods in Highland Park, Tx. Zoned to top ranked HPISD in Armstrong Elementary. Elevated views to Dychman park. Close proximity to Dallas Country Club, Highland Park Village and walking distance to Katy Trail and Knox corridor for some of the best shopping and dining experiences in town. This move-in-ready, Trophy home has ultra elegant curb appeal and features hand-forged floor to ceiling steel windows and doors system, a true tile roof with copper flashings and copper gutter system. Outdoor living shines with a pool and shear decent water feature, turfed backyard, mature landscaping, and a wraparound covered patio with motorized screens, ideal for entertaining. Thoughtful, high end detailed design blends natural white oak and walnut finishes with clean, modern lines for a timeless yet current look and feel. Additional highlights include a first-floor bedroom suite, formal bar-lounge with ample wine storage combined with a study or library with access to covered patio perfect for indoor outdoor living. Massive walk-in pantry with full depth cabinets, hand carved natural stone fireplace surrounds, floor to ceiling white oak paneling, primary balcony with downtown glimpses, primary closet systems with LED back lighting, top end Baxter elevator, Lutron lighting system and an oversized and gated three car garage. Incredible opportunity to be in a community like no other in a location like no other and possibly the coolest house around.

3701 Gillon Ave, Highland Park
$21,500,000
5 Beds ⋅ 9 Baths ⋅ 21243404 MLS
Escape to a world where the golden age of Palm Beach architecture meets modern-day opulence. This hidden 12.8-acre Mediterranean sanctuary, inspired by the legendary Addison Mizner, is a 12,872 sq ft testament to a life of curated elegance. A winding, tree-lined private drive welcomes you into a lifestyle defined by artisanal heritage and luxury. The home’s aesthetic reflects a symphony of rare materials: limestone columns, hand-carved mahogany doors, and masterful Cassi Plaster ceilings. In the formal living room, Bordeaux wood floors glow under the light of a spectacular chandelier, while an arched window offers a cinematic view of the private one-acre pond. The great room creates the ultimate stage for the host, featuring cypress-beamed ceilings and a magnificent Parisian chandelier. Evening parties are hosted around the wet bar, complete with a wine room and built-in draft. A seamless transition of the expansive limestone veranda continues outside, featuring a stunning hand-painted mural that says “The Good Life” in Latin. Culinary pursuits await in the gourmet kitchen, where London-inspired frescoes and cast-stone surround a suite of SubZero, Viking, & Gaggenau appliances. A butler’s pantry ensures every gala executes with precision. The primary wing is an enclave of indulgence, where hand-painted ceilings and a fireplace lead to his & hers retreats adorned with beautiful marble floors. For the fashion connoisseur, two expansive walk-in closets and a two-story walk-in cedar closet provide a gallery-like space for any collection. Conveniently located in the next room is your home gym. Outside, the estate feels like a private European resort. Spend afternoons by the lap pool and spa, entertain with the wet bar, or wander through lush gardens to the greenhouse. For the automotive collector, a finished 20-car garage complex with lifts and a full living quarters awaits. A full-size guest house also resides on the grounds.

5817 Red Wolf Ln, Plano
$20,000,000
3 Beds ⋅ 3 Baths ⋅ 21273746 MLS
Premier East Texas Legacy 3,000 acre Ranch minutes from Longview. A rare opportunity to acquire a truly multifaceted East Texas ranch offering scale, water, income potential, and long-term upside. Encompassing approximately 3,000 acres, this exceptional property combines productive cattle operations, timber resources, recreational excellence, and strategic development frontage—positioned for both immediate enjoyment and future growth. At the heart of the ranch sits a 3,800 sq ft homestead, providing a comfortable headquarters overlooking rolling pastures and abundant surface water. Two additional homes located on the property include a Barndo, north east and Original Homestead just north of hwy 31. The land is well-suited for a 500-head cow-calf operation, supported by improved pasture grasses, multiple water tanks, fenced and cross fenced, including dependable water sources throughout. The ranch features two 500 acres of marketable timber, adding diversification and long-term value. The Sabine River meanders throughout the property, creating scenic corridors, fertile bottomland, and outstanding wildlife habitat. Moss Lake, the residence Lake and several additional tanks enhance the landscape and deliver excellent duck hunting, and fishing. While the broader ranch supports abundant native wildlife for year-round recreation. From an investment perspective, the property stands apart with 50 acres offering single-family residential development potential and two 45-acre commercial tracts with valuable Highway 31 frontage, ideal for future commercial or mixed-use opportunities. This is a rare combination of scale, water, income streams, recreation, and development optionality—a legacy ranch suited for ranching families, investors, or institutions seeking a premier East Texas holding.

1 W Harrison Rd, Longview
$19,999,000
6 Beds ⋅ 10 Baths ⋅ 21230918 MLS
**Seller Financing Available - inquire with agents for details** Rising above the forest canopy on nearly 9 secluded acres, Summit of Southlake commands the highest elevation in the Dallas–Fort Worth region - an extraordinary vantage point where architecture and nature exist in harmony. Designed by Heritage Design Studio, built by Elite Design Homes, and refined by MOSS Interior, this residence represents the pinnacle of modern Texas luxury. Beyond the treeline, more than 12,000 square feet of intentional living unfolds in a seamless blend of desert contemporary architecture and timeless detail. The six-bedroom layout, including a private casita, was designed for both entertaining and retreat - featuring a grand great room filled with natural light, a covered terrace with motorized screens and outdoor kitchen, a plunge pool off the primary balcony, a walk-out basement with speakeasy and theater, and a discreet safe room, all finished with a seven-car garage that unites utility and sophistication. The property’s nearly nine acres are eligible for an agricultural exemption, offering long-term tax advantages and enduring value. Just minutes from DFW International Airport, Southlake Town Square, and the area’s premier dining and schools (open enrollment to Southlake Carroll ISD), Summit of Southlake offers a rare combination of privacy and proximity. With panoramic treetop views, unmatched craftsmanship, and a setting unlike any other in North Texas, Summit of Southlake is more than a home - it’s a legacy estate for those who value elevation, artistry, and privacy at the highest level.

545 W Bob Jones Rd, Southlake
$18,500,000
6 Beds ⋅ 7 Baths ⋅ 21233192 MLS
A rare and extraordinary historic estate in the heart of Westlake, this one-of-a-kind 15,000+ square foot residence blends timeless architecture with modern luxury on approximately 16.5 picturesque acres. Originally built in the 1930s by renowned architect Charles Dilbeck for Dallas Morning News publisher Ted Dealey, the home showcases distinctive Tudor and French country influences with reclaimed materials from historic Texas landmarks. Meticulously restored and relocated, the home retains its original character while incorporating thoughtful updates for contemporary living. The main house offers a sprawling floor plan with multiple living areas, a library, private office, and 9 unique fireplaces, each with custom artisan detailing. Architectural highlights include hand-crafted woodwork, rounded walls, turreted elements, stained glass accents, and exposed beams. The chef’s kitchen is equipped with a premium Wolf range, custom cabinetry, and a massive center island. The main house also features a luxurious primary suite, complete with a spa-inspired bath, fireplace, expansive closet space, and serene views. Designed for both entertaining and everyday living, the home includes a finished basement with a home gym, a bonus-craft room, and a temperature-controlled wine cellar with space to entertain, featuring a vaulted brick ceiling. In addition to the main residence, the estate features a versatile lodge house with a striking stone fireplace and wet bar, an ideal setting for hosting gatherings, relaxing with guests, or a dedicated retreat. A separate two-story guesthouse provides additional accommodations with a full kitchen, dining and living spaces, and a bedroom overlooking the peaceful pond. Outdoor amenities are equally exceptional, including a heated pool, three private ponds, rolling hills, mature trees, and abundant wildlife creating a tranquil, resort-like setting. Expansive porches and stone walkways invite you to enjoy the natural beauty of the property.

1 Paigebrooke, Westlake
$17,500,000
7 Beds ⋅ 8 Baths ⋅ 21174773 MLS
OPULENCE IN THE MOUNTAINS! This breathtaking 175-acre estate borders three sides of the vast 1.85 million acres of the San Juan National Forest. A stunning bridge enhances access to the La Plata River, adding to its allure. With 55 acres dedicated to a Conservation Easement, the estate feels even larger, surrounded by spectacular views of five majestic Colorado mountain peaks. INTERIOR HIGHLIGHTS: Indulge in unrivaled comfort with world-class finishes and exquisite craftsmanship throughout this custom-built, four-story mountain modern main house, offering an impressive 18,000 square feet of living space. Opulent furnishings, multiple patios, and balconies enhance the exterior, while a three-floor elevator finished in rich pecan wood adds convenience. MAIN FLOOR FEATURES: The open-concept design includes a massive Great Room with a castle-style fireplace and soaring 22-foot Aspen wood ceilings, framed by panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing stunning mountain views. The formal dining room is perfect for holiday gatherings, seamlessly flowing into a gourmet chef’s kitchen with a butler's pantry offering ample storage. This kitchen features granite countertops, custom cabinetry, and top-of-the-line Viking appliances, including an oven, gas range, and Sub-Zero refrigerated drawers. The two-story master en-suite includes a cozy fireplace, walk-in dual closets, and a luxurious master bath, along with a bonus room on the second floor with magnificent views. Adjacent to the master suite is a private fitness center with a lap-resistant pool and its own bath. Conveniently located off the entrance, the executive office features fireproof filing cabinets, while a cozy library across the hall includes a fireplace and floor-to-ceiling pecan bookshelves, ideal for relaxation or meetings. See separate structure information in Private Remarks.

3456 County Road 124, Durango
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