Your Home Buying Roadmap
Chattanooga · Cleveland · North Georgia
Your next home should fit your life today—and the chapter ahead. Start with the big picture, then open each step for practical guidance.
Nine steps. A clear path forward.
Tap or click any card to explore the details.
1Plan Your MovePriorities, timing & everyday lifeExplore this step
Before browsing, clarify your timeline, preferred locations, comfortable monthly payment, and must-haves. Separate what you need from what you could change later.
2Prepare Your FinancingPreapproval & the full costExplore this step
Work with your lender to understand financing options, preapproval requirements, estimated monthly payments, and cash needed for your purchase.
3Compare HomesCondition, location & long-term valueExplore this step
Consider layout, condition, location, maintenance, and potential improvements alongside the asking price.
4Build Your OfferPrice, terms & your prioritiesExplore this step
Review comparable sales and discuss price, financing, contingencies, timing, and other terms. Your offer should reflect both the market and your priorities.
5Track Your DeadlinesEarnest money & contract milestonesExplore this step
Once an agreement is signed, confirm your earnest-money instructions, inspection deadlines, financing milestones, and closing date.
6Investigate the PropertyInspections & informed decisionsExplore this step
Arrange appropriate inspections and review the findings. Discuss what needs further evaluation and the options available under your contract.
7Complete FinancingAppraisal & lender conditionsExplore this step
Respond promptly to lender requests, review remaining conditions, and discuss appraisal results with your lender and Jennifer.
8Prepare for ClosingInsurance, funds & final walkthroughExplore this step
Coordinate insurance, review closing information, arrange utilities, and complete your final walkthrough. Confirm how and when closing funds must be delivered.
9Close & Get the KeysSigning, funding & possessionExplore this step
Complete the required signing and funding steps. Confirm when possession transfers under your agreement.
Your Buyer Preparation Checklist
Keep these questions handy as you plan your purchase.
Before Your ConsultationA little preparation makes our conversation more useful.View checklist
Identify your preferred move date.
List your must-haves and flexible preferences.
Note the areas you want to explore.
Consider commute, maintenance, accessibility, and everyday needs.
Bring questions about financing or coordinating a current home sale.
Understand the Full CostPlan for ownership, not just the purchase.View checklist
Ask your lender and relevant service providers about:
Down payment and estimated closing costs
Earnest money and when it is due
Inspections and any specialist evaluations
Appraisal and other lender charges
Property taxes, insurance, and applicable association fees
Moving expenses and an initial maintenance reserve
Questions Worth Asking About a HomeLook beyond the listing photos.Explore the questions
What is known about the age and condition of its major systems?
Which documents, disclosures, or inspection findings need closer review?
Are there restrictions or association obligations that affect my intended use?
What improvements would I want immediately—and which could wait?
What should I independently verify before moving forward?
Let's Plan Your Next Move
Jennifer Dixon serves buyers, sellers, and investors across Chattanooga, Cleveland, and North Georgia. Her more than 20 years of hands-on real estate investing experience brings a practical perspective to property condition, potential improvements, and long-term value.
Careful analysis. Personal guidance. Space to ask questions.
Call or text 423-240-3396
jennifer@southeastrealestateinvestors.com
Jennifer Dixon | LPT Realty | TN License 361300 | GA License 414415
This roadmap is a general overview. Your signed agreement, lender requirements, and transaction details determine the applicable steps, costs, deadlines, and possession arrangements.