Saw Your Dream Home? 

Here's What To Do Next!

It’s an exciting moment—you’ve been browsing homes online and found a property in Lakewood, Ohio that feels like “the one.” Your immediate instinct is to schedule a showing, and you’re in good company … most people operate this way.

However, in a competitive market, where homes often receive multiple offers and can go pending in about two (2) weeks, putting the showing first can be a costly mistake. If you are truly looking to purchase a home, the first thing you need to know is “how are you going to pay for it?”

Here is your essential, step-by-step guide to secure a showing and give yourself the best chance to buy that beautiful property.

Steps to scheduling a viewing of a new home you want to buy with Ericka Bazzo, Cleveland area real estate agent On Target Realty

STEP 1: Meet with a Local Northeast Realtor

Before you even step foot inside a listing, the most crucial first move is to contact a trusted Northeast Ohio realtor experienced with buying and selling homes in the area.

A Cleveland-area real estate agent will be your indispensable guide. They can help you:

Understand Your Budget: Your realtor will assist you in understanding if what you are looking for truly falls into your budget by reviewing current Ohio market trends and comparable sales.

Navigate the Market: Your local realtor will know which homes are "hot" and how quickly you need to act.

Coordinate the Process: Your realtor will assist you with managing the logistics of scheduling the showing and coordinating with the seller's agent.

STEP 2: Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage Loan

This is the most critical step that buyers often overlook, and it’s where they risk losing the home of their dreams.

You will need to contact a lending institution (a bank, credit union, or mortgage broker) to determine what your buying power truly is and to be pre-approved for a mortgage loan.

Why Pre-Approval is Non-Negotiable in Northeast Ohio:

Too many times buyers put the cart in front of the horse. They find the perfect home only to find out that:

• A) They can’t actually afford it at that time because their debt-to-income ratio or credit score needs attention.

• B) By the time they get a pre-approval letter together to be able to submit a bonafide offer, the house is already sold.

In a very competitive market like Cleveland, OH, sellers and their agents will not seriously consider an offer without a solid pre-approval letter from a lender. This letter proves you are a qualified and serious buyer who can secure financing.

Actionable Tip: Be prepared to provide your lender with documents like W-2s, pay stubs, bank statements, and tax returns for a thorough pre-approval. This process often takes a few days, so start now! Here's our guide to the Mortgage Pre-Approval Process!

STEP 3: Schedule Your Showing!

Once you are officially pre-approved and have a dedicated Northeast Ohio realtor, you are ready to view the home.

Your realtor will submit a showing request with the seller's agent, and because you have your pre-approval letter in hand, you are viewed as a serious, ready-to-act buyer.

Be Ready to Move

With homes for sale in the Cleveland, Ohio area sometimes selling in just a few days to two weeks, be prepared to view the property quickly after it hits the market and be ready to submit an offer soon after your visit if it truly is your dream home!