Buying Your First Home? Let's Make It Simple.

Whether you're buying your first home, upsizing, downsizing, or starting fresh, I'll be your trusted advisor, advocate, and biggest cheerleader. Think of me as your matchmaker in real estate—dedicated to understanding your unique needs and making sure you find a home that fits your lifestyle.

Buying or selling a home is one of the biggest moments in life—and you deserve the right person by your side. With over 20 years of experience, I guide my clients through every step of the process with care, honesty, and expert advice.

Inside the Home Buyer's Guide

Smart Strategies

  • 11 ways to strengthen your offer

  • What you can negotiate (and when)

  • How to handle inspection issues

  • Appraisal gaps and solutions

Financial Planning

  • Complete cost breakdowns (upfront + at closing)

  • Down payment requirements by loan type

  • How to strengthen your buying power

  • Loan programs for first-time buyers

Trusted Resources

  • My recommended lenders (3 options)

  • Licensed home inspectors (2 companies)

  • Real estate attorneys (4 contacts)

  • Complete contact information

The 12-Step Home Buying Process

Buying a home can feel overwhelming—but it doesn't have to be. I've broken the entire process into 12 clear steps, from choosing the right agent to getting your keys.

Download my free guide to get:

✓ Detailed explanations of each step

✓ Pro tips for first-time buyers

✓ Cost breakdowns and budgeting tools

✓ Negotiation strategies that work

✓ My trusted lender, inspector, and attorney contacts

1. Choose the Right Agent 🔍

Buying a home is one of the biggest decisions you'll ever make—so having the right agent matters. You need someone who's experienced, knowledgeable, and always puts your best interests first.

Not all agents are the same. You want one who educates you, advocates for you, and communicates clearly every step of the way.

→ Download the guide to learn what questions to ask when choosing your agent.

2. Sign a Buyer Agency Agreement 📝

This makes our partnership official! It outlines the services I provide, how I am compensated, and confirms that I'm working for you.

This agreement promotes transparency and trust, clarifies roles and expectations, and gives you a dedicated advocate every step of the way.

→ The guide explains exactly what's in this agreement and why it protects you.

3. Prepare Finances / Get Pre-Approved 💰

If you're not paying cash, you'll need a mortgage pre-approval before touring homes.

Getting pre-approved helps you:

- Know exactly what you can afford

- Show sellers you're a serious buyer

- Move quickly when you find the right home

Key steps include: checking your credit, saving for your down payment and closing costs, and avoiding large purchases during the process.

→ Want to know what credit score you need? How much to save? Which lenders I recommend? Download the complete guide for detailed financial preparation steps and my trusted lender contacts.

4. Start House Hunting 🏠

Let the fun begin! Tour homes, attend open houses, and keep your must-haves in mind. Stay flexible, take notes, and be ready to act when the right one comes along.

I'll help you:

- Search MLS listings and schedule tours

- Look for off-market and FSBO opportunities

- Evaluate neighborhoods and school districts

- Spot red flags before making an offer

→ My buyer's guide includes a complete home touring checklist and what to look for during showings.

5. Make an Offer 📊

Found the one? Let's write a smart, strategic offer based on your budget, the home's value, market trends, and condition.

There are 9 key things we can negotiate—from price and closing costs to inspection repairs and possession dates. Plus, I know 11 specific ways to strengthen your offer in a competitive market.

→ Get my complete negotiation checklist and offer-strengthening strategies in the downloadable guide.

6. Negotiate the Offer 🤝

Buying a home often includes a bit of back-and-forth. The seller can accept, reject, or counter your offer with changes. If they counter, you can accept, counter again, or walk away.

Once both parties agree and sign, you're officially under contract! A well-crafted offer backed by smart strategy can help you avoid long negotiations and land the home faster.

→ Learn my proven negotiation tactics and what to do at each stage in the free guide.

7. Earnest Money Deposit 💵

Earnest money is a good faith deposit you include with your offer to show the seller you're serious. It proves your commitment and helps secure the deal.

This deposit is held in escrow until closing, then applied toward your down payment or closing costs. But if you cancel the deal outside of your contingencies, you may forfeit this deposit.

→ Download the guide for exact earnest money amounts, timing, and how to protect your deposit.

8. Home Inspection 🔎

The home inspection gives you a detailed report on the home's condition—think of it as your chance to peek behind the walls before you buy.

Before, during, and after the inspection, you'll need to know:

- What red flags to look for while touring

- What the inspector will check

- How to negotiate repairs or credits

- When to walk away vs. move forward

Pro Tip: Focus on major issues—foundation, roof, plumbing, electrical—not cosmetic ones.

→ Download the guide for my complete inspection strategy, including what to look for and how to negotiate after the report.

9. Appraisal & Underwriting 📋

Once you're under contract, your lender will order an appraisal to determine the home's fair market value. At the same time, they'll begin underwriting—reviewing all your financial documentation.

What happens if the appraisal comes in low? What if underwriting finds an issue? There are strategies for each scenario, and I'll guide you through them.

→ Get the complete breakdown of appraisal outcomes and underwriting requirements in the guide.

10. Homeowners Insurance 🛡️

Before you can close, you'll need to secure a homeowners insurance policy. This protects both you and your lender in case of damage or loss.

You'll need to compare coverage, deductibles, and rates—and provide proof of insurance to your lender before closing day.

→ The guide includes what coverage to look for and when to shop for insurance.

11. Final Walk-Through ✅

Before closing, you'll do one last walk-through to ensure the home is exactly as agreed. You're checking that utilities are on, any negotiated repairs are completed, and everything is in the agreed-upon condition.

This is your final chance to identify any issues before you take ownership.

→ Download the complete final walk-through checklist in the free guide.

12. Close & Get the Keys! 🎉

The big day is here! You'll sign all final documents, submit your funds, and receive the keys to your new home.

What you'll need:

- Final funds (certified check or wire transfer)

- Valid photo ID

- Proof of homeowners insurance

Congratulations—you're officially a homeowner! 🎉

→ The guide includes a complete closing day checklist so you know exactly what to bring and expect.

How Much Do You Really Need?

One of the biggest questions first-time buyers ask: "How much money do I need?" The answer depends on your loan type, purchase price, and location—but here's a general overview.

High-Level Cost Categories:

Before You Make an Offer:

  • Pre-approval & credit check

  • Home inspection budget

  • Appraisal fee

When Your Offer is Accepted:

  • Earnest money deposit

  • Additional inspection costs (radon, etc.)

At Closing:

  • Down payment

  • Closing costs

  • Prepaid taxes & insurance

  • Other fees

💡 Want exact dollar amounts and percentages?
My free guide includes a complete cost breakdown with typical ranges for our area.

Financing Options for First-Time Buyers

FHA Loans

As low as 3.5% down with flexible credit requirements

USDA Loans

0% down for eligible rural areas

VA Loans

0% down for veterans and active military

Conventional Loans

Starting at 3% down for qualified buyers

Illinois Down Payment Assistance

Programs available for eligible buyers

My trusted lenders specialize in first-time buyer programs and can help you find the best fit for your situation.

Want lender contacts and detailed program comparisons?

→ They're all in the free guide, along with tips on getting the best rates.

Your Partner Through Every Step

🏆 20+ Years of Experience

I've been a full-time REALTOR® since 2004, helping families in Grundy, Will, Kendall, and LaSalle County find their perfect home.

🤝 Patient Guidance

First-time buyer? I'll educate you through every step. No question is too small, and we move at your pace.

💪 Skilled Negotiator

My job is to get you the best deal on the right home—I'll guide you through offers, counteroffers, inspections, and closing.

🐾 Giving Back

With every closing, I donate $250 to a local animal shelter. Your home purchase helps pets in need!

Think of me as your matchmaker in real estate—dedicated to understanding your unique needs and making sure you find a home that fits your lifestyle.

Keller Williams Infinity - Top Producer

Let's Find Your Perfect First Home

Buying your first home is exciting—and with the right guidance, it can be simple and stress-free. I'm here to be your trusted advisor, advocate, and biggest cheerleader through every step.

Here's how to start:

Download the Free Guide

Get my complete 12-step roadmap, cost breakdowns, strategies, and trusted contacts.

Let's Talk

Text or call me to discuss your home buying goals and timeline.

Start Your Search

Browse available homes in Morris, Channahon, Minooka, and surrounding areas.

Christy Schmaedeke, REALTOR®

Keller Williams Infinity

Your trusted Grundy County real estate expert. Helping families find their perfect homes for over 20 years.

Quick Links

Search Homes

Sell Your Home

Home Valuation

Communities

About Me

Communities

Morris

Channahon

Minooka

Coal City

Seneca

Contact

9860 Brisbin Road, Morris, IL 60450

© 2026 | Christy Schmaedeke - Keller Williams Infinity | All rights reserved.