Valynn TrentREALTOR® · Kippy Ellis GroupFive Star Real EstateLet’s talk
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BUYING IN GRAND RAPIDS & WEST MICHIGAN

Buying a home
in Grand Rapids.

You don’t need to be an expert to begin.
Having one on your side? That’s a smart move.

Plan your buyer consultationExplore my Flexmls portal
Kippy Ellis Group and Five Star Real Estate Leaders

Valynn Trent · REALTOR®
Big moves. Real talk.

FROM OUR FIRST CONVERSATION TO YOUR NEXT CHAPTER

Your homebuying roadmap.

A little clarity goes a long way. Here’s how we’ll move from “I’m thinking about it” to a place you can call home.

  1. 01

    BUYER CONSULTATION

    Let’s start with you.

    We’ll talk about your goals, timing, budget, and what home needs to feel like for you. I’ll explain how we work together, buyer representation, and negotiable broker compensation—so you know what to expect before we tour.

  2. 02

    LENDER PREAPPROVAL

    Get your financing foundation.

    A lender reviews your finances and helps you understand your buying range, loan options, and estimated costs. I can provide a list of preferred lender options suited to your situation, including tipped or service-industry income. The choice of lender is always yours.

  3. 03

    HOME SEARCH & TOURS

    Find a place that fits.

    We’ll build your search around your priorities and tour homes with a practical eye. I’ll help you weigh the property, price, and tradeoffs—so you can make a move that feels right for your life.

  4. 04

    OFFER & ACCEPTANCE

    Make your move.

    When you find the one, we’ll put together an offer and talk through price, contingencies, and timing. Once everyone signs, I’ll help coordinate the contract with your lender and title team, your earnest-money deposit, and the next deadlines.

  5. 05

    INSPECTION PERIOD

    Look beyond the first impression.

    Schedule the inspections allowed by your purchase agreement and review the findings with qualified inspectors. We’ll discuss concerns and any repair requests, negotiations, or other options available under your contract—before the applicable deadlines.

  6. 06

    APPRAISAL & LOAN PROCESSING

    Bring the details together.

    Your lender coordinates an appraisal when required and gathers the documents needed for your loan. The appraisal considers value; it doesn’t replace your inspection. Meanwhile, title work and other closing preparations move forward.

  7. 07

    UNDERWRITING & CLEAR TO CLOSE

    Get ready for the finish.

    Your lender completes its review and may ask for updated documents or final conditions. Once cleared to close, review your Closing Disclosure and confirm your costs, insurance, and closing arrangements with the lender and title team.

  8. 08

    FINAL WALKTHROUGH & CLOSING

    A new chapter starts here.

    We’ll arrange a final walkthrough, then you’ll sign your closing documents and complete the required funds transfer. We’ll confirm when you receive possession and your keys under the agreement—then it’s time to celebrate your next chapter.

Your path is personal.

This roadmap outlines a typical financed purchase. Some steps overlap, and the exact order depends on your contract and lender. Preapproval isn’t final loan approval; inspections, financing, and possession follow the terms of your agreement.

More about the closing process · Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

LESS JARGON. MORE UNDERSTANDING.

Real estate,
in plain English.

A few unfamiliar words shouldn’t stand between you and a confident decision. Here’s what you’ll hear along the way—and what it means.

Buyer representation agreement
Our written agreement explaining services, responsibilities, duration, and negotiable broker compensation. We’ll review it together before you commit.
Preapproval
A lender’s conditional assessment of what you may borrow. Final approval still depends on its review and the property.
Purchase agreement
The contract setting out your purchase price, deadlines, conditions, and other terms once accepted and signed.
Earnest money
A deposit showing your commitment, usually credited at closing. Whether it’s refundable depends on your contract and the circumstances.
Contingency
A contract condition, such as financing or inspections. Your agreement explains the deadlines and options if that condition isn’t met.
Inspection period
Your contract’s window to investigate the home’s condition and exercise any inspection-related rights before the deadline.
Appraisal
An independent opinion of the home’s value, often required by the lender. It’s separate from a home inspection.
Underwriting
The lender’s review of your finances and the property to decide whether the loan meets its requirements.
Escrow
Money held for a specific purpose. A mortgage escrow account collects funds for property taxes and insurance.
Title search
A review of ownership records to identify issues such as liens or claims that may affect the purchase.
Title insurance
Coverage for certain covered ownership issues. A lender’s policy protects the lender; an owner’s policy protects you.
Closing costs
Expenses involved in completing the purchase and loan, separate from your down payment. Your lender provides the details.
Cash to close
The amount you need at closing after deposits, credits, and other adjustments—not just your down payment.
Loan Estimate
A lender’s form outlining proposed loan terms, estimated payments, and costs. Use it to compare loan offers.
Closing Disclosure
The form showing your final mortgage terms and closing costs. Compare it with your Loan Estimate and ask about changes.
Private mortgage insurance (PMI)
Insurance often required on conventional loans with smaller down payments. It protects the lender and adds to your costs.
Clear to close
Your lender’s indication that the loan is ready for closing. Signing, funding, and any remaining requirements still come next.
Possession
When you’re entitled to move in and receive the keys. Your purchase agreement sets the timing; it may differ from closing day.

Hear something that isn’t on this list? Ask me. You deserve an explanation that makes sense.

Explore more mortgage terms · Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

YOUR FIRST STEP STARTS HERE

Come with questions.
Leave with a plan.

Tell me a little about your move and when you’re available. I’ll follow up to confirm a buyer consultation and help you decide what comes next.

Prefer to call?

(616) 375-3934

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