Your Complete Buying Roadmap
Whether this is your first home or your tenth investment property, the Cigar City Realty team is here every step of the way — from the first conversation to the day you get your keys.
Buyer Consultation
We start with a conversation. We'll discuss your goals, timeline, must-haves, and budget — and introduce you to the entire buying process so there are no surprises ahead.
- Timing analysis to align with your needs
- Discussion about your dream home and essential features
- Overview of the financial process with lending partner recommendations
Get Pre-Approved & Set Up Your Search
Before we start touring homes, we'll connect you with a trusted lender to get pre-approved. Then we set up a personalized MLS search so you see the right homes every day.
- Lender introduction and pre-approval process
- Custom MLS search set up for your criteria
- Daily email updates with new matching listings
Tour Homes & Narrow Down Your Choices
We'll schedule tours for homes that match your criteria. We use a simple tracking system to capture your likes and dislikes so we can zero in on your ideal property quickly.
- Scheduled tours at your convenience
- Pros/cons tracking to narrow down top choices
- Market insight on each home we visit
Make a Competitive Offer
When you've found the one, we run a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) to determine fair value, then craft a strong, strategic offer designed to win in Tampa Bay's competitive market.
- CMA analysis to evaluate the right price
- Discussion of offer terms: EMD, closing date, contingencies
- Strategic offer crafted around your needs and the market
Under Contract — Inspection & Loan Approval
Once your offer is accepted, we move into the critical inspection and loan approval phases. We'll guide you through every requirement so nothing falls through the cracks.
- Earnest money deposit (EMD) with title company — typically 1–2%
- Professional inspections within the 10-day window
- Negotiate repairs or credits based on inspection findings
- Final loan approval and appraisal coordination
- Home insurance and flood coverage review
Title, Final Walkthrough & Close!
The finish line. We review the Closing Disclosure, confirm your wire transfer, complete a final walkthrough, and then hand you your keys. Congratulations — you're a homeowner!
- Title search and municipal lien search
- Review closing disclosure (CD) and ALTA statement
- Final walkthrough of the property
- Sign paperwork and receive keys — you're home!
Key Buyer Terms Explained
EMD (Earnest Money Deposit)
A good-faith deposit — typically 1–2% of the purchase price — made when your offer is accepted to show you're serious.
Pre-Approval
A lender's conditional commitment to loan you a specific amount. Having it makes your offer much stronger in a competitive market.
Inspection Period
Typically 10 days after going under contract. During this time you can inspect the home and negotiate repairs or credits.
CMA
Comparative Market Analysis — a review of recent similar home sales used to determine the right offer price for a property.
Closing Disclosure
A 5-page document detailing your final loan terms and all closing costs. You'll receive this 3 days before closing.
Title Search
A review of public records to confirm legal ownership of the property and identify any liens, encumbrances, or title issues.
Ready to Start Your Home Search?
Let's set up a buyer consultation — no pressure, just a conversation about your goals and how we can help.
Schedule Your Free Consultation