Real Estate Buyer's guide from Kevin Baumeister with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices

We represent you, it's our fiduciary duty to look after your interest

We represent you, it's my fiduciary duty to look after your interest

I am Kevin Baumeister with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices - Ambassador Real Estate.  I have been a licensed Realtor for over twenty five years now.  My number one goal for you is to provide the upmost level of service to you.  

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make — and I’m here to guide you every step of the way. Whether you're a first-time buyer or making a move-up purchase, this guide will walk you through the process with confidence.

I always prefer to meet prior to us looking at homes.  The reason, I am here to help you obtain the primary objective for you to get into a home.  Thus, I know what your goals are.  We can meet here at my office or meet for coffee, what ever setting makes you the most comfortable.  

Here to help!!

Engage in your own Financial
Preparation

Prior to going out and looking at homes that fit your criteria.  We do need to get pre-approved prior to looking.  This is crucial as it is important to know what your buying power is.  We certainly don't need to max out the approval amount to purchase a home.  However, it is important that we are pre-approved prior to looking at homes.  The last thing is I don't want to have anyone set up for failure.

 
If we are going Conventional Financing putting the minimum 3% down or 20% down, you will know then how much your potential cash outlay will be as well.


Or if you are doing FHA Financing putting 3.5% down, the same still applies as you will know then how much cash outlay will be needed.


First Time Homebuyer Program with Down Payment Assistance is another program that I work with!  These are a great program as the cash outlay is minimal then.


Prior to looking at homes this is all outlined to you so you are well aware of what to expect.


If you want to set up a Home Buyer Meeting, just click on the "Set Appointment" and it will email me and I will reach out to you and get you on the calendar.  Always here to help.

View and evaluate Potential Homes

Equipped with your homebuying criteria, you and your Realtor Kevin Baumeister with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices can begin the search for homes. Homes For Sale in the Omaha Metro or Lincoln Metro area.

However, as you evaluate listings and view homes, consider community and neighborhood amenities such as the following:

  • Access to health care
  • Proximity to recreational opportunities
  • Proximity to cultural amenities
  • Access to grocery stores, services, and shopping
  • Proximity to highways and airports

Steps in home buying

1. Broker Agency

One of the first steps on our journey is that the clinet will sign a broker agency agreement prior to looking at any homes.  Wy it matters to you:


1. Exclusive Representation - This agreement formalizes our working relationship and ensures that I’m legally obligated to represent your best interests—not the seller’s. Whether it’s price negotiations, inspection terms, or contract contingencies, you’ll have a dedicated advocate on your side.


2. Transparency & Commitment - Signing the agreement clarifies expectations, communication, and responsibilities for both sides. It helps build mutual trust and sets the foundation for a smooth and professional home-buying experience.


3. No Additional Cost to You - In most transactions, the seller covers the buyer agent’s commission. So you gain full representation and expert negotiation at no out-of-pocket cost.


4. Access to More Opportunities - With a signed agreement, I can show you a broader range of properties—including off-market listings or homes that require confirmed representation to access—giving you an edge in a competitive market.


5. Ready to Act Quickly - In today’s fast-moving real estate environment, buyers who are prepared can act quickly and confidently. Having our agency relationship in place up front ensures you’re ready to write an offer when the right home hits the market.

2. Pre-Approved

WHY GETTING PRE-APPROVED IS A MUST

Before you start touring homes, getting pre-approved by a lender is one of the smartest steps you can take. It shows sellers you're serious, competitive, and financially ready to buy.

Here’s why it matters:

Know Your Budget: Pre-approval gives you a clear price range so you’re shopping with confidence.

Stronger Offers: Sellers favor buyers with pre-approval—it shows you’re ready to move forward.

Faster Process: You’ll be ready to act quickly in a hot market, saving time and reducing stress.

Avoid Surprises: You'll uncover and resolve any credit or income issues before they become a problem.

Getting Pre-Approved assures a smother process for the home buying journey.

3. Home Search Process

Once you’re pre-approved and we’ve discussed your needs, the fun begins—finding the right home!

Here’s how the process works:

Create Your Wishlist: We’ll identify your must-haves, deal-breakers, and ideal locations.

Daily Property Alerts: You’ll receive listings that match your criteria the moment they hit the market.

Private Showings: I’ll schedule tours for homes that interest you—at your pace and convenience.

Market Insights: I’ll provide expert advice on pricing, neighborhood trends, and resale potential to help guide your decisions.

🏡 Your dream home is out there—my job is to help you find it with clarity, confidence, and expert support every step of the way.

4. Offer Process

Found the perfect home? Now it’s time to make it yours!  Here’s what to expect during the offer stage:

Offer Terms: We’ll determine the right price, contingencies (like inspection or financing), closing date, and any seller concessions.

Presentation: I’ll present your offer to the listing agent and advocate for your best interests.

Negotiation: If counteroffers come in, I’ll guide you through negotiations to help you get the best deal possible.

Market will want to be expoditious: If we are in the counter offer stages, we will want to be expeditious in our offer so no one else can step in.  We will want to come to terms efficiently and effectively.

5. Once the Offer has been accepted

Now thew offer has been accepted the process moves to the next phase.  Due diligence and closing preparation.

Here’s what happens next:

Earnest Money Deposit: You’ll submit or I will collect your deposit per the terms of the contract to show good faith and secure the deal.

Home Inspection: We’ll schedule a professional inspection to uncover any potential issues as per the terms of the contract.

Appraisal : Your lender will notified to order an appraisal.  The appraisal is needed for the lending institution.  This is needed to make sure the property hold the value needed.

Loan Finalization: You will be working with your lender to make sure t hat they have to income documents needed in order to finalize the loan and get the "Clear to Close" status that is needed.  

Title & Escrow: Once the contract has been executed, I will get all the executed documents to the Title company.  This is needed so we can get clear title to the property.  The title company will ensure the property is clear of liens and begin preparing closing documents.

Final Walkthrough: We’ll do a last check of the home to ensure it’s in the agreed-upon condition.  In addition, if the seller has made any repairs, we check to ensure they were done.

🗝️ With your contract accepted, I’ll guide you every step of the way to a smooth, successful closing.

Inquire now