THE NO-BS
HOMEBUYER SURVIVAL GUIDE.
Under contract? Appraisal gap? DTI? What in the alphabet-soup hell does any of that mean? We translated the homebuying process into actual English. With a little attitude, obviously.
Iva Zasandy Powers
Real estate agent · Platinum Realty
Sam Rosenberg
Mission Mortgage of Kansas City
KC Mortgage Pro · NMLS #269599
REAL ESTATE TO ENGLISH.
Contracts. Mortgage math. Home inspections. The stuff nobody explained, all in one place. Search a term, choose a topic, then tap a card for the translation and the part that actually matters.
THE NOT-SO-SCARY ROAD MAP.
A typical homebuying journey. These stages can overlap, change order, or work differently depending on your offer, financing, and contract deadlines.
Talk money first.
Review budget and pre-approval options with Sam.
Find the house.
Tour homes with Iva and get clear on your must-haves.
Write an offer.
Set the price, terms, timelines and conditions.
Under contract.
Offer accepted. Now the deadlines have teeth.
Inspect the place.
Coordinate inspections and evaluate any issues.
Get loan moving.
Documents, underwriting and applicable appraisal.
Resolve loose ends.
Repairs, title, conditions and final loan details.
Clear to close.
The loan gets its final underwriting green light.
Walk through.
Final property check with Iva, as arranged.
Sign. Fund. Keys.
Closing, funding and possession per your contract.
Your purchase agreement and applicable lender requirements govern actual dates and steps. No two transactions are identical.
WHO THE HECK DO I ASK?
Think of this as your cheat code. Iva handles property and contract questions; Sam handles your loan. Some questions need both—and that’s completely normal.
HOUSE STUFF.
For the property, the contract, and the negotiating table:
- Showings and offer strategy
- Inspection reports and repair negotiations
- Seller disclosures and property condition
- Contingencies and contract deadlines
- Walkthrough, possession and keys
MONEY STUFF.
For the financing, the math, and the lender paperwork:
- Pre-approval and loan options
- Rates, payments and mortgage insurance
- Credit, income and bank statements
- Underwriting conditions and disclosures
- Closing costs and cash to close
Question about a low appraisal, seller-paid costs or a closing date change? Those can involve both your agent and your lender. Keep everybody in the loop.
LET’S GET YOU HOME.
You don't need to memorize 100 mortgage and real estate terms. That's what this guide—and your people—are for.
IVA ZASANDY POWERS
Iva is your guide to the house, the offer, the contract, and the fine print you didn't know you needed to ask about.
iva.platinumhomes@gmail.comSAM ROSENBERG
20+ years and 4,200+ closings. Sam helps you understand the numbers, navigate underwriting, and get to the closing table without the banker nonsense.
Sam Rosenberg, NMLS #269599