The buyer's guide
What the process actually looks like from first conversation to keys, written for the Southeast Valley.
Phases from first call to keys
Down payments can start here
Typical closing costs
Amy’s Google rating
The buying journey at a glance
A step by step look at the path to your new home.
Meet with your Realtor
Buyer consultation. Discuss the buying process, your goals, understand the market and establish a working relationship.
Get clear on your numbers
Meet with a lender to understand what you qualify for. From there, set a budget. This is critical to a successful experience.
Find your home
Complete a buyer questionnaire, set a personalized home search, view homes, offers and negotiations.
Under contract
Open escrow, perform due diligence, conduct home inspections and finalize terms with your lender.
Closing and beyond
Final walk-through, review your closing statements, arrange for utilities and moving plans.
Understanding buyer costs
What you pay for, and roughly when. No surprises later.
Down payment
The portion of the purchase price you pay upfront toward your home. Depending on your loan type, down payments can be as low as 3.5%. Your down payment plays a role in shaping your loan terms and monthly payment.
Home inspections
Buyers are responsible for the cost of inspections. A general home inspection provides an overview of the property’s condition, including major systems, structure and safety components.
Appraisal
An appraisal is required by your lender and paid for by the buyer. This independent evaluation confirms the home’s market value and ensures the purchase price aligns with current market conditions.
Closing costs
Closing costs typically range from 2 to 4% of the purchase price and may include lender fees, title and escrow services, and pre-paid items such as taxes and homeowners insurance.
Moving expenses
Moving costs vary based on distance, timing and services selected. Planning ahead for these expenses helps ensure a smooth transition into your new home.
Escrow and due diligence
What is escrow?
Escrow is a neutral process that helps ensure the transaction is completed correctly and fairly. A third party escrow company securely holds funds and important documents while all terms of the contract are fulfilled, confirming that timelines are met, documents are properly executed, and ownership transfers only when everything is complete.
What is due diligence?
Due diligence is your opportunity to fully understand the property before moving forward. You receive inspection findings, seller disclosures, any HOA documents, a homeowners insurance claims history report and a buyer advisory guide. It is designed to provide clarity, not pressure.
Our commitment to you
Integrity, always
We do the right thing, even when no one is watching. Your trust means everything, and we always lead with transparency, honesty, and your best interests at heart.
Clear, timely communication
You will always know what is happening, what is coming next, and what your options are. No guesswork, no fluff.
Personalized service
Every client, every situation and every home is different. We take the time to understand your goals and tailor our approach to your needs, timeline and comfort level.
Proactive problem solving
Things do not always go as planned, but when they do not, we are already working on a solution. We stay calm, focused and solution-oriented, so you can too.
Expertise that works for you
From writing winning offers to negotiating repairs, and knowing when to push and when to pause, we bring deep market knowledge and strategic thinking.
A relationship that lasts
Our commitment does not end at closing. We are always just a call or text away for questions, resources or referrals, even years down the road.
What clients say
“Amy is knowledgeable about market trends and knows the valley well. She went above and beyond to help us sell our home in Queen Creek for top dollar. She provided honest, reliable feedback and her communication was constant.”
“Amy Miller is the very best real estate agent in this area. Her expertise, professionalism, and knowledge of the industry is above and beyond.”
“As a first time home buyer Amy made this process so easy. She was always available to answer any questions I had, and she was there every step of the way through closing. It always felt like I was talking to a friend, not just a realtor.”
Take the whole guide with you
The full guide, including our story, the team and your notes pages.