Your Home Buying Journey
From your first hello to keys in hand, here is exactly how we get you home. Tap any step to see what happens.
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STEP 1
Meet your Sullivan Group agent
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It all starts with a real person in your corner. You will sit down with one of our trusted agents, talk through your goals, and build a plan that fits your life and your budget.
💡 No pressure and no jargon. Just straight talk about what you want and how we get there.
Meet the Team →
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STEP 2
Get pre-approved for your mortgage
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Before you fall for a house, you need to know your number. A lender reviews your finances and tells you what you can borrow. That makes your offer far stronger when the right home shows up.
💡 A pre-approval letter tells sellers you are the real deal. It can be the reason your offer wins.
Preferred Local Lenders →
Mortgage Calculator
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STEP 3
Build your wishlist
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What are your must-haves? Three bedrooms? A big yard for the dog? A short drive to work? We help you sort the deal-breakers from the nice-to-haves, so we only spend time on homes that fit.
💡 Knowing your must-haves up front saves you weekends of touring the wrong houses.
Free Home Buyers Guide →
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STEP 4
Start your home search
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Now the fun part. Browse fresh listings, save your favorites, and tour the ones that catch your eye. We set up alerts so you see the good ones first, before they get away.
💡 New homes hit the market every day. Being first to see them is a real edge.
Search Homes Now →
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STEP 5
Make and negotiate your offer
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Found the one? We write a smart, competitive offer and go to bat for you at the table. Price, terms, closing date, we fight for the best deal on your behalf.
💡 This is where a sharp agent earns their keep. Strong negotiation can save you real money.
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STEP 6
Get a home inspection
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A reputable inspector gives the house a top-to-bottom checkup. You learn what is solid and what needs attention, so there are no surprises after you move in. Your agent can point you to inspectors we trust.
💡 Knowledge is power. The inspection report gives you leverage for the next step.
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STEP 7
Negotiate repairs
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If the inspection turns up issues, we go back to the seller and ask them to fix things, drop the price, or give you a credit. You should not have to eat the cost of problems you did not create.
💡 Repair credits can put cash back in your pocket at closing. We know how to ask.
Preferred Local Vendors →
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STEP 8
Appraisal
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Your lender orders an appraisal to confirm the home is worth what you are paying. This protects you and the bank from overpaying, and it is a key box to check before your loan is final.
💡 A solid appraisal keeps your loan on track and your closing date on schedule.
STEP 9
Paperwork, amendments and updates
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Our Transaction Coordinator, Melissa Bintz, keeps the whole deal moving. She handles the paperwork and works hand in hand with your lender and title company, so nothing slips through the cracks.
💡 You have a whole team behind the scenes making sure every detail is handled right.
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STEP 10
Final walk-through
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One last look before closing day. We walk the home together to make sure agreed repairs are done and everything is in the shape you expect. This is your chance to confirm you are getting exactly what you signed up for.
💡 Trust but verify. The walk-through is your last checkpoint before the keys are yours.
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STEP 11
Closing day
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Sign the papers, get the keys, and welcome home. This is the moment it all comes together. You just bought a house, and we are right there celebrating with you.
🎉 You bought a house! And this is only the beginning of the relationship.
The Sullivan Group is with you from beginning to end
Ready to start your journey? Let's find your next home together.
Home Buying FAQs
The questions Minnesota buyers ask us most.
?How long does it take to buy a home in Minnesota?›
Most buyers go from offer to closing in about 30 to 45 days. Finding the right home can take a few weeks or a few months, depending on your must-haves and what is on the market. We help you move fast when the right one shows up.
?Do I need to get pre-approved before I start looking?›
No, you can start browsing anytime. But getting pre-approved early makes everything easier. It tells you what you can actually afford, so you are not falling for homes outside your budget, and it lets you move fast with a strong offer when the right one shows up. Most buyers who get pre-approved first have a smoother, less stressful search.
?How much do I need for a down payment?›
You may have heard you need 20 percent down, but many buyers put down far less. Some loan programs allow as little as 3 percent, and a few offer zero down for those who qualify. We can connect you with a local lender who will lay out your real options.
?What happens if the inspection finds problems?›
You have choices. We can ask the seller to fix the issues, drop the price, or give you a credit at closing. If the problems are too big, you can walk away. The inspection gives you the facts and the leverage to decide what is right for you.
?What is earnest money?›
Earnest money is a deposit you put down with your offer to show the seller you mean business. It is usually 1 to 2 percent of the price, and it goes toward your down payment at closing. If the deal falls through for a reason covered in your contract, you typically get it back.
?How does my agent get paid?›
Agent pay works differently than it used to, and the rules changed recently. Before you sign anything, we walk you through exactly how it works and what to expect, in plain language and with no surprises. You will always know where you stand.