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Buyer Roadmap

Your path to the keys.

Eight clear stages, no surprises. Here's exactly what happens from your first consultation to closing day.

  1. 1

    Buyer consultation

    Day 1 · 30–45 minutes

    Meet with a Pure Radiance advisor to define your goals, neighborhoods, timeline, and budget.

    What to expect: You'll leave with a written game plan, a lender introduction, and a clear next step.

  2. 2

    Mortgage pre-approval

    Week 1 · 3–7 days

    Partner with a trusted lender to establish your budget and strengthen every offer you write.

    What to expect: Expect to share pay stubs, W-2s, bank statements, and authorize a credit pull. You'll receive a Loan Estimate and pre-approval letter.

  3. 3

    Home search

    Weeks 1–8 · varies

    Tour curated listings matched to your lifestyle, budget, and long-term value — not just search filters.

    What to expect: Most buyers tour 8–15 homes before writing an offer. We flag red flags early so tours stay productive.

  4. 4

    Making an offer

    1–3 days once you find it

    We craft pricing, contingencies, and terms designed to win — while protecting your leverage.

    What to expect: You'll wire earnest money (1–2% of price) within 24–48 hours of acceptance. Expect counter-offers on competitive homes.

  5. 5

    Attorney review & inspection

    Days 1–10 after acceptance

    Illinois attorney review, professional inspection, and negotiation of credits or repairs.

    What to expect: Inspection runs $400–$700. Your attorney negotiates any issues in writing. Both sides can still walk during this window.

  6. 6

    Appraisal & underwriting

    Weeks 2–5

    Your lender orders the appraisal and completes underwriting. We coordinate every document.

    What to expect: You'll respond to lender conditions quickly. If the appraisal comes in low, we renegotiate price or terms.

  7. 7

    Final walkthrough

    24–48 hours before closing

    Confirm the home is in agreed-upon condition and all negotiated items are complete.

    What to expect: Bring your inspection report. Test appliances, HVAC, and confirm agreed repairs. Raise any issues before signing.

  8. 8

    Closing & keys

    Closing day

    Sign at the title company, receive keys, and take ownership of your new home.

    What to expect: Bring a government ID and a wire confirmation for cash-to-close. Signing takes 45–90 minutes. Keys are handed over at the table.

Total timeline

From "let's start" to keys in hand.

Most Chicago-area buyers spend 60–120 days from consultation to closing: about 4–8 weeks searching, 30–45 days under contract. Cash offers can close in 2–3 weeks; new construction can stretch 6–12 months.

Ready when you are

Schedule your buyer consultation.

A 30-minute conversation to scope your goals and outline your first steps.

Schedule your buyer consultation