Ruhl Realty
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For Buyers

Your Ultimate Guide to Buying a Home

The whole process, start to finish, written for real people, not for other agents.

What You Get Working With Me

I'm an Oklahoma native with expert knowledge of the Oklahoma City real estate market. With a background in business and finance, hands-on experience, and sharp negotiation skills, I guide clients confidently through every step, and I'm dedicated to helping families make smart, informed decisions that build lasting value.

Exclusive representation for your interests

Unlike a listing agent who represents the seller, I work exclusively for you. You'll get honest, unbiased advice, expert negotiation, and full support from start to finish.

Access to off-market listings

Through my network of over 200 local agents and exclusive connections, I can often show you homes before they hit the market. These “pocket listings” can make all the difference in a competitive market.

Skilled negotiation on your behalf

I negotiate every detail that matters, purchase price, closing costs, repair requests, inspection items, and even timing of possession. My job is to advocate for your best interests at every turn.

The Home Buying Process at a Glance

  1. Preparation, 3 to 6 months outAssess your finances and get pre-approved so you understand your real budget.
  2. Search & offer, 25 to 40 days outWe meet, define your criteria, tour homes in your range, and write a competitive offer.
  3. Under contract, 21 to 30 days outInspections, repair negotiations, appraisal, and finalizing your mortgage.
  4. Closing prep, 3 to 5 days outReview your closing disclosure, confirm moving plans, set up utilities.
  5. Closing daySign, bring your cashier's check, and get your keys.
  6. After closing, 1 to 7 daysUpdate your address, verify utilities, consider a home warranty.

Questions to Ask Every Lender

A pre-approval is only valid for 30, 90 days, so start conversations early but wait on the letter until you're ready. Interview a few, and ask each of them:

Once you're under contract, don't: open a new line of credit, finance a car or furniture, co-sign a loan, make late payments or overdraft, change employers, or change lenders. Any one of these can change your qualification and cost you the house.

Wants vs. Needs

Before we start touring, write two lists. Needs are non-negotiable. Wants are what you'd like but could add later. Remember: you can't change the lot, the location, or the price you paid.

Writing an Offer That Stands Out

The Inspection Period

Inspection periods typically run 7 to 30 days. If the report reveals issues, you may ask the seller to cover costs or reduce the price. A home can look perfect and still have leaks, termite damage, foundation issues, poor ventilation, or faulty wiring. I will not sell a home to a client without an inspection, protecting your family is the job.

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Get the Full Buyer's Guide

The complete PDF: lender questionnaire, wants-vs-needs worksheet, showing checklist, under-contract tracker, and my trusted vendor list.