Buyer's Guide

Get Pre-Approved

Before you start touring homes, talk to a lender and get a mortgage pre-approval letter. This establishes your budget and shows sellers you are a serious, qualified buyer. In a competitive market like Louisville — where the median home price is approximately $307,000 — a pre-approval letter can make the difference between winning and losing an offer.

Louisville tip: Look into the First KEY Program for Louisville down payment assistance, or Kentucky Housing Corporation (KHC) loan programs if you are a first-time buyer.

Find a Buyer's Agent

A knowledgeable buyer's agent represents your interests throughout the transaction. Following the recent NAR settlement, buyer agency agreements are now standard practice in Kentucky — meaning your agent's role and compensation are clearly defined upfront. LeRoy works exclusively for your benefit as your buyer's representative.

Define Your Search

Think beyond the house itself. Consider the county, school district, commute, and lifestyle you want. The Louisville metro area spans five counties, each with distinct trade-offs. Jefferson County has the most options and the widest price range. Oldham County offers top-ranked schools. Bullitt County provides the best value per square foot. LeRoy can help you weigh the pros and cons of each area.

Louisville tip: Spring (March through June) is the peak buying season in Louisville — more inventory, but also more competition and higher prices.

Tour Homes and Make an Offer

Once you find a home you love, your agent will help you write a competitive offer. The offer includes your purchase price, earnest money deposit (typically 1% of the purchase price in the Louisville market), and any contingencies such as financing or inspection. In competitive situations, your pre-approval letter should accompany the offer.

Home Inspection

A professional home inspection is one of the most important steps in the buying process. The inspector will examine the home's structure, systems, and condition — typically taking two to three hours and costing $300 to $500. This is especially critical in Kentucky, where sellers are not required to disclose every known defect, making an independent inspection essential to protect your investment.

Appraisal and Loan Finalization

Your lender will order an appraisal to confirm the home's value supports the loan amount. Once the appraisal clears, the lender completes underwriting and issues a "clear to close." This step typically takes two to three weeks after your offer is accepted.

Closing

On closing day, you sign the final documents, pay your closing costs (typically 2% to 5% of the purchase price for buyers in Kentucky), and receive the keys to your new home. LeRoy will be there to make sure everything goes smoothly from contract to closing table.