
BUYING YOUR HOME
Giving yours dreams an address

Pre-qualification
Pre-Qualification
Unless you will be paying cash for your home, the first step in your home-buying journey is understanding what you can comfortably afford. This typically begins with a conversation and application through a mortgage broker, who will assess your financial picture and issue a pre-qualification letter. This letter is essential—it not only helps you focus your search within the right price range but is also required when submitting an offer.
We strongly recommend working with a local Idaho lender.
Looking for a recommendation? We have trusted lending partners we’d be happy to connect you with.
Define your needs & wants
Before you begin touring properties, it’s important to clarify your priorities by creating two simple lists:
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Needs: These are your must-haves—the features essential to your lifestyle. Think of things like the number of bedrooms to accommodate your family, single-level living for accessibility, a fenced yard for pets, or proximity to schools, trail systems, or daily conveniences. In Idaho, you might also consider acreage, space for RV parking, or a heated garage for winter months.
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Wants: These are the nice-to-haves—features that would enhance your living experience but aren’t dealbreakers. A bonus room, home office, larger shop or outbuilding, mountain views, or a wraparound porch might fall into this category.
Being clear about your needs versus wants helps narrow your search and ensures you’re making informed, confident decisions. Especially in competitive markets like Boise, McCall, or Eagle, it’s rare to find a home that checks every box—so identifying your true priorities early on is key to success.
Pro tip: If you’re purchasing a second home or investment property, your “needs” might also include rental income potential, low-maintenance finishes, or proximity to ski resorts, lakes, or downtown amenities. Let’s talk through what matters most to you and tailor your search accordingly.

Needs & Wants

Our Scale is Your Strength
Our scale is your strength.
At Heart in Home Realty, our reputation is built on results. Led by Mickey and Laurie Reynolds—respected industry veterans with decades of experience—our team has helped hundreds of buyers, sellers, and investors achieve their real estate goals across Arizona and Idaho. Mickey, a recipient of the Lifetime Top Producer Award, brings unmatched expertise in both residential and investment properties, development planning, and entitlement work.
Together with our trusted team members Mike Weires and Mark Lohrbach, we offer an exceptional level of market insight, negotiation skill, and client care. Our reach spans resort towns, luxury home markets, and high-growth investment corridors, backed by long-standing local relationships and a deep understanding of regional trends.
Whether you’re purchasing your first home, acquiring a vacation retreat, or expanding your portfolio, our combined experience, strategic approach, and boots-on-the-ground knowledge give you a competitive edge. With Heart in Home Realty, you’re not just hiring an agent—you’re gaining a powerhouse team dedicated to your success.
Let’s find the perfect place, together.
The Process

1
Clarify Your Goals
Before we hit the road (or the MLS), we’ll sit down and outline what matters most to you.
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What’s your reason for buying—a lifestyle change, relocation, investment, or second home?
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What price range feels right?
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What features are non-negotiable? (Think: acreage, shop, views, RV parking.)
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What kind of neighborhood fits your lifestyle—quiet country, close to downtown, or near trails?
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What’s your ideal timeline?
From there, we’ll:
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Review financing options and connect you with trusted local lenders
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Get you pre-approved with a strong loan letter
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Sign an exclusive buyer-broker agreement so we can represent your interests fully
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Dive into market trends and local insight to help you make informed decisions
2
Find the Right Home
Now the fun begins—searching Idaho neighborhoods, properties, and hidden gems.
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Get personalized alerts for listings, including off-market opportunities
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Tour homes in person or virtually (especially helpful for out-of-state buyers!)
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Discuss offer strategies for Idaho’s competitive markets
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Craft compelling offers and negotiate for the best price and terms
3
Escrow & Inspections
Once your offer is accepted, we guide you through every detail.
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Coordinate escrow and title with trusted local teams
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Help you wire your deposit and initiate your loan process
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Schedule inspections (home, septic, well, etc.)
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Review disclosures, negotiate repairs, and monitor timelines
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Assist with appraisal, insurance, and title details
4
Closing & Move In
We make sure your closing is smooth—and exciting.
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Review your closing statement and loan documents
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Wire your down payment and closing funds
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Final walk-through to confirm everything’s in order
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Transfer utilities and get your move-in checklist
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Celebrate key delivery—we’ll be there with you!
5
Beyond the Sale
We’re not going anywhere.
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Thinking about a second home in McCall or investment property in Boise? We’ll help.
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Need a contractor, property manager, or lender down the road? We’ve got connections.
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Love your experience? Your referrals, reviews, and testimonials mean the world to us.