Skip Navigation

Home Purchase Basics

 

Congratulations on your decision to buy a new home! There are many important things to consider throughout the process, especially if you're a first-time homebuyer. Here's some information that will keep you on track.


Generally, a home purchase may be your largest financial transaction to date, so it's important to make the right decisions and to keep an eye on the details. With the assistance of your Real Estate Agent and Loan Officer, it should be an efficient, pleasant, and ultimately rewarding experience.
 

Count On Your Real Estate Agent To:

  • Preview available homes to weed out those that are overpriced, or undesirable in some other way.
  • Present the homes that suit your needs as you've defined them.
  • Help you determine the difference between a "good buy" and a property which, because of its nature (neighborhood, market appeal, etc.), might have to be discounted if you decide to sell in the future.
  • Negotiate the best deal for you. With a Pre-Qualification letter from us in hand, your Real Estate Agent will be able to demonstrate that you are a qualified and capable borrower. This will strongly influence the Seller, and may make the difference between the Seller accepting your offer or someone else's -- even if your offer is lower!

Count On Your Mortgage Broker and Loan Officer To:

  • Assist you in selecting the best loan to meet your personal situation and goals. (This single decision can save you thousands of dollars throughout the years!)
  • Keep you informed of your loan status throughout the entire process.
  • Keep your Real Estate Agent informed of our loan progress (Note: your personal information is always kept confidential between you and us; only deal points and progress are shared).
  • Get the appropriate loan for you at the best rates and fees. This will save you significant money "up front" and throughout the years to come.

Count On Yourself To:

  • Keep your Real Estate Agent informed of any questions or concerns as they develop.
  • Keep the process moving by providing documentation and decisions as soon as reasonably possible. By doing so, many of the details are taken care of early in the process so you can comfortably concentrate on any last-minute details or events that require your attention.
  • Enjoy purchasing your home, but do remain objective throughout -- to make the business decisions that are best for you.
  • Make sure you are pre-approved as early as possible. This will put the power of financing behind you so you can concentrate on selecting your home.
 

From Our Customers

"John is fantastic to work with. He knows the mortgage lending and underwriting process! He will help streamline your home loan at Platte Valley Bank and offer wonderful & competitive rates and closing costs! Five Stars!"

Gus S.

  ·  Builder/Realtor Relationship

From Our Customers

"From the first inquiring phone call to the final signing of papers, Steve Hayward at Platte Valley Bank was kind and professional. He kept us informed and responded to all our questions in a timely manner with patience and knowledge. When we came up against a hurdle, his team dug in and found the solution. We appreciate his hard work and would definitely recommend his services."

Chris & Melissa K.

Independence, MO  ·  Home Purchase

From Our Customers

"When clients are needing a lender, my first recommendation is Platte Valley Bank. Rob Bradshaw at the Smithville South location has been a tremendous partner in the mortgage process. Everything is done professionally and timely. He keeps all parties well informed during the whole process."

Phil W.

  ·  Realtor Relationship

From Our Customers

"I am so pleased to have been referred to Rob Bradshaw by my real estate agent. He is able to combine professionalism and genuine friendliness, which makes for a very pleasant banking experience. I was treated as a person and not a number, which is rare in current corporate environments. My entire experience with Rob and staff from opening new accounts to the mortgage process has been positive."

Theresa C.

Smithville, MO  ·  Home Purchase

From Our Customers

"We were very pleased with the professional manner that Steve addressed our questions and concerns. The entire process was a great experience with everything handled in a timely manner with all time lines met. We are truly grateful for the friendly atmosphere and casual approach Steve has to knowing and greeting his customers needs. We feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity and privilege to have worked with Steve Hayward."

William M.

Trimble, MO  ·  Home Refinance

From Our Customers

"I would like to commend Steve and his team of loan professionals on our recent house loan. Applying for a house loan is more complicated now then it used to be. You explained the loan process in detail, guided us each step of the way to ensure we understood your loan process, and provided a timeline. You have a very customer service oriented team, I would recommend PVB to anyone looking to secure a house loan."

Darrell B.

Kansas City, MO  ·  New Home Purchase

From Our Customers

"We own a very unique home and my husband and I are both self-employed, so we were prepared for a very difficult situation. She knew what documents we needed to complete, she went to work and closed on our refinance in a matter of a few weeks. It was a very smooth process, she answered our questions about refinancing. As an added bonus, she is one of the best closers I have ever worked with as a realtor. She's a 10 on a scale of 1-5!"

Anne R.

Kansas City, MO  ·  Refinanced Home in 2015

From Our Customers

“I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. Aaron is very responsive, got us a great rate, and he made it extremely easy on us with use of technology (only had to physically sign documents for him once). Our Realtor even commented multiple times about how great THEIR experience was with him. Overall, very impressed and would absolutely recommend.“

Reid K.

Gladstone, MO  ·  Home Purchase

From Our Customers

"I've had a working relationship with Platte Valley Bank and Keri Rotterman for the last 16 years. She's always professional and keeps the process running smoothly by making communication a priority. Lending guidelines are increasingly complex but Keri's knowledge and experience keep my buyers on task. She goes the extra mile to get us our ultimate goal... A new home. I believe in Keri so much that she has done my personal home loans!"

Paige S.

  ·  Realtor Relationship

From Our Customers

"Steve is very knowledgeable and helpful throughout the entire loan and closing process. He guided me throughout, answered my questions, and made sure everything was in order and timely. The process couldn't have gone any smoother. I really appreciate his work in making this happen."

Sean M.

Holt, MO  ·  Home Purchase Remodel

From Our Customers

"Just wanted to say thank you to Jason Payne for all of his help and patience! I love my new home and I'm looking forward to spending many years here creating wonderful memories!"

Nancy L.

Kansas City, KS  ·  Purchased New Home in 2016

From Our Customers

"Keri was phenomenal. She made the entire process from start to finish super easy and with little stress. I would highly recommend her and Platte Valley Bank to anyone looking for a home loan."

Chris S.

Platte City, MO  ·  Bought a home in June 2016

From Our Customers

"Thank you, thank you to Steve Hayward! You went above and beyond with answering questions and prompt attention on paperwork, making all it all go so smooth. You were on top of it!"

Kristy W.

Liberty, MO  ·  Refinanced Home

   

Customer Service

(816) 858-5400

24 Hour Telebanc

(816) 858-5000

© 2025 Platte Valley Bank of Missouri. All Rights Reserved.        Privacy Policy  ·  Sitemap  ·  Disclosures

   
 
Return to Mobile Site