Home Buying Guide
Published October 8th, 2026
My commitment is to guide my clients to the type of home they desire, in the location they desire, at the best price. As an experienced real estate professional, I get results because my clients' needs come FIRST. Knowledgeable clients make the best clients, and I promise to keep you informed throughout the home buying process.
Let me guide you home!
A Few Things To Know As A Buyer
As a buyer, you will rarely pay Realtor commission when purchasing a home. It is common in our market for all commissions to be paid by the Listing Broker, resulting in FREE representation from a real estate professional as a home buyer. All buyers (with the exception of those using MHDC and VA financing options) will be responsible for a Broker Admin Commission fee of $495.
Custom Home Search
Zillow, Realtor.com and other home sites are great resources for the public to find listings for sale. However, I can provide you with more accurate and detailed information on homes from the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) that is only available to Realtors. In a hot market, it is imperative that you take advantage of a custom search to ensure you are one of the first to know about new homes hitting the market!
From Start to Finish
From pre-qualifying with a trusted lender, to scheduling all showings, inspections, and finalizing the closing, I coordinate each aspect of the home-buying process for you, from start to finish.
Any Listing — Even If It's For Sale By Owner
If a home is for sale, I can help! Whether it's my listing, a competitor's listing, or even a home that is not listed with a Realtor, I am more than happy to schedule all showings for you, provide market data, assist you in making an offer and provide strategic negotiation tips.
The Home Buying Process
Meet with me, establish your criteria, and set up your home search
Get pre-approved
Schedule showings and view homes
Select a home and submit your offer
Negotiations, offer acceptance, and earnest money deposit delivered
Inspections, resolution, appraisal, and insurance
Arrange movers, utility activation, and change of address
Review the settlement statement and final walk through
Closing and possession
3 Pieces Of Money You Need To Know About
Earnest Money
Earnest money is written within three days of an offer being accepted and shows the seller you are serious about the purchase. Earnest money is held in escrow until closing and then applied towards the purchase. Earnest money usually ranges from $1,000 to $5,000 depending on the price of the home.
Inspection Money
If you choose to do a home inspection (and I recommend you do!), it's your right to choose any inspector you deem qualified, even if that's your Uncle Billy Bob. If you don't already have an inspector in mind, I will recommend and even schedule on your behalf a group of highly skilled, experienced, and licensed inspectors that put your best interest first. Inspections typically take place within 10 days of the effective date of the contract and can range from $350-$1,000 depending on the home's features (sewer scope, structural engineer, pool, septic, etc.) and depending on how in depth you want to go.
Appraisal Money
If a mortgage is involved, your lender must order an appraisal to ensure the house is worth the amount it's lending. This typically costs between $450-$500 and is paid directly to your lender, typically after the inspection period once the resolution has been agreed upon.
Choosing A Lender
Are All Lenders The Same? Absolutely not! The lender you choose will be one of the most important decisions you make when purchasing a new home. Do your research and make sure you are getting a top-quality professional on your side to make the process as smooth as possible.
Questions To Ask
Ask for a fees worksheet to compare lender rates and fees to one another.
Will your loan be serviced "in-house," or do they sell your loan to a secondary mortgage company?
Is there a penalty for paying the loan off early?
Are there down-payment requirements or down-payment assistance available you might qualify for?
How many days are needed from contract to close?
When you're ready, I am happy to connect you with several trusted local lenders I have worked with, so you can compare your options and choose the right fit for your situation.
Credit Do's And Don'ts
5 Factors That Decide Your Credit Score
Payment History — do you pay debts on time
Amount of debt — less is best
Credit History — the longer the better
Amount of New Credit — new credit is considered riskier
Types of Credit — installment loans, credit cards, mortgage
Credit scores range between 200 and 800. Scores above 640 are considered desirable for obtaining a mortgage. For more on evaluating and understanding your credit score, go to www.myfico.com.
Credit Do's
Pay your mortgage or rent payments on time.
Stay current on all outstanding accounts.
Continue working for the same employer.
Stay with your current insurance company.
Notify your lender immediately if any situation arises that could possibly affect your income, assets or credit.
Credit Don'ts
Don't switch bank accounts.
Don't transfer balances between accounts.
Don't increase the balance of any credit cards.
Don't consolidate debt, including credit card debt.
Don't close any accounts, including credit card accounts.
Don't apply for ANY credit (vehicle, furniture, appliances, etc.).
Don't change your job, employer, the way you are paid, or become self-employed.
Don't pay off accounts, including collection accounts, before consulting with your lender.
Don't make any large deposits without the ability to document the source of funds.
What Are Closing Costs?
Closing costs are fees associated with the closing of a real estate transaction when the title of the property is transferred from the seller to the buyer. Closing costs typically range from 2-5% of the purchase price and are incurred by both parties. Here are some common closing costs:
A fee for running your credit report
A loan origination fee, which lenders charge for processing the loan paperwork for you
Attorney's fees
Discount points, which are fees you pay in exchange for a lower interest rate
Survey fee, which covers the cost of verifying property lines (if applicable)
Title search fees, which pay for a background check on the title to make sure there aren't things such as unpaid mortgages or liens on the property
Title insurance, which protects the buyer and lender in the event the title isn't clean
Escrow deposit, which pays a few months of property taxes, homeowners' insurance and private mortgage insurance (PMI) (if applicable)
Prorations of homeowner association fees
Recording fee, which is paid to the county in exchange for recording the new land records
Lenders are required by law to give you a Loan Estimate, which will include what the closing costs on your home should be. At least three business days prior to closing, the lender will give you a Closing Disclosure statement, which outlines the exact amount due at closing, including the required down payment. The Closing Disclosure statement MUST BE signed by the buyer three days prior to closing to avoid any delays.
Inspections 101
General Overview Inspections should take place within 10 days of the contract being accepted. If you don't have preferred inspectors, I can not only recommend, but schedule highly skilled, experienced, and licensed inspectors that put your best interest first and can schedule them for the same day to save you time and money. Most inspections cost between $350-$650 depending on how in depth you want to go.
EMP (Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing)
The EMP is a basic home inspection which evaluates many components of the home including, but not limited to, all light switches, electrical outlets and the main breaker, the water meter, water heater, duct system, ceiling fans, fireplace, oven and cooktop, dishwasher, built-in microwave, trash compactor, all sink faucets, toilets, tubs and showers, the furnace, and the air conditioning system when weather permits.
Roof
The inspection covers the main roof covering material only and will give buyers an estimate of how much life remains. Unless it is raining at the time of inspection or there has been a recent heavy rain, it may not be possible to detect a roof leak.
Structural
A structural engineer can identify any visible distress indicating foundation settlement, such as structurally significant cracks in the slab, sheetrock cracks, veneer cracks, and visible structural frame deficiencies, and make recommendations for repair. It's important to note that a general home inspector cannot evaluate and make the same recommendations as a structural engineer.
Radon
Radon is a gas that moves from the soil into a home. Testing your home will identify radon levels and determine if corrective action is suggested.
Termite & Wood Rot
An exterminating company will inspect your home and yard for troublesome rodents, insects, spiders and termites, while also checking your property for any rotted wood or moisture damage.
Additional Inspections
Other popular inspections include the testing of the chimney, sprinkler system, sewer line scope, septic system, pool and spa, as well as evaluating the crawl space (if applicable). Be sure to let me know if you want any of these additional inspections performed, since they are an additional cost and may even require different inspectors to be scheduled. It is also important to note that the inspection only covers the main dwelling, so shops, detached garages, pool houses, and other structures are not included unless specifically requested, and an additional fee will likely be applied.