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Finding Your Dream Home
Buying a home is more than square footage and price—it’s finding the perfect backdrop for your next chapter of memories and milestones. I take the time to understand not only what you need in a house, but also in lifestyle, neighborhood, access, and style. From your first home tour to that final signature, I’ll guide you through each step with care, ensuring the process feels clear, rewarding, and confident...
1
EXPLORE AND RESEARCH
What do you see for yourself - a town center condo, brick-clad rowhome, or a home with a yard and view? Which features are on your must haves, and which would you rather avoid? Still unsure? That's completely natural at this stage. This is the time to explore, get a feel for different neighborhoods, and see what’s available on the market. As you do, paying attention to changes in listing prices can be a great way to spot patterns—clues that will give you valuable perspective when it comes time to write a winning offer.
2
YOUR BUDGET
Often, mortgage companies will approve you for more than you’re truly comfortable spending, which is why it’s important to decide on a monthly payment that feels manageable for your lifestyle. Take a close look at your household budget and understand how expenses may change once you move into your new home. If you’re coming from an apartment or shared living situation, it’s easy to overlook costs like trash, water, or HOA fees—small details can add up and stretch your budget.
3
GETTING PRE-APPROVED
Feeling confident about a monthly payment doesn’t always match what a lender will approve. While some buyers are approved for more than they’re comfortable with, others may qualify for less - and sometimes financing is a challenge all together. Job history, credit, past financial factors etc. can each play a big role.
This is why connecting with a mortgage professional early is key in knowing your true affordability ceiling. Being pre-approved (not just qualified) not only gives you clarity but also strengthens your position when making an offer. Since many sellers prefer buyers who are already financially prepared, I'll have you secure your pre-approval letter, then we'll start the journey in finding your perfect home.
4
SIGN AN AGENT
Buying a home on your own is possible, but having a trusted guide by your side makes the journey smoother and far more enjoyable. I’ll help you find the right properties, navigate the details, and negotiate with confidence, all while keeping your best interests front and center. Working with Hunt Country Sotheby’s adds another layer of support, giving you access to exclusive listings, a global network, and personalized, concierge-level service—so you can focus on finding a home that truly feels like yours.
5
TOURING & OFFERING
This is often the most enjoyable part of the journey—finding and exploring homes that fit your needs and budget. I’ll arrange showings and guide you as you take note of what you love and what doesn’t work, paying attention to every detail from light switches and faucets to doors and closets. Let's not forget the neighborhood—observe traffic, parking, and proximity to schools, grocery stores, and other essentials.
Once you’ve found the right home, we’ll work together to craft a fair offer based on comparable market values. I’ll help you navigate negotiations and counteroffers so we can reach an agreement. Once we do, the home will go into escrow and the next phase of your journey begins.
6
CONTINGENCIES
Most offers are contingent on a home inspection and other contingencies, giving you the chance to uncover any safety or structural issues, as well as review HOA docs etc before moving forward. I’ll help you set up the inspection quickly, usually within a few days of submitting your offer. If the home passes with no major concerns, we can move ahead to the next step. If significant issues come up, you can either renegotiate the terms to address them or decide to walk away without penalty.
7
FINE-TUNING WITH THE LENDER
You'll touch base with your lender and lock in the mortgage that fits your needs. Explore a range of options—fixed or adjustable rates, 15- or 30-year terms, and special programs like VA or FHA loans—your lender will guide you to the choice that feels right, and keeps your monthly payments comfortable.
Your lender will also have your new home appraised. With an independent value in hand, this step ensures a fair price for the home has been reached.
8
CLOSING
A few day's before closing we'll have a final tour of your home. This ensures the home is in the condition you expect it to be in before signing all the paperwork.
At closing, while not everyone's favorite activity, signing all the paperwork means the home is yours! Your lender and the title company will put you at ease in handling most of the agenda - guiding you through the process so you’ll have peace-of-mind when officially becoming the legal owner of your new home.
9
The Finish Line!
Congratulations—you’re officially the owner of your new home! It may take a few days for your loan to be funded once the documents are returned to the lender, but as soon as that check reaches the seller, you’ll be ready to step inside and start making memories in the home of your dreams.
...and just because the sale is complete doesn’t mean I disappear—I’ll stay in touch as a trusted resource and neighbor, ready to help with anything you need long after closing.
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