top of page
Buyer's Guide Includes:
Buying Process
Buyer's Closing Costs
Property Tax Rates
etc.
SUCCESSFUL
BUYING PROCESS
I know that buying a new home can be stressful.
But it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. In fact, it can be the exciting beginning of a new chapter. Imagine the joy of creating new memories in a home that perfectly suits your needs. We’re here to help you set your budget, find the ideal neighborhood, and hear those two words:
​
“OFFER ACCEPTED.”
Moving to a new home is an exciting journey, and we can’t wait to assist you every step of the way!
SET YOUR BUDGET
I know… the dreaded “budget” talk, but trust me, if you’re crystal clear on what your budget is, this process will be SO MUCH EASIER. You’ll want to meet with a lender to determine the final numbers, but take some time to figure out what monthly payment feels comfortable for you and your family right now. As a general rule of thumb, it's recommended that your mortgage not exceed more than 1/3 of your take-home pay. However, there are exceptions depending on your season of life. A few things to consider:
Are you at the front end of your earning potential? If so, you might want to push your budget a bit. This would apply to young professionals, like attorneys who just graduated law school, where their entry-level pay has a lot of room to grow in the coming years. It might make sense to stretch your budget a bit now, knowing that you’ll be able to grow into the monthly payment as your income increases.
On the other hand, if you're nearing the end of your career or have a fairly fixed income, you might want to be more cautious with your budget. It’s important to make sure your monthly payment is something that feels comfortable for your current financial situation.
AGENT
COMPENSATION
I wanted to take a moment to explain how real estate transactions typically work, especially when it comes to agent commissions.
​
In most real estate deals, there are two agents involved: one representing the seller and one representing the buyer. Each agent works to create conditions that benefit their respective client. Typically, sellers offer a 3% commission to their agent and another 3% to the buyer’s agent.
​
However, due to new NAR regulations, we can no longer rely on MLS to automatically offer co-brokerage compensation to the buyer’s agent. That said, it’s still strongly recommended that sellers offer a co-broke commission, and here’s why:
​
it makes their listings more appealing and encourages smoother transactions for both parties.
While sellers are not required to offer a commission to the buyer’s agent, it’s important to be prepared to pay your agent's commission. This can help ensure that you have a knowledgeable advocate working on your behalf throughout the process.
WISH LIST
Buying a new home is so much fun, and this is the part where I get excited about all the possibilities! I like to remove all distractions and write down ALL the things I want in my new home. The list is fairly epic, but it makes me happy because I’ve filled my mind with all the exciting options. In order of importance, it’s essential to narrow down your list before you start looking at homes. This helps ensure that you’re focused on what matters most to you, making the entire process a lot smoother and more enjoyable!
bottom of page