Step one is the pre-approval. Before any tours, a lender tells you your exact loan amount, rate, monthly payment, and the cash you need at closing with a written pre-approval. In this market, sellers expect to see it before they take an offer seriously.
Step two is the budget: the down payment plus roughly 2% to 5% of the purchase price in closing costs, plus taxes and utilities. Step three is the wish list: must-haves, deal-breakers, and nice-to-haves, matched to the right neighborhoods, not just the prettiest listings.
Then comes the protected offer: contingencies on inspection and financing, clear deadlines, and a strategy for multiple-offer situations. After that, inspect, negotiate, close. I walk every one of these steps with you, and the details never slip.
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Bring whatever question brought you here to a free, no-pressure conversation. You will leave with a clear first step, no matter where you are in the process.
Here to help, Melanie.
Loan programs, rates, and program details change. Verify current terms with a lender before relying on anything here. I serve every buyer and seller equally, in line with the Fair Housing Act.