Home Buyer Guide

Buying a home can be exciting, stressful, and often the largest financial purchase you will make. Having the right information—and an experienced REALTOR® to guide you—can make the process feel more manageable. As a NAR Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR®), I help buyers navigate each step with clarity and confidence. Here are the key stages to get started:

  Step 1: Establish a Budget

Think about what you want for a monthly payment. First-time buyers often compare this to their current rent, while existing homeowners may compare to their current mortgage. Consider your savings for a down payment, moving expenses, existing debt, and general credit/financial history. This will help you enter the process with realistic expectations.

  Step 2: Get Pre-Approved With a Lender

As a NAR Home Finance Resource (HFR) certified REALTOR®, I can help you prepare for conversations with a trusted lender. A lender will review your income, savings, debt, and credit to estimate a loan amount you may qualify for. A pre-approval letter gives you a clear picture of your buying power, and many sellers won’t consider offers without one. It also shows that you’re a serious and prepared buyer.

  Step 3: Make a List of Criteria

Create a list of features and home characteristics that matter most for your lifestyle—such as square footage, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, yard size, home layout, or garage space. If school districts are important to you, we can discuss how to access public school information. Having a clear set of priorities helps us focus on the homes that best match your goals.

  Step 4: Select a Real Estate Agent

While online home browsing is a great start, working with a REALTOR® ensures you have professional representation throughout the process. I help you identify potential homes, schedule showings, interpret market data, and navigate the steps from viewing homes to writing offers. My role is to provide clarity, guidance, and a smooth experience from beginning to end.

  Step 5: Find a Home and Make an Offer

When you find the right home, I will help you prepare a strong offer using current market data. Together, we will review important terms such as price, contingencies, inspection options, appraisal considerations, and the desired closing timeline. I negotiate on your behalf and keep you informed at every step.

  Step 6: From Contract to Closing

Once your offer is accepted, several key milestones follow, including inspections, appraisal, and final loan approval. I coordinate the process, communicate updates, and help keep everything on track so you know what to expect throughout the transaction.

Thinking About Buying - Let's Get Started!

If you’re thinking about buying a home in North Alabama, I’m happy to answer questions, share insight, and help you begin the process with confidence. Contact me about buying a home. Together, we can build a clear plan for your next move.