From starting your search to closing, most buyers take 2–4 months. Once an offer is accepted, closing typically takes 21–30 days. Timelines vary based on market conditions, financing, and how quickly you find the right property.

Yes, we strongly recommend getting pre-approved before you start looking at homes. Here's why it matters:

Know your budget – Pre-approval gives you a clear picture of how much you can afford, so you only tour homes within your price range.
Strengthen your offer – Sellers take pre-approved buyers more seriously. In a competitive market, a pre-approval letter can make the difference between your offer being accepted or overlooked.
Speed up the process – With pre-approval in hand, you can move quickly when you find the right home, without delays.
Avoid surprises – The pre-approval process can uncover any credit or financial issues early, giving you time to address them before you fall in love with a property.

Reaching out to a lender first is a smart, stress-free way to start your home search on the right foot.

Earnest money is a good-faith deposit made when your offer is accepted — typically 1–3% of the purchase price. It shows the seller you're serious and is held in escrow. If the deal closes, it's applied toward your down payment or closing costs. If the deal falls through due to a contingency (inspection, financing, etc.), you typically get it back.

The seller can accept, reject, or counter your offer. If accepted, you'll enter a contract period during which you'll arrange a home inspection, appraisal, and finalize your mortgage. If issues arise during inspection, you may negotiate repairs or credits before proceeding to closing.

A home inspection is a professional evaluation of the property's condition — covering the structure, roof, electrical, plumbing, and more. It's not legally required, but it is highly recommended. It protects you from unexpected costs and gives you leverage to negotiate repairs or price adjustments.

Down payment requirements vary by loan type:

Conventional loan — typically 5–20% of the purchase price.
FHA loan — as low as 3.5% with qualifying credit.
VA / USDA loans — 0% down for eligible buyers.

Putting down less than 20% usually requires private mortgage insurance (PMI), which adds to your monthly payment.

Yes, buyers are responsible for paying their agent's broker fee(s) as outlined in their buyer-broker representation agreement, unless otherwise negotiated in the sales contract. We'll walk you through this clearly before we begin working together.

Beyond your down payment, closing costs, and broker fees plan for:

-Home inspection fee ($500–$800 on average)
-Appraisal fee ($400–$700)
-Moving expenses
-Immediate repairs or updates after move-in
-Ongoing costs: property taxes, HOA fees (if applicable), and homeowner's insurance