First-time home buyer roadmap

Call us

This is the start. We will talk through what you want, what you can comfortably afford, which towns and school districts fit, and what the next 30–60 days should look like. No homework required before you reach out.

Contact Us

Get pre-approved

A local lender reviews income, credit, and debts and tells you a purchase price range. Pre-approval is not a final loan. It is the letter sellers expect before they take an offer seriously. We can point you to lenders who work this market every week.

Set the wish list — and the deal-breakers

Beds, baths, garage, yard, township vs. city taxes, school district, commute, and whether you need a shop or acreage. We keep two lists: must-haves and nice-to-haves, so you do not fall for a pretty kitchen that fails the basics.

Tour homes

We schedule showings, walk the house with you, and talk about what photos hide — roof, drainage, additions, neighbors, and resale. You can look at listings online first. We will tell you which ones are worth the drive.

Write the offer

Price, closing date, inspection period, what stays with the house, and how much earnest money. We write it in plain language, explain each line, and negotiate with the listing agent so you are not guessing.

Inspect and negotiate repairs

A licensed inspector checks structure, roof, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and more. You get a report. Then we decide: ask for repairs, a credit, or walk away if the house is not worth the risk.

Loan, appraisal, and title

Your lender orders an appraisal. Title work confirms who owns the property and looks for liens. You will send documents to the lender when they ask — tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements. We stay on both of those files so nothing stalls in silence.

Final walk-through and closing

We walk the house again before you sign. Then you sit with the title company, sign the loan and deed papers, bring certified funds if required, and get the keys. That is the finish line.