FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYER

Buying a home is such an exciting time!  Especially, when you are a first-time homebuyer.  Everything about the process is brand new.  Previewing open houses, touring homes with a Local Dallas REALTOR®, searching real estate websites like Zillow late at night, learning real estate terms, writing contracts, and exploring new Dallas neighborhoods...it's a long journey.  At times it can feel a little overwhelming tho.  That is why you need a Dallas Real Estate Agent by your side that you can trust!  Someone who can guide you every step of the way.  Dallas has over 30,000 Licensed Dallas REALTORS® in the DFW Metroplex at any given time.  80% of them don't last their first year in the business.  Most only practice real estate part-time.  So it would come to no surprise that picking the right one can be almost as hard as finding the perfect dream home. 

I became a Dallas REALTOR® in 2014, and I can still think back to the first closing that I ever had.  It feels like just yesterday.  The look on my first-time homebuyers face when I handed him the keys to his new home left an everlasting impression on me.  I get teary eyed just thinking about it. 

Buying a home is a huge deal.  It is one of the biggest decisions that we make in our lifetime.  So you would think that everyone of us would treat you, the homebuyer, as our top priority.  That is not the case tho.  I have heard many horror stories about Real Estate Agents that were not fully invested in their client.  It showed in every way possible.  As your Top Dallas REALTOR® I am 100% there for you.  You are my top priority.  I work non-stop from sunup to sundown, I drive the streets early in the morning just to learn the neighborhoods, I continually educate myself, I tour new homes that hit the market, I get to know my fellow REALTORS®, etc.  The list goes on.  I love what I do! 

I grew up in foster care, and didn't always have a home.  When I was adopted it meant everything to me to feel like my feet were on solid ground.  So I understand the importance of finding you a home.  The importance of being a first-time homebuyer.  It should be a rewarding experience for the both of us.  Hire me today when buying your first home and experience the difference!  I promise I won't let you down! 

Here Is Your "First-Time Homebuyer Checklist" On What To Expect When Buying Your First Home.

1. Get Pre-Approved For A Home Loan

Getting Pre-Approved For A Home Loan is one of the first steps in buying a home.  Even if you think you know how much you want to spend, it is better to know exactly what you can and cannot afford.  I work with a recommended loan office that is one of the Top Rated Mortgage Lenders In North Texas!  He can work on getting your a Pre-Approval Letter.

2. Begin Planning Your Dream Home & Select A Community To Live In

Dallas has some of the hottest zip codes in real estate!  As a Top Dallas REALTOR® & Dallas Real Estate Agent I have worked all over the Dallas Metroplex.   So I will always be able to guide you in the right direction.  In the mean time you can browse a Dallas community on my website or search for any type of home on my MLS search.  Once you start to narrow down your search it is good to make a list of your wants and needs.

3. Start Searching For A Home With A Top Dallas REALTOR® Who Can Guide You Every Step Of The Way

Browsing for a home online can be super easy.  90% of all home buyers start their home buying process online, but going to tour a home in person in the best way to know what a home really has to offer.  That's where your Dallas Real Estate Agent comes into place.  Me!  I have sold some of Dallas's finest real estate in almost every city in the Metroplex.  So you are in good hands.  I can set up automatic email alerts, run CMA's, preview homes, and guide you to the perfect dream home!

4. Fall In Love With Your Dream Home & Write An Offer

Once we narrow down a home or home's that you fall in love with it is best to make an offer.  Dallas is one of the hottest real estate markets in the nation so homes tend not to last on the market long.  You need someone who will write and negotiate an offer for you.  It can feel very overwhelming if you try and negotiate a deal directly with the listing agent.  They represent the seller.  So you need someone who has your best interest in mind 100% of the time.  That is why a Buyers Agent is so important in this booming housing market!  I will fight to get you the best deal and your Dream Home!

5. Submit Offer To Your Mortgage Lender

After an offer has been executed it is time to get the ball rolling!  Most homes spend an average of 30 days in escrow so time is of the essence.  Underwritting Approval from a lender can be one of the most time consuming parts of the entire home buying process.  They have to delve deep into making sure you can purchase the home by collecting bank statements, tax returns, ordering appraisal, needing proof of home insurance policy, etc.  The sooner we can get them the executed contract the better so the closing date doesn't get pushed back.

6. Have Your Dream Home Inspected

Getting a home inspected can be very scary.  Even if the home is new construction.  There are always items that need to be repaired.  It is important to make sure the roof, structure of the home, and foundation is sound.  This is the time to negotiate repairs with the seller and ask for them do be addressed or ask for a credit off the asking price so you can do them yourself.  A home inspection can make or break a deal.  I work with Licensed Home Inspectors that are the best at what they do!

7. Get An Appraisal

Having a home appraised is an essential part of the home buying process in Dallas TX.  It is one of the final steps that a mortgage lender has to approve to ensure that the negotiated price of the home matches the market value.  You don't want to overpay for a home!  This step is handled by the title company, lender, and an appraiser.  It is typical for a home to pass an appraisal, but can still be a little nerve racking.  A home usually won't pass an appraisal if it is over priced or if you get into a multiple offer situation which can balloon the asking price greatly.  If you purchase a home in cash then an appraisal can be waived.  

8. Prepare To Close At The Title Company

Once an appraisal has been passed, and final documents are sent to title so everything can move into underwriting.  This is when the underwriter for your mortgage checks all documents needed to give final approval.  Title will start to put together a Settlement Statement which breaks down all the fees associated with your closing.  Or how much to bring to closing.  This is a good time to get gas, electricity, forward mail, do a final "walk-thru" and have cable put under your name.  About 3-4 days ahead of closing.  Then it's time to schedule a time to close!  It's smooth sailing from here!  

9. Move Into Your New Home & Refer Your REALTOR®

The last step is to appear at the title company for closing, sign all your closing docs with your Dallas Real Estate Agent by your side, and then receive the keys to your dream home!  Congrats, you now own a home!  It really is that simple.  Owning a home is one of the most rewarding journeys you will go on in your life!  As a Top Dallas REALTOR® I love referrals, and would love to be top of mind if you know of someone looking to buy or sell a home.  That is how I am able to grow my business.  Every little bit helps! 

VOTED BEST REAL ESTATE AGENT IN DALLAS & TOP TEN DALLAS REALTOR®