Let's Get Excited–
your new address is
waiting for
*you!!*
✨Let's Talk About Your First Home
Buying your first home is exciting —
but it can feel like a lot.
Maybe you're wondering what you can afford.
Maybe you're not sure if now is the right time.
Maybe you're just tired of renting.
Wherever you are in the process,
we’re here to help.
Let's talk about a plan
that fits your life and your budget.
Thinking About Buying
Your First Home?
Let's Take It Step By Step
Buying your first home is a big step — and one of the most exciting decisions you’ll ever make.
📍 Saving and preparing financially
📍 Getting pre-approved
📍 Touring homes
📍 Making an offer
📍 The inspection + appraisal dance
📍 Closing day (a.k.a. key day!)
📍 And what happens after the
boxes are unpacked
From dreaming about your ideal kitchen to signing on the dotted line, we’ll walk you through every step:
The Buying Basics
📌 Your Monthly Payment Covers More Than Just the Mortgage
Beyond the loan itself, expect to budget for taxes, insurance, mortgage insurance (if needed), and home upkeep. If you're used to renting, this might catch you off guard.
📌 Pre-Qualification vs. Pre-Approval
Think of pre-qualification as a ballpark and pre-approval as your green light. Once your lender verifies your income and credit, you're ready to make serious offers.
📌 You Don’t Need 20% Down
Really — many first time buyer programs offer 3% down options. Some even allow for 0% down if you qualify for VA or USDA loans.
📌 There’s a Loan That Fits You
FHA, VA, Conventional, USDA
There’s no "one size fits " all. We’ll connect you with trusted local lenders who’ll walk you through your options without pressure.
Planning Ahead? We’ve Got You.
Not ready to buy—but want to start preparing?
We work with lenders who can:
• Help you create a savings plan
• Talk through realistic monthly budgets
• Share honest tips for building or cleaning up credit
Many of our clients didn’t start with "perfect credit" or big savings
just a goal and a little guidance.
We’ll connect you with a lender who treats you like a person,
not a credit score.
Buying your first home isn’t about rushing.
It’s about being ready and being set up for success!
Let’s Chat About Buyer Representation
And what it means before you visit any homes.
New policies have changed how homebuyers work with agents, and what’s required before you ever walk through a front door.
In Tennessee and Mississippi, you’ll need to sign a Buyer Representation Agreement before touring homes (unless you’re calling the listing agent directly or walking into an open house).
This signed agreement is required even if it's just for a "quick tour."
So what does that mean for you?
It just means, you’ll want to choose your agent a little earlier in the process.
🩷 You need someone you trust.
We’ll walk you through your options and help you feel confident about your next step, before the actual house hunt begins.
Let’s Tour Homes
The fun part is here -
touring homes in person!
But it’s easy to get swept up by cute porches
and fresh paint.
That’s where a smart touring strategy helps.
Keep your eyes on:
*What you can’t change:
location, layout, natural light
*What you can change:
paint, flooring, fixtures
*Red flags:
water damage, foundation cracks, or costly repairs
We’ll help you focus on what really matters
so you fall in love with how a home lives,
not just how it looks.
Every home won’t be the "one" . . . that’s okay.
We’ll keep you grounded, confident, and ready
to say “YES” when the right one shows up.
Let's Make An Offer
What is a smart offer?
In a balanced market, sellers aren’t just looking at price —they’re looking at the whole package.
✅ Pre-approval: Shows you're financially ready.
✅ Earnest money: A typical good faith deposit is
1% of the purchase price.
✅ Flexible closing: Aligning with the seller’s preferred timeline can give you an edge.
✅ Clean terms: We’ll help you structure your offer without risky contingencies.
Every offer is unique! We’ll help you craft one that makes sellers say 'Yes."
Offer Accepted!
Here’s What Happens Next . . .
Earnest Money is delivered to the party holding it
Inspection period begins We’ll coordinate all inspections.
Repair Negotiations Together we’ll decide how to negotiate issues found during the inspections.
Appraisal Ordered by the Lender If there’s a gap or repairs ordered, we’ll explain the best way forward.
Final Walk Through 2–3 days before closing, we’ll go back to the home together to make sure all agreed upon repairs are complete, and the home is in good condition. You’ll sign off that everything looks right, and you can head to closing with confidence.
Clear to Close
Once underwriting gives the green light, we’re officially clear to close.
Closing Day! 🎉
You’ll sign the final paperwork, grab your keys, and officially become a homeowner.
We’ll be right there with you!!
Congratulations!!
And Welcome Home
Before you pop the bubbly and collapse on the couch, here are a few things to help you settle in stress free:
📑 Utility Transfers
Be sure to get your utilities, water, and sanitation services transferred into your name
before move in. You’ll need your closing documents handy for setup.
🛠 Need a Hand?
From painters to plumbers, we’ve got a "go to" list of trusted vendors we use personally -
and we’re always happy to share. Just reach out!
🏡 Home Sweet Home Prep
A few other quick wins to help you feel at home faster:
• Change the locks or rekey your doors (for peace of mind).
• Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Replace batteries.
• Check the water shut-off valve and circuit breaker locations.
• Update your address with USPS, your bank, and subscriptions
📆 Your First Year as a Homeowner
There’ll be little surprises—both sweet and maybe a few stressful. We’re still here!
Call us if you need:
• Help understanding your tax bill or escrow account
• Advice on repairs or home projects
• Or a little “hey, does this sound normal?” moment
We created a little something just for you:
We’ve bundled everything you just read (and then some!) into a downloadable guide perfect for saving, printing, or sharing.
You’ll also get our First Time Buyer emails full of free tips, answers to common questions, and valuable advice to help you buy smart when the time is right.
