Let me guess

You've been scrolling Zillow for months, feeling totally overwhelmed by the whole process.

How much can you actually afford?

What's a good deal vs. a money pit?

Do you really need 20% down?



And honestly, why does everyone assume you already know what PMI means?





View my complimentary guide

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What First-Time Buyers Are Actually Dealing With

The Money Fears
- "Can I actually afford a house in this market?" 
- "What if I'm making a huge financial mistake?" 
- "How much do I REALLY need for a down payment?"
- "Will I be house-poor?"

The Knowledge Gap

- So many acronyms (PMI, HOA, APR... what??) 
- No idea what's a red flag during showings 
- Everyone's advice conflicts with each other 
- Afraid to ask "dumb" questions 

The Pressure

- Parents have opinions (of course they do) 
- Friends are all buying houses 
- Rent keeps going up 
- Feel like you're "behind"

Here's What I Promise:

No question is stupid. I’ll explain everything to you. And honestly?

We're going to make this

fun.





YOUR FIRST HOME ROADMAP:

How We'll Find Your Perfect First Home

STEP 1: The Real Budget Conversation

Let's talk about what you can COMFORTABLY afford.

 

We'll Figure Out With The Lender
- Your actual monthly budget (with room for life!)
- Down payment options (hint: 20% isn't always necessary)
- Closing costs you need to plan for
- How much house that actually buys in Northwest Chicago suburbs

 

No Judgment Zone: Whether your budget is $200k or $400k, we're going to find something amazing.

 

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STEP 2: Education Before Action

I'm not just going to throw you into showings. You need to know what you're looking at.

 

What I'll Teach You:
- Red flags that mean "run away" vs. "negotiate"
- Which updates are expensive vs. easy DIY
- How to spot good bones under ugly wallpaper
- Neighborhood research that actually matters

 

Real Talk: Houses that need cosmetic updates = way more affordable. You can paint walls and update fixtures over time. We're looking for solid structure and good location.

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STEP 3: The Smart House Hunt

No more endless scrolling and disappointing showings.

 

My Approach:
- Start with 3-5 towns that fit your lifestyle
- See a mix of "ready to move in" and "fixer potential"
- Learn what you actually care about… because guess what, it changes!
- Adjust search based on what you love and hate

 

Time-Saver: I pre-screen homes so we're not wasting your Saturdays on houses that aren't right.

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STEP 4: Making an Offer (Without Freaking Out)

This is where most first-timers panic. I've got you.

 

We'll Navigate:
- Competitive offer strategy (without overpaying)
- Inspection negotiation (what to ask for, what to let go)
- Appraisal concerns
- All the confusing paperwork

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STEP 5: From Offer to Keys

The waiting period between offer acceptance and closing is TORTURE. I'll keep you sane.

 

I'll Handle:
- Coordinating all inspections 
- Keeping everyone on the timeline
- Being available for your 47 questions per day (seriously, ask away!)

Let's Talk About Affording Your First Home

Down Payment Reality Check:

The Myth: You need 20% down
The Truth: There are SO many options

Down Payment Options:

- Conventional loans: 3-5% down
- FHA loans: 3.5% down
- First-time buyer programs: sometimes 0% down
- Gift money from family: totally allowed!

What Else You Need Money For:

- Closing costs: 2-5% of purchase price 
- Home inspection: $400-600 
- Appraisal: $500-700 
- First year of surprises: $2k-5k buffer

Questions Every First-Timer Asks Me

How much do I actually need to save?

For a $300k home: around $15k-20k total (down payment + closing costs + buffer). Way less than you thought, right?

What if I don't have 20% down?

Should I wait until I have more saved?

What if I buy the wrong house?

Can I really afford to buy in this market?

What if something breaks after I buy?

Ready to Stop Scrolling and Start Shopping?

Listen, I know this feels like a huge step. It IS a huge step.

But here's what I promise: We'll go at your pace, answer every question (seriously, ask anything), and find a home that fits your actual life and budget.

No pressure, no judgment, just honest guidance from someone who actually wants you to succeed.

Free consultation to discuss your budget, timeline, and what you're looking for