Answers by Alison McGranahan

That’s honestly a really great position to be in, especially as a first-time buyer. Getting a shot at a home before it even hits the market can give you a big advantage. You can absolutely start the loan process before it’s listed. The first step would be getting pre-approved so you know what you’re comfortable with and can move forward confidently. Even though it’s a family friend, the lender is still going to treat it like any other purchase, so they’ll need details on the property and you’ll still go through things like an appraisal. The biggest thing I always tell people in situations like this is don’t let it stay too “casual” just because you know the seller. That’s where people end up missing important steps or putting themselves in a bad position without realizing it. This is actually one of those scenarios where having your own agent matters more than people think. Not because you don’t trust the person you’re buying from, but because you want someone making sure everything is structured correctly, the price makes sense, and nothing gets overlooked on your side. If you want to talk through it, I’m always happy to help you figure out the best way to move forward and make sure you’re set up the right way from the start.

That’s actually completely normal on your end, and you didn’t do anything wrong. Choosing a real estate agent is a big decision, and you should be talking to more than one person before committing. You’re trusting someone to guide you through a major financial move, so making sure it’s the right fit matters. Her reaction honestly says more about her than it does about you. Some agents aren’t used to being “interviewed” and rely more on being the first one in the door or getting referrals, so when someone approaches it more intentionally, it can catch them off guard. That said, a seasoned agent should expect it and handle it professionally. The bigger question is how she’s showing up now. If everything else has been solid and she’s communicating well, advocating for you, and doing her job, then it may have just been an awkward moment and not a red flag. But if you’re starting to feel any hesitation or tension, don’t ignore that. This process is too important to feel uncomfortable with the person representing you. This is exactly why I always tell people representation matters more than people realize. It’s not just about credentials, it’s about how your agent handles situations, communicates, and makes you feel throughout the process. If you ever feel unsure, it’s okay to ask questions, reset expectations, or even explore other options. You deserve to feel confident in who’s guiding you through this. And if you ever want a second perspective or just someone to gut-check a situation, I’m always here to help.

I completely understand why you’d want to be there…honestly, most buyers feel the exact same way. And you’re not wrong, you can attend the inspection. In a lot of cases, it’s actually encouraged because it gives you a better understanding of the home and what the inspector is seeing. The pushback you’re getting usually isn’t about you specifically, it’s more about how the inspection is handled. Inspectors have a job to do and they’re on a tight timeline, so having too many people there asking questions the whole time can slow things down or distract them. Sellers can also feel a little uneasy with extra people in the house longer than necessary, especially during a more detailed process like an inspection.What typically works best is you attending toward the end of the inspection. That way the inspector can do their full walkthrough uninterrupted, and then you get time to walk through with them, ask questions, and get a clear breakdown of anything important. You can still take measurements and get a feel for the home without disrupting the process. If your agent is pushing back completely, I’d be asking a few more questions. You should absolutely have the opportunity to understand what you’re buying. It just needs to be handled in a way that keeps everything smooth for all parties.This is one of those moments where having the right representation makes a difference, because it’s about balancing access, communication, and making sure you still get what you need out of the process. If you want, I can walk you through exactly what to expect during an inspection so you know what’s worth paying attention to and what’s just noise.

This is one of those situations where your head and your gut are kind of fighting each other, and that’s completely normal. You’re not wrong for loving the house. If it checks the boxes on layout, location, and overall feel, that’s a big deal…because finding that combination isn’t easy. But your parents aren’t wrong either. Being on a busy road is one of those things that will always affect resale to some degree. It’s not a deal breaker for all buyers, but it does shrink your buyer pool. Some people won’t care at all, especially if the house itself is strong enough. Others will immediately pass because of kids, pets, noise, or just personal preference. So when it comes time to sell, you’re typically looking at needing to be priced a little more competitively to attract the right buyer. The bigger question for you is how it affects your day-to-day life. Things like pulling in and out of the driveway, noise inside the home, and how the yard feels are what usually make or break it long term. Those are the things people don’t fully think through until they’re living there. This is also where having someone in your corner matters, because it’s not just about whether you can buy the house, it’s about whether it’s a smart buy for you. Sometimes the right move is going for it and negotiating accordingly, and sometimes it’s walking away even when you like it. If you want, I’m happy to help you think through it from both angles so you’re not just buying a house you love today, but one you won’t regret later.

I’m going to be really honest with you, because this is where people either make a smart move or lose time and money. 45 days with no activity isn’t a “wait it out” situation, it’s a signal. Buyers are still out there, even with rates where they are, but they’re extremely price sensitive right now. When a home sits with no showings or offers, it almost always comes down to price, condition, or how it’s being presented online. If your agent is suggesting a $50k price adjustment, that’s not a random number. That usually means you’re positioned outside of where buyers see value in your current price range. Pulling it off the market and waiting until 2027 sounds good in theory, but here’s the part most people don’t think through. There’s no guarantee rates will drop in a way that benefits you more than today, and even if they do, you’re carrying the cost of that home for potentially another year or two. On top of that, when you relist later, the history is still there. Buyers and agents can see it was listed before and didn’t sell, and that can actually make them come in even more aggressive on price. Homes don’t “expire,” but they do get overlooked when they miss the mark the first time. Most of the time, the sellers who end up winning in this situation are the ones who reposition now. That might mean adjusting the price, tightening up presentation, or making sure the marketing is actually reaching the right buyers. Sitting on it usually just delays the same conversation. This is also where having the right strategy matters more than just having it listed. There’s a big difference between being on the market and being positioned to sell. If you want a second set of eyes on it, I’m always happy to take a look and give you a real breakdown of what’s happening and what I’d do differently.