Jessica Reynolds

Buying a home is exciting but can feel overwhelming, so having a clear roadmap helps. Here’s the advice I’d give to a homebuyer: Phase 1: Financial Prep (1-2 month before buying) • Check credit score & report; dispute errors if needed. • Create a savings plan for down payment + closing costs. • Pay down debt & avoid new large purchases. • Research loan options (conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, etc.). • Set a comfortable monthly housing budget (mortgage + taxes + insurance + HOA). Phase 2: Pre-Approval & Planning • Get pre-approved with a lender (stronger than pre-qualification). • Collect documents: pay stubs, W-2s/1099s, bank statements, tax returns. • Decide on must-haves vs. nice-to-haves. • Choose neighborhoods to target (commute, schools, amenities). • Find a trusted real estate agent. Phase 3: House Hunting • Set up alerts on MLS / Zillow / Redfin. • Visit open houses & schedule private showings. • Evaluate homes: layout, condition, natural light, storage, resale potential. • Check neighborhood at different times (morning, night, weekends). • Narrow choices and compare against budget. Phase 4: Making an Offer • Work with your agent to review comps and set offer price. • Decide on contingencies (inspection, financing, appraisal). • Submit earnest money deposit with the offer. • Be prepared for counteroffers or bidding wars. Phase 5: Under Contract • Schedule a professional home inspection. • Review inspection report and negotiate repairs or credits. • Lender orders an appraisal. • Finalize loan application with updated documents. • Review HOA rules & fees (if applicable). • Get homeowners insurance in place. Phase 6: Closing • Do a final walkthrough (confirm condition of the home). • Review and sign closing documents (loan, title, deed). • Pay down payment & closing costs. • Receive keys and ownership transfer. Phase 7: Move-In & Beyond • Change locks for security. • Set up utilities (electric, water, internet, gas, trash). • Update address with USPS, banks, subscriptions, and DMV. • Budget for ongoing maintenance & emergency fund. Lastly, and this one is important!!! Celebrate & make the space your own.

Pay attention to the market, make sure the agent you are working with does not give away your equity. The right agent will price correctly, market well, and negotiate strongly. Home Selling Checklist: Phase 1: Preparation (1-2 weeks before listing) • Declutter – donate, pack, or store items you don’t need daily. • Depersonalize – remove family photos, niche décor, and personal collections. • Deep clean – carpets, windows, bathrooms, kitchen appliances. • Repairs & touch-ups – patch holes, fix leaky faucets, replace burned-out bulbs. • Curb appeal – mow lawn, add mulch, trim shrubs, pressure wash driveway. This may seem like a lot of work but it will give you an advantage over the other homes on the market and more money in your pocket.

First-time home buyers, Investors, luxury homes, home buyers looking to downgrade or upgrade, buyers who are relocating, veterans active duty and retired military.