FAQ: Your Real Estate Questions Answered

  • I specialize in real estate across the Metro Atlanta area, including but not limited to Atlanta, Midtown, Decatur, Buckhead, Alpharetta, Marietta, Smyrna, Roswell, Sandy Springs, Johns Creek, and extending to southern cities like Fayetteville, McDonough, and Newnan.

  • You're ready to buy a home when you have stable employment, good credit, a down payment saved up, and when you're prepared for both the benefits and responsibilities of homeownership. It's also key to be in a position to afford the monthly mortgage payments and other associated costs without stretching your budget too thin.

  • The traditional down payment is 20% of the home's purchase price, but there are many loan programs available that allow for lower down payments. For example, FHA loans can require as little as 3.5% down. The right amount for you will depend on your financial situation and the specific loan program you qualify for.

  • Credit score requirements vary by lender and type of loan, but a score of 620 is typically the minimum for a conventional loan. FHA loans have been known to accept scores as low as 580. Higher scores can secure better interest rates and terms.

  • Start by listing your needs, preferences, and budget. Working with a real estate agent can significantly help you find homes that fit your criteria and assist you through the buying process. Also, consider the location, neighborhood, local amenities, and the long-term potential of the home.

  • Closing costs are fees associated with the purchase of a home, beyond the down payment. These can include loan origination fees, home inspections, title insurance, and more. Closing costs typically range from 2% to 5% of the home's purchase price.

  • I can assist you in obtaining pre-approval through my trusted lender, so there is no need for you to go and search anywhere else before coming directly to me for support and guidance.

  • A home inspection is a thorough examination of the property's condition, conducted by a professional inspector. It's strongly recommended as it can reveal critical information about the home's structure, systems, and potential repairs needed, allowing you to make an informed decision or negotiate repairs with the seller before finalizing the purchase.

  • The process can vary greatly, but generally, from the moment you get pre-approved for a mortgage to the day you close on your home can take anywhere from 30 to 60 days, assuming there are no significant delays. This timeline can be longer or shorter based on your unique situation, market conditions, and other factors.

  • Pre-qualification is a basic assessment of your creditworthiness based on information you provide to the lender, which gives you an estimate of how much you might be able to borrow. Pre-approval is more in-depth—it involves verifying your financial information and credit history, resulting in a specific loan amount you're approved for. Pre-approval is more powerful when making an offer on a home.

  • To start, a $10k down payment is a commonly quoted figure to get the ball rolling, but I recommend we discuss your specific situation in a one-on-one meeting to provide a more detailed answer based on the current housing market and your financial circumstances. There are various factors at play, including the size of the home, the location, and whether you’re co-borrowing.

  • No, I do not handle rentals such as homes, apartments, et cetera. My services are focused on home buyers and sellers, not rentals.

  • Absolutely, I have experience working with VA loans and can assist those who have served in the military with the home buying process.