First-Time Buyers
Buying Your First Home
Buying your first home is meant to be straightforward. Katrina walks you through it one step at a time, explains every document in plain English, and makes sure you always know what happens next.
The Process, Step by Step
No jargon, no surprises
Most of what makes a first purchase stressful is not knowing the order things happen in. Once you can see the whole path, each step is manageable on its own. Here's the sequence Katrina walks her first-time buyers through, from the first conversation to the day you get the keys.
Ask questions at any point. There is no question that's too basic, and you should never sign something you don't understand.
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01
Get ready to buy
Before anything else, get a clear picture of your own numbers: what you have saved, what you're comfortable paying each month, and what's on your credit report. Remember that your monthly payment includes taxes and insurance, not just the loan, and that closing costs are separate from your down payment.
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02
Get your financing in order
Talk to a lender and get pre-approved before you start touring. Pre-approval tells you the price range you can actually shop in, and sellers expect to see it attached to an offer. Ask your lender to break down the estimated monthly payment and the cash you'll need at closing so there are no surprises later.
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03
Start the search
Now you narrow it down: which areas, how many bedrooms, what you're willing to compromise on. Katrina sets up a search that matches your criteria so new listings reach you quickly, and sorts out which ones are genuinely worth your time.
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04
Tour homes
Seeing homes in person teaches you what you actually want, which often isn't what you listed at the start. Look past the furniture: check the layout, the condition of the roof and systems, the noise, the parking, and what the street feels like at different times of day.
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05
Make an offer
When you find the one, Katrina helps you decide on a price and terms, then writes and presents the offer. Price is only part of it — your closing date, deposit, inspection window and any repair requests all matter. Expect some back-and-forth before everyone signs.
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06
Inspection and appraisal
Once you're under contract, a home inspector examines the property and gives you a written report, and your lender orders an appraisal to confirm the value. This is your window to ask for repairs, renegotiate, or walk away if something significant turns up. Read the full inspection report, not just the summary.
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07
Close
Your lender finalizes the loan while title work is completed. A few days before closing you'll get a statement showing the exact amount you need to bring, and you'll do a final walkthrough to confirm the home is in the agreed condition. Then you sign, funds are transferred, and the keys are yours.
Useful Before You Start
Run your numbers first
It helps to have a rough budget in mind before you talk to a lender. Use the affordability calculator to see what price range is realistic, and the mortgage calculator to estimate a monthly payment. They're estimates, not approvals, but they're a solid starting point.
Ready for step one?
Reach out with your questions, wherever you are in the process. Katrina will tell you straight what to do next.