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Home Buying Tips

Buyer's Guide

A Step-by-Step First Time Buyer's Guide

Buying a home is one of the most exciting milestones of your life. To prepare yourself for this moment, you need to know what to expect during the process. This step-by-step first time buyer’s guide created by your agent will help reduce the stress of buying a home and help you enjoy the journey as much as possible.

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Step 1: Research

Do you already know where you want to buy? If you want a condo, townhome, or single-family home? Which features do you like and dislike? What’s available on the market now? If you answered no to any of these questions, now is the time to start researching. In addition to looking for homes that interest you, also take note of any changes in asking prices. This could give you valuable insight into housing trends in specific neighborhoods and help you when the time comes to make an offer.

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Step 2: Decide on Your Budget

Notice I said to decide on your budget—not determine how much the mortgage company will give you. In many cases, a mortgage company will pre-approve you for more than you’re comfortable spending, which is why you need to determine the monthly payment you feel comfortable with before talking to a lender. This likely includes doing a full household budget and taking into consideration what changes other than a mortgage payment will occur once you move into your new home. If you’ve lived in an apartment or with roommates, you may overlook new expenses like garbage, water, or HOA fees that could easily blow your budget.

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Step 3: Get Prequalified

Just because you think you can afford a certain payment every month doesn’t mean the mortgage company will agree. Just as they may approve you for too large of an amount, they may also approve you for a lesser amount or deny you a mortgage altogether. Lack of time at a job, insufficient credit, past bankruptcies, or other financial issues can cause major problems when trying to secure a mortgage. Before you get your heart set on a home, talk to a mortgage professional to find out what amount you can qualify for. This will also be an advantage when you make an offer on a home, as some sellers won’t entertain offers from those who aren’t already prequalified for a loan.

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Step 4: Choose a Real Estate Agent

Can you shop for, look at, and ultimately make an offer on a home without a real estate agent? Technically, yes, but why would you when it costs you nothing for an agent like me to take much of the stress off your shoulders? Not only will I help identify properties you might be interested in, arrange showings, and ultimately handle the offer process, but I also have a knowledge of the market that you don’t possess. Finding the perfect home can be a daunting task, and this is where my expertise and wealth of knowledge come into play. Let me show you around some homes that meet your dream home criteria so you can find the one that's right for you.

Passion & Expertise

My goal is to provide you with the most personalized service possible, meticulously designed to help you navigate the process of buying your dream home. I am dedicated to understanding your unique needs and preferences, ensuring that every step of the journey is tailored to achieve your ultimate home-buying aspirations.

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Step 5: Find the Right Home

This should be the most enjoyable step of the entire process (other than moving in!). I will arrange showings of homes you’re interested in that are within your price range. Take notes about what you like and don’t like, and make sure to pay attention to details. Turn light switches on and off, open and close doors, and run the faucets in various rooms. Don’t limit your inspection to the home itself. Make sure to take time to explore the neighborhood and keep an eye on traffic at certain times of the day, the parking situation, and how close it is to necessities like schools and grocery stores.

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Step 6: Make an Offer

Once you have selected the perfect home, work with your agent to craft a fair offer based on the value of comparable homes on the market. Depending on what the home is listed at and whether the current environment is a buyer’s or seller’s market, your offer may be below, at, or even above the asking price. I will be able to help you negotiate if you receive a counteroffer and reach an agreement. At this point, the house will go into escrow.

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Step 7: Have the Home Inspected

In most cases, your offer will be contingent on having the home inspected to ensure there is no major structural damage or large repairs needed. I can help you arrange this, and you can schedule it within days of making an offer. If there are no major issues, the process goes to step eight. If there is, you can renegotiate your offer based on what needs to be fixed, or you can withdraw it.

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Step 8: Select Your Loan

Now is the time to go back to the mortgage lender who pre-approved or pre-qualified you and choose your mortgage. You will be presented with various options based on your unique financial situation, including fixed-rate, variable-rate, 15-year, 30-year, or special programs such as VA loans or FHA loans. Work with your mortgage lender to select the option you feel the most comfortable with.

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Step 9: Get a Home Appraisal

Your lender will have your new home appraised so they have their independent value of it. The appraisal is to ensure that all parties involved are paying a fair price for the house.

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Step 10: Finish Paperwork

No one looks forward to all the paperwork involved in buying a home, but it’s a necessary part of the process. Fortunately, everything will be arranged by your lender and title company and, when you’re finished, you’ll know you are the legal owner of your new home.

Congratulations!

After signing the final paperwork to complete the purchase, you are now the owner of a new house. It may take a few days for your loan to be funded once the paperwork has been returned to the lender, but once that check is delivered to the seller, you’ll be all set to move into the home of your dreams. 

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Testimonials

"Thank you so much for all that you did to assist me Kendra! You literally went above and beyond and I’m so grateful. Words cannot express how much of a pleasure it was to work with you and I’m more than confident that I made the right choice. Your entire team is amazing! From the very start I knew we’d get the job done. Your confidence and knowledge of the industry reassured me that I’d have nothing to worry about. This process had its challenging moments but the entire team was there immediately to put out every fire. From the bottom of my heart, thank you."
"Thank you so much for all that you did to assist me Kendra! You literally went above and beyond and I’m so grateful. Words cannot express how much of a pleasure it was to work with you and I’m more than confident that I made the right choice. Your entire team is amazing! From the very start I knew we’d get the job done. Your confidence and knowledge of the industry reassured me that I’d have nothing to worry about. This process had its challenging moments but the entire team was there immediately to put out every fire. From the bottom of my heart, thank you."
Brittney M.
"We are a military family and had to buy a house long distance, which meant only having pictures and the word of Kendra as we moved forward in purchasing. Kendra made the entire process so incredibly stress-free, I am truly shocked at how seamlessly we went from interest to keys in hand. Not only did she go above and beyond in disclosing information about the home and its condition, she made sure it would be clean and move-in ready as soon as we signed the papers. I cannot say enough good things about our experience with Kendra, Holly, and her team. If you need an agent in the area, 10/10 would recommend her!"
"We are a military family and had to buy a house long distance, which meant only having pictures and the word of Kendra as we moved forward in purchasing. Kendra made the entire process so incredibly stress-free, I am truly shocked at how seamlessly we went from interest to keys in hand. Not only did she go above and beyond in disclosing information about the home and its condition, she made sure it would be clean and move-in ready as soon as we signed the papers. I cannot say enough good things about our experience with Kendra, Holly, and her team. If you need an agent in the area, 10/10 would recommend her!"
Elyse B.
"I just want to start by saying Kendra Conyers is the best! My husband and I sold our first home and hiring Kendra was the best decision we made. As stated this was our first time selling a home and the process was beyond easy and when we had concerns Kendra was always there to answer any questions or to just simply be a listening ear. If you are looking to buy or sell I highly recommend Kendra Conyers! She and her team are phenomenal!"
"I just want to start by saying Kendra Conyers is the best! My husband and I sold our first home and hiring Kendra was the best decision we made. As stated this was our first time selling a home and the process was beyond easy and when we had concerns Kendra was always there to answer any questions or to just simply be a listening ear. If you are looking to buy or sell I highly recommend Kendra Conyers! She and her team are phenomenal!"
Briana H.
"I would recommend Kendra Conyers to anyone. She was professional and cared about her client."
"I would recommend Kendra Conyers to anyone. She was professional and cared about her client."
Ronnie C.
"Kendra Conyers is one of the sweetest people I know. She came into my life during a very difficult time and helped me not knowing that later on I would need her help again in selling my mother’s home. This process was very difficult as it was my childhood home but Kendra stood with me every step of the way. She knows her stuff when it comes to real estate and the word of God! She’s fast paced but still moves at your speed! I love that when I didn’t understand something she would send a full breakdown and explanation. I appreciate her gift and I would sell/buy a thousand homes if she could be my realtor!"
"Kendra Conyers is one of the sweetest people I know. She came into my life during a very difficult time and helped me not knowing that later on I would need her help again in selling my mother’s home. This process was very difficult as it was my childhood home but Kendra stood with me every step of the way. She knows her stuff when it comes to real estate and the word of God! She’s fast paced but still moves at your speed! I love that when I didn’t understand something she would send a full breakdown and explanation. I appreciate her gift and I would sell/buy a thousand homes if she could be my realtor!"
Tiera C.
"Kendra Conyers made my first home buying process very seamless. Her gentle spirit and selflessness pulled me towards her. She showed up for all the meetings I had scheduled with inspectors snd helped gather the information I needed to make an informed decision. She holds her clients in high regards and is very responsive. I highly recommend Kendra if you want a seamless home buying experience."
"Kendra Conyers made my first home buying process very seamless. Her gentle spirit and selflessness pulled me towards her. She showed up for all the meetings I had scheduled with inspectors snd helped gather the information I needed to make an informed decision. She holds her clients in high regards and is very responsive. I highly recommend Kendra if you want a seamless home buying experience."
Jarine F.
"I worked closely with Kendra for nearly a year exclusively processing all of her Real Estate closings. So when it came time for me to purchase my own home, I didn’t even have to think twice about who my agent would be. Kendra is knowledgeable and quick to go to bat for her clients. Often there are unforeseen events that come up during the home buying process but rest assured Kendra will find a way to solve them all and get you into your dream home."
"I worked closely with Kendra for nearly a year exclusively processing all of her Real Estate closings. So when it came time for me to purchase my own home, I didn’t even have to think twice about who my agent would be. Kendra is knowledgeable and quick to go to bat for her clients. Often there are unforeseen events that come up during the home buying process but rest assured Kendra will find a way to solve them all and get you into your dream home."
Tylen L.
"Words can’t really explain how appreciative of Kendra. Thanks to her, I finally have a place to call home! She was always there when I needed her or had questions. I never felt alone in the process. She is very knowledgeable and all around amazing!"
"Words can’t really explain how appreciative of Kendra. Thanks to her, I finally have a place to call home! She was always there when I needed her or had questions. I never felt alone in the process. She is very knowledgeable and all around amazing!"
Ambrose C.
"The experience has been amazing! Kendra will work with you and keep you updated! If you ever have a question, she always answers! Don’t hesitate in working with Kendra Conyers."
"The experience has been amazing! Kendra will work with you and keep you updated! If you ever have a question, she always answers! Don’t hesitate in working with Kendra Conyers."
Caramel L.
"Kendra is amazing! Kelly is amazing! Lexie is amazing! Holly is amazing and anyone else who is a part of her team is amazing. From start to finish and even beyond closing everyone has been knowledgeable, patient, caring, and responsive! The entire process was swift. Any issues were buyer induced and handled well by Kendra. During negotiations we always knew Kendra would go above and beyond for us. We were so blessed to have her as our realtor because she truly does go above and beyond. Purchasing a home is a major decision and having a realtor like Kendra just makes the decision making process a lot easier. If we ever decide to sell or buy another home we will work with Kendra and her team again. Thank you so much! We are truly thankful for the services provided by Kendra Conyers and Associates."
"Kendra is amazing! Kelly is amazing! Lexie is amazing! Holly is amazing and anyone else who is a part of her team is amazing. From start to finish and even beyond closing everyone has been knowledgeable, patient, caring, and responsive! The entire process was swift. Any issues were buyer induced and handled well by Kendra. During negotiations we always knew Kendra would go above and beyond for us. We were so blessed to have her as our realtor because she truly does go above and beyond. Purchasing a home is a major decision and having a realtor like Kendra just makes the decision making process a lot easier. If we ever decide to sell or buy another home we will work with Kendra and her team again. Thank you so much! We are truly thankful for the services provided by Kendra Conyers and Associates."
Jasmine W.
"Literally 5 stars across the board! Professional, knowledgeable and will get the job done! This was the biggest purchase of my life, and Kendra made it as pleasant as she could! She had my back and represented me like family during this process, and that speaks volumes! Love her!"
"Literally 5 stars across the board! Professional, knowledgeable and will get the job done! This was the biggest purchase of my life, and Kendra made it as pleasant as she could! She had my back and represented me like family during this process, and that speaks volumes! Love her!"
Yasmine J.
"Kendra wants nothing but the best for her clients! I was referred to Kendra through a friend who just purchased a home, and I heard nothing but wonderful words about her service. My expectations were extremely high. I needed to find a home in an immediate time frame. As a first-time home buyer, I needed someone who was willing to walk me through the process and be attentive to a typical first-time buyer’s 101 questions. I am happy to say Kendra even exceeded my expectations and I could not be more satisfied. I was able to close earlier than my original closing date and learn so much during the process. Kendra was more determined than I was at times during the whole process, and that is what you need when it comes to your real estate agent! If you are looking for the hardest working real estate agent who will guide you and make the process a pleasant one despite many adversities that may come your way, please do yourself a favor and go with Kendra! I’m happy and blessed because I did."
"Kendra wants nothing but the best for her clients! I was referred to Kendra through a friend who just purchased a home, and I heard nothing but wonderful words about her service. My expectations were extremely high. I needed to find a home in an immediate time frame. As a first-time home buyer, I needed someone who was willing to walk me through the process and be attentive to a typical first-time buyer’s 101 questions. I am happy to say Kendra even exceeded my expectations and I could not be more satisfied. I was able to close earlier than my original closing date and learn so much during the process. Kendra was more determined than I was at times during the whole process, and that is what you need when it comes to your real estate agent! If you are looking for the hardest working real estate agent who will guide you and make the process a pleasant one despite many adversities that may come your way, please do yourself a favor and go with Kendra! I’m happy and blessed because I did."
Tiara M.
"Kendra and her team make marketing, showing and getting a competitive price for your home effortless. Her assistance and expertise made my whole experience as a seller quite enjoyable and I knew I was being looked after and taken care of the whole time. If you want excellent representation and a friend to get you from start to finish, look no further."
"Kendra and her team make marketing, showing and getting a competitive price for your home effortless. Her assistance and expertise made my whole experience as a seller quite enjoyable and I knew I was being looked after and taken care of the whole time. If you want excellent representation and a friend to get you from start to finish, look no further."
Tyler S.
"Kendra was simply remarkable. She scouted out homes in North Carolina for us while we were still stationed in Washington State. She virtually toured every home that we asked her to look at for us. She was a true professional and was there for us even if we suddenly did not feel comfortable with a home. I couldn't have asked for a better realtor!"
"Kendra was simply remarkable. She scouted out homes in North Carolina for us while we were still stationed in Washington State. She virtually toured every home that we asked her to look at for us. She was a true professional and was there for us even if we suddenly did not feel comfortable with a home. I couldn't have asked for a better realtor!"
Maria W.
"Extremely knowledgeable in the home buying process. Kendra will go above and beyond to make your experience painless as well as pleasant. Very attentive and great with making sure all documents are completed and loaded in a timely manner. I love her to death."
"Extremely knowledgeable in the home buying process. Kendra will go above and beyond to make your experience painless as well as pleasant. Very attentive and great with making sure all documents are completed and loaded in a timely manner. I love her to death."
Pippen B.

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