Buying a home
Buy with someone who's been in your shoes.
First home, fifth home, or a VA loan with a tight timeline. I'll keep it clear and keep you on track.
The buying process
What happens, and when.
Most purchases take 30 to 45 days from accepted offer to closing. Here's the full path.
- STEP 01
Consultation
We talk budget, timeline, must-haves, and deal-breakers. If you're PCSing, we start from your report date and work backward.
- STEP 02
Get pre-approved
Your lender confirms what you can borrow. For VA buyers, this is also when you get your Certificate of Eligibility.
- STEP 03
Tour homes
In person, or on live video if you're not here yet. I'll point out the things listing photos hide.
- STEP 04
Write a strong offer
We look at recent sales and what the seller needs, then build an offer that competes without overpaying.
- STEP 05
Inspection & appraisal
We find out what's really going on with the house and negotiate repairs or credits if needed.
- STEP 06
Close & get keys
Final walkthrough, signing, and keys. Remote closing options may be available if you're not local yet.
VA loans
Your VA benefit, used well.
I'm not a lender. Always confirm loan details with a VA-approved lender.
The VA home loan is one of the best benefits you've earned. Here's what I want every military buyer to know:
- No down payment is required for many eligible buyers with full entitlement.
- No monthly mortgage insurance (PMI), which can mean a lower payment than a conventional loan with a small down payment.
- The VA funding fee applies to most borrowers, but it's waived for veterans receiving VA disability compensation and some others.
- A VA appraisal checks value and the VA's minimum property requirements. I'll flag homes that might struggle before you fall in love.
- Seller concessions can help cover closing costs. We'll ask for them when it makes sense.
Free download
Not ready to tour yet? Start with my buyer guide.
The whole buying process in one place. What to do first, what it costs, and what to expect at every step.
Common questions
Buyer FAQs
Do I need to be pre-approved before we look at homes?
Yes, ideally. A pre-approval tells us your real budget and makes your offer stronger. If you don't have a lender yet, I can introduce you to a few who work with buyers like you, including VA loan specialists.
Can I use my VA loan in Northern Virginia or Southern Maryland?
Yes. VA loans are common here and sellers are used to them. Eligible buyers with full entitlement can often buy with no down payment and no monthly mortgage insurance. Your lender will confirm your eligibility and entitlement.
Can I buy a home before I arrive?
Yes. I run live video walkthroughs, share neighborhood intel, and coordinate inspections and closing so you can buy from across the country. Many families do it this way.
How does the hero closing cost credit work?
If you're military, a veteran, a nurse, a teacher, or a first responder, I give a portion of my commission back to you at closing to put toward your closing costs. It's subject to your lender's approval, and I'll walk you through it before we write an offer.
How much do buyers pay their agent?
It depends on the deal. We'll sign a written buyer agreement before we tour homes, and it spells out exactly how I'm paid. Often the seller offers to cover some or all of it, and we can also ask for it in the offer. No surprises.
Foxtrot 100 Heroes Project
You take care of everyone else. Let me give some back.
If you serve, heal, teach, or respond, I give a portion of my commission back to you at closing to put toward your closing costs. It's my thank-you, built right into the deal.
Credit is applied toward closing costs at settlement and is subject to lender approval and the terms of your purchase contract. Ask me how it works with your loan type.
- Active duty & veterans
- Military spouses
- Nurses
- Teachers
- Firefighters & EMS
- Law enforcement
Ready to start looking?
My home search form takes about five minutes. Tell me what you want and I'll get back to you within 24 hours.