It depends on the agreement we set up together. Sometimes the seller offers compensation to the buyer's agent, but that's never guaranteed — so I put the commission conversation first, before anything else. You'll know exactly how I get paid and what, if anything, it costs you before we look at a single home. No surprises, no fine print.

You can — people do it. But you'd be negotiating against professionals, reading contracts without a translator, and pricing a home without market data. My job is to handle all of that for you: local market knowledge, negotiation, paperwork, and every step between offer and keys. Buying a home is stressful enough with help. I wouldn't recommend doing it without.

A winning offer isn't just the highest number — it's the right price, the right terms, and the right timing for that specific property. I'll walk you through what the home is actually worth, what the market is doing right now, and how to structure an offer that appeals to the seller without stretching past what makes sense for you. Then I negotiate to make it land.

Yes — and I'd put it first on your list. Pre-approval tells you what you can genuinely afford, so we search in the right range from day one. It also makes your offer much stronger; sellers take pre-approved buyers seriously. If you haven't started, no problem — I'll walk you through the process and point you to trusted local lenders.

There's no single right answer — it depends on the home's price, your finances, and the type of loan you choose. Twenty percent is the old rule of thumb, but plenty of loan programs allow far less, and down payment assistance exists for buyers who qualify. Rather than guessing, let's look at your actual situation — I'll help you run the numbers and connect you with a trusted mortgage professional to find the right fit.

Once your offer is accepted, closing typically takes several weeks. The search before that is the variable — some buyers find the right home in a week, others take months, and both are fine. Market conditions, your criteria, and the type of property all play a role. When we talk, I'll give you an honest timeline for your specific situation — not a one-size-fits-all answer.