Buyer's Checklist
What you actually need to buy a home.
No scary jargon. Just the real list — what to save, what to gather, and what happens next.
Cash you'll need
- Down payment (as little as 3% — sometimes 0% with the right loan)
- Closing costs (typically 2–5% of the purchase price)
- Earnest money deposit when you write an offer (often $500–$2,000)
- A little cushion for moving, repairs, and that first dreamy throw pillow
Documents to gather
- Two most recent pay stubs
- W-2s and tax returns from the last 2 years
- Two months of bank statements (all pages, even the blank ones)
- Photo ID and Social Security number
- Self-employed? Add profit & loss and 1099s
Credit health
- Most loan programs start around a 620 FICO score
- Keep balances low and don't open new cards before closing
- Pay everything on time — even the $7 streaming bill counts
- We'll review your full report together (no judgment, ever)
Work & income
- Two-year work history (gaps are okay — we just explain them)
- Steady, documentable income
- Bonuses, commission, and side hustles can count too
The Journey
From hello to keys.
- 1
Say hi
Quick call or text so I can hear what you're hoping for.
- 2
Get pre-approved
Fill out my secure intake — we'll know your real numbers in days.
- 3
Shop with confidence
Tour homes knowing exactly what's possible.
- 4
Write the offer
I support you and your agent the whole way.
- 5
Close & celebrate
Keys in hand. Hugs all around. 🎉
Feeling ready? I'll meet you there.
Start your intake or run the affordability calculator — both take just a few minutes.