Jessica Jones
Associate Broker & Owner
Buying your first home is exciting, but the process moves fast once you find the right place. The buyers who win are the ones who did the prep work before they ever stepped into an open house.
Start with a real pre-approval, not a pre-qualification. A lender who has verified your income, assets, and credit gives your offer weight — sellers in competitive neighborhoods won't take you seriously without one.
Next, get honest about your monthly budget. Your mortgage payment is only part of it. In Metro Detroit, property taxes can vary widely from one city to the next, and a home's taxable value can reset after a sale. Ask your agent to estimate post-sale taxes on any home you're serious about.
Finally, build your team early: a lender, an inspector you trust, and an agent who knows the specific neighborhoods you're considering. When the right house hits the market, you'll be ready to move the same day.
