First-Time Home Buyers

A REALTOR® like Francine provides personalized guidance, helping you navigate every step of the home-buying process. With years of experience in the Phoenix and Scottsdale markets, she’ll offer expert advice, help you find properties that meet your needs, and negotiate on your behalf.

The process includes getting pre-approved for a loan, searching for homes, making an offer, negotiating, securing financing, and closing the deal. Throughout this process, Francine will educate and support you, ensuring you understand each step and feel confident.

Before you start shopping for homes, it's important to assess your financial situation. Francine recommends getting pre-approved for a mortgage to determine your budget. You’ll also want to factor in ongoing costs like property taxes, insurance, and maintenance.

Pre-qualification gives you an estimate of how much you can borrow based on your financial situation, while pre-approval is a more thorough process where a lender verifies your financials. Pre-approval gives you a better idea of how much you can borrow and can give you an edge in a competitive market.

Yes! Many first-time homebuyers are eligible for down payment assistance programs. These programs can help make homeownership more affordable. Francine can connect you with trusted local lenders who offer these programs to help you with your down payment.

Your first home should align with your personal goals and financial capacity. Consider the number of bedrooms, location, and features that are important to you. Francine will help you understand which properties fit your needs and budget, while also making sure you're prepared for the long-term commitment.

Down payments can vary depending on the type of loan you get. Many first-time buyers can put down as little as 3-5%. Additionally, some programs offer assistance or lower down payment options for first-time buyers. Francine can help you explore your options.

The entire process typically takes 1-3 months, but this can vary depending on the market. Finding the right home might take a little time, especially if you're looking for specific features. Francine will ensure you're prepared and guided throughout the process for a smooth experience.

Once you've found a home you want, Francine will help you make an offer that includes the price, deposit, contingencies, and closing timeline. Your offer will be submitted to the seller, who can accept, reject, or counter the offer. Negotiation is key to getting the best deal.

It's important to get pre-approved for a loan to understand your monthly mortgage payments. With Francine’s guidance, you can ensure that the mortgage fits within your budget, factoring in interest rates, insurance, and other costs to make sure the monthly payments are manageable.

In addition to the down payment, you’ll have closing costs, which typically include fees for the title search, appraisal, inspection, and lender costs. Francine will ensure you're prepared for these additional expenses and help guide you through understanding the full financial picture.

Once your offer is accepted, you'll enter the "escrow" period, where final details are worked out, including securing your financing and having inspections done. Francine will be with you every step of the way to make sure the process stays on track and to address any questions that come up.

After you close on the property and complete all the paperwork, you’ll receive the keys! Francine will ensure that you are fully prepared for closing day, making the transition to homeownership as seamless as possible.

Francine will help you consider factors such as location, neighborhood amenities, and the condition of the property. She’ll also provide insight into the local market and assist with ensuring the home you buy aligns with your long-term goals.