Welcome, First-Time Buyer!
Buying your first home is one of the most exciting and significant financial decisions you'll ever make. It can also feel overwhelming — there's a lot to learn. That's why Lisa created this binge-worthy First Time Homebuyers Series: a step-by-step guide through the entire home-buying process, from “thinking about buying” to the day you get your keys.
1
Is Now the Right Time to Buy?
How to evaluate your financial readiness, the pros and cons of buying vs. renting in today's market, and questions to ask yourself before starting your search.
2
Understanding Your Credit Score
How your credit score affects your mortgage rate, what score you need to qualify, and simple steps to improve your score before applying.
3
Getting Pre-Approved for a Mortgage
The difference between pre-qualification and pre-approval, what documents you'll need, and why pre-approval is essential before house hunting.
4
Down Payment Options for First-Time Buyers
The myth of 20% down, FHA loans, VA loans, USDA loans, and Ohio's down payment assistance programs that can help you buy with less upfront.
5
Working with a REALTOR® — What to Expect
How buyer's agents work, why representation is valuable, and what the NAR settlement means for buyer-agent agreements in 2024 and beyond.
6
How to Search for Homes
The best ways to search, how to set up MLS alerts, what Zillow misses, and how to evaluate neighborhoods like a pro.
7
Making an Offer — Strategy 101
How purchase offers work, what contingencies to include, escalation clauses, and how to compete in a multiple-offer situation without overpaying.
8
Home Inspections — What to Know
What inspectors look for, what's a red flag vs. normal wear, how to use inspection results in negotiation, and when to walk away.
9
The Closing Process Explained
What happens between accepted offer and closing day — appraisal, title search, final walk-through, and the closing table.
10
Life After Closing — Your First Year as a Homeowner
Setting up utilities, changing locks, home maintenance schedules, building equity, and what to do if something breaks.
Want personalized guidance? Lisa walks every first-time buyer client through this entire process one-on-one. There's no cost and no pressure — just education and support.
Ready to start your homebuying journey?
Lisa has helped dozens of first-time buyers in Greater Cleveland find and close on their first home. She'd love to help you too.
