📌 Preparing Your Home for Sale 

• Declutter & depersonalize 
• Deep clean every room 
• Boost curb appeal (landscaping, front door paint) 
• Neutral staging tips 
  
  

🛠️ Best Home Improvements Before Selling 

Prioritized by ROI: 

• Fresh paint throughout 
• Kitchen updates (modern fixtures, cabinet refresh) 
• Bathroom upgrades 
• Lighting improvements 
• Floor refinishing 
• Energy-efficient upgrades 

📝 Why Get a Mortgage Pre-Approval Early 

• Defines realistic budget
• Signals to sellers you’re a serious buyer
• Makes you competative with other buyers
• Helps lock in better rates before they rise 

💡 Steps in the Home Buying Process 

• Get pre-approved 
• Create your wishlist 
• Tour homes 
• Make competitive offers 
• Inspections & contingencies 
• Closing 

⏱️ Understanding the Cost of Waiting 

• Appreciation trends in Greater Grand Rapids
• Rising interest rate impacts
• Lost equity & higher monthly payments 

1. The Home Buying Journey: Step-by-Step

• Assess Your Readiness: Review finances, credit score, and budget.
• Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage: Strengthen your offer.
• Define Must-Haves and Nice-to-Haves: Location, size, condition.
• Partner with a Real Estate Agent: Guidance and negotiation.
• House Hunting: Attend open houses or private showings.
• Make an Offer: Include price, contingencies, closing timeline.
• Home Inspection & Appraisal: Uncover issues, confirm value.
• Secure Financing: Lock in your mortgage rate.
• Closing: Sign documents, pay closing costs, receive keys.

2. Key Terms Every First-Time Buyer Should Know

• Pre-Qualification vs. Pre-Approval - Estimate vs. verified lender commitment.
• Down Payment - Cash paid upfront (3–20% of price).
• Closing Costs - Fees for processing, title, taxes, insurance (2–5%).
• Earnest Money Deposit - Good faith deposit applied at closing.
• Contingency - Condition to be met for contract to proceed.
• Escrow - Neutral third party holds funds until closing.
• PMI - Insurance if down payment is less than 20%.
• Title Insurance - Protects against ownership disputes.
• Appraisal - Licensed estimate of property’s value.
• Amortization - Scheduled mortgage payoff over time.

3. Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Not Getting Pre-Approved Early Start with pre-approval to know your budget.
• Maxing Out Your Budget Leave room for taxes, insurance, maintenance.
• Skipping the Home Inspection Always inspect, even on new builds.
• Major Purchases Before Closing Avoid new credit until mortgage closes.
• Ignoring Additional Costs Budget for HOA dues, repairs, maintenance.
• Letting Emotions Take Over Stick to your must-haves and budget.
• Not Understanding the Contract Have your agent explain before signing.
• Failing to Shop for Loans Compare at least 2–3 lenders for best terms.

4. Tips for a Smooth Buying Experience

• Stay Organized: Keep documents in one place.
• Communicate Promptly: Respond quickly to avoid delays.
• Think Long-Term: Consider area growth and plans.
• Build a Support Team: Agent, lender, inspector, attorney.
• Helpful Resources
• Mortgage Calculator: Estimate monthly payment.
• Neighborhood Guides: Explore amenities, schools, commute.
• First-Time Buyer Programs: Check for down payment assistance or tax credits.

6. How I Can Help

As a real estate professional, I specialize in guiding first-time buyers through every stage of the process—from pre-approval to closing day. Whether you’re just starting your search or ready to make an offer, I’m here to make the experience clear, confident, and stress-free.

Contact me today for your FREE CONSULTATION
Elizabeth 616-780-6335
emillerwallau@greenridge.com