Start Here! The Big Picture for First-Time Homebuyers
(& those leveling up their next search)
Nov 1, 2025
Like any good Humanities teacher, I’ll have us start with The Six W’s (Who, What, Where, When, Why, and --never forget to include-- How).
You can get a sense of who I am here, but honestly, I’m most excited to learn about you — your goals, your story, and how we can make this process feel like a true partnership.
Why?
Why is homeownership a priority for you, your family, or your future? Which of its many benefits — stability, equity, creative freedom, or community roots — speaks most to you? Starting with your “why” sets the tone for how we’ll approach the journey ahead.
How?
How do you even afford a house? Don’t worry — there are as many ways to answer that as there are financial situations. Getting pre-qualified (and eventually pre-approved) with a trusted loan officer will take out the mystery and give us a clear picture of what’s possible.
Where & What?
Your priorities and non-negotiables should guide the search. Together, we’ll separate needs from wants and zero in on what “the right fit” really looks like for you — whether that’s a mid-century gem near the trails or a cozy bungalow closer to town.
When?
Your timeline matters. My job is to set you up for success — whether that’s this season or next year — so when the right opportunity appears, you’re ready and confident, not scrambling.

How (2.0)?
Partnering with you on this journey is something I take seriously. I know how it feels to have doubts, to refresh listings endlessly, or to wonder what’s next. My role is to guide you through a clear, streamlined process built on communication, trust, and a little bit of calm amidst the chaos.
Together, we’ll be prepared for whatever comes our way.
What the journey looks like
Every buyer’s path is different, but here’s a general roadmap you can use to plan ahead. Think of it as a loose timeline — one that adjusts based on your needs, goals, and readiness.
☕️ Coffee — 3–6 months before you want to write an offer
Let’s meet at your favorite café. The sooner we connect, the sooner I can help you feel prepared — even if you’re just starting to lay out the vision for your dream or sort out your budget.
💬 Connect — 2–6 months out
We’ll get you connected with a trusted loan officer and start the pre-qualification (or pre-approval) process. It’s never too early to understand your buying power.
🏡 Search — 1–4 months out
Instead of endless scrolling and weekend open houses, we’ll build a focused search strategy. I’ll preview homes, share updates, and help you make sense of the local market so we can move efficiently when something feels right.
📊 Strategy — As you narrow in on your “fit”
Once we’ve toured and compared options, we’ll talk through pros and cons of specific homes and neighborhoods. You’ll feel clear on what matters most — and confident about making an offer when the time comes.
📝 Offer Time — Go Time!
With a solid understanding of the market and your finances, we’ll craft a competitive offer that fits your goals. Because we’ve done the work up front, you’ll be ready to act quickly and decisively when the right home appears.
🔑 From Acceptance to Closing — The key to acquiring those keys!
Once your offer is accepted, we’re officially under contract — and the most important teamwork begins. You’ll understand all things earnest money & escrow, scheduling inspections and understanding appraisals. There will be no surprises when it comes to closing costs and timelines because we will have had the right conversations ahead of time to feel prepared.
It’s a lot to take in — and that’s completely normal. Buying a home is one of life’s biggest milestones. My job is to make sure you feel clear, supported, and confident throughout the process. Whether this is your first home or your next, together we can move forward with ease.
Feel free to reach out. Let me know where you are on your homebuying journey today. If you’re even thinking about buying, let’s grab that coffee.
Future-you thanks you.
Cheers,
- MIKE

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