Buying a home.
Thinking of buying a home in Minneapolis, St Paul, or the Greater Twin Cities area?
Buying a home is the biggest financial investment most people will ever make, and one of the most emotional experiences, as well. A house is more than just a home – it’s where you set down roots and live your dreams. Especially in this highly competitive market, it’s key to have a knowledgeable, experienced realtor as your advocate.
As your buyer’s agent, I’ll work with you to establish a plan for your path to homeownership. We will work together to ensure you have a strong lender on your team, the tools to search for the properties that meet your criteria, and the strategy needed to get your offer accepted.
When you work with me as your buyer’s agent, you have an advocate in your corner who knows homes, neighborhoods and local markets. I will attend to every detail up through closing to ensure that you have a successful and smooth home-buying experience.
Commonly asked questions when buying a house.
Is now a good time to buy?
We are currently in a sellers’ market, which means that the inventory of homes for sale is not keeping up with buyer demand. This has made for a competitive market and rising home prices. That said, interest rates are at near historic lows, making it an excellent time to lock into a fixed rate mortgage. Further, rents across the Twin Cities metro area are also at all time highs. In many cases, owning is cheaper than renting. If you are thinking about buying a home, let’s connect to discuss your goals and timelines so that you can decide if now is the right time.
I'd like to buy in a year, what should I do now to prepare?
There are a handful of various expenses when buying a home.
First, save up for your down payment and closing costs. Review your credit score and take steps to improve it. Reach out to a few lenders to discuss loan products, homebuyer programs you may qualify for, and the pre-approval process.
Begin exploring neighborhoods and browsing homes online to get a sense of where you would like to live, what features you prioritize in a home, and what it costs to buy a house you love.
Reach out if you’d like me to refer you to a few local lenders, or set you up on an MLS search.
How much does it cost to buy a home?
The upfront costs when buying a home are your down payment, your closing costs, and the cost of a home inspection.
Your down payment will typically range from 3% to 20%, depending on the type of loan you choose. Closing costs, pre-paid fees and other expenses vary but typically do not exceed 3% of the sale price.
Finally, the home inspection, radon inspection and sewer line inspection, which are optional but common and recommended, will cost an additional $500-$750.
There are zero-down payment government-backed loans, as well as down-payment and closing cost assistance programs for buyers who meet specific criteria.
It is also possible to craft an offer so that the sellers pay some or all of your closing costs. Your realtor and your lender can discuss these options with you in greater detail.
What services do you offer as my buyer's agent?
When buying a home, your realtor is your advocate and teacher throughout the entire process.
I will educate you about the home buying process and refer you to trusted mortgage lenders.
I will consult with you to identify the neighborhood and characteristics that you value for your home, providing home and neighborhood expertise.
I will set you up on a search of homes that meet your criteria.
I will show you houses and preview houses on your behalf if helpful.
I will write and submit offers for homes and negotiate on your behalf.
I will refer you to trusted home inspectors and title professionals, and ensure that all details of your home purchase are handled up and through closing.
Cara was the fourth realtor we met with and the first one we clicked with. We’re first time home buyers and she absolutely felt like our advocate at every step – guiding us through this whole process with integrity, transparency and attentiveness. Cara was available to us for questions and concerns from the first day we met her all the way to closing day.
Jamie | Oct 2019
“Cara was the fourth realtor we met with and the first one we clicked with. We’re first time home buyers and she absolutely felt like our advocate at every step – guiding us through this whole process with integrity, transparency and attentiveness. Cara was available to us for questions and concerns from the first day we met her all the way to closing day.”