Buying a home is exciting — but if you’re new to the process, it can also feel like stepping into a world full of unfamiliar terms, timelines, and decisions. I work with first-time buyers, growing families, and seasoned homeowners every day, and I hear a lot of the same questions over and over again.
So, let’s break down the top five questions I get asked daily about buying a home and give you the clear, honest answers you need to make confident decisions.
1. When Is the Best Time to Buy a Home?
I wish I could give you a one-size-fits-all answer here… but the truth is, the best time to buy a home is deeply personal. What’s perfect timing for one person can be completely wrong for another.
If I could hop in a time machine and buy a home on Lake Norman in 2015, knowing what I know now, I would have done it in a heartbeat! But fresh out of college, I simply wasn’t in a position to buy. And that’s the key — your personal readiness matters just as much as the market.
Here’s what I’ll ask you before answering this question:
- Will you be at your job for at least the next 2 years, with a stable or growing income?
- Do you have at least 6 months of living expenses in savings?
- Are you comfortable with a 5% down payment plus inspection and closing costs?
- Are you getting married, starting a family, outgrowing your space, or ready to break free from renting?
When you know your “why” for buying, it’s easier to figure out your “when.”
The Best Time To Buy a Home From a Market Perspective:
- Winter can be a great time to buy — homes sit longer, sellers may be more motivated, and there’s less competition during the holidays.
- Spring is busy — lots of fresh listings hit the market, but you’ll also have more competition (especially from families moving before the next school year).
- Low interest rates can change everything — from 2020 to 2021, when rates dipped into the 2–3% range, buyers had much more purchasing power.
The best way to know if now is the right time for you? Talk with a local realtor (hi, that’s me!) and a trusted lender. Together, we can match your personal readiness with smart market timing.
2. When Should I Start My Home Search if I Just Renewed My Lease?
It’s never too early to start the conversation. Even if you’ve just signed a new lease, talking to a realtor early gives you time to plan ahead, learn the market, and get financially prepared.
If you’ve renewed for another 12 months, I recommend reconnecting around month 7 of your lease. Here’s why:
- This gives us about 2–3 months to focus your search and find “the one.”
- Once you’re under contract, you’ll typically have 30–40 days to close.
- That timeline leaves 1–2 weeks for a smooth, stress-free move from your rental to your new home.
Could the process move faster? Absolutely. Sometimes the perfect home pops up in week one. But having a 2-month buffer allows you to shop with intention — instead of settling for a home you “like” just because your lease is about to end.
3. Do I Talk to a Realtor or a Lender First?
Ah, the real estate version of “Which came first — the chicken or the egg?”
Here’s my take: start with the person you trust the most. That might be a realtor, or it might be a lender. The key is finding someone who:
- Works in the business full-time
- Knows the market inside and out
- Has experience and strong communication skills
- Enjoys educating clients and guiding them through the process
Why? Because the truth is, if you start with one, they’ll connect you with the other. A good realtor has trusted lenders they work with daily, and a good lender has go-to realtors they recommend without hesitation.
A realtor will help you navigate the home search and market trends. A lender will help you get your finances in order, explain your budget, and guide you through the pre-approval process. And while that’s the simple version of what they do, the reality is — both roles are critical to your success and work together as a team to get you into your new home.
4. Do I Pay a Realtor’s Compensation to Be My Buyer’s Agent?
In real estate, almost everything is negotiable — the purchase price of a home, due diligence amount, closing timeline, home warranties… and yes, even agency commissions.
I can’t speak for how other agents structure their fees, but here’s how it works when you hire me to represent you as your buyer’s agent:
I charge X% of the purchase price to:
- Help you find the perfect home
- Negotiate on your behalf
- Schedule and coordinate inspections
- Connect you with my trusted list of contractors and specialists
- Work alongside your lender and attorney to smoothly guide you from contract to close
- Celebrate with you on closing day 🎉
My Buyer Agency Agreement states that the buyer is technically responsible for this commission. However — in almost every case — I negotiate with the seller to have this fee covered as part of the purchase price of the home. That means you get my full representation, expertise, and resources without having to write an extra check for my services at closing.
Understanding how the money flows in a real estate transaction is incredibly important — and it’s one of the most valuable questions you can ask your realtor before you hire them. I love serving others and assisting in one of the most important milestones in life: buying a home. My goal is for you to feel included, educated, empowered, and heard every step of the way, so you walk into closing day with complete confidence.
5. How Much Do I Have to Save to Buy a Home?
When you’ve decided to buy a home, there are several upfront costs to be prepared for — some due right away, others paid at the closing table. Here’s a breakdown:
Upfront Costs at the Time of Contract when Buying a Home
Once your offer is accepted and the contract is signed by all parties, you’ll need to pay two key fees:
- Due Diligence Fee: Paid directly to the seller for taking the home off the market while you complete inspections and finalize financing.
- Earnest Money Deposit: Held in escrow as a sign of good faith that you intend to move forward with the purchase.
These amounts are negotiated before signing the contract, so you’ll know exactly what they are before you commit.
Inspection Costs (During Due Diligence)
Inspections aren’t mandatory, but they are absolutely recommended. These costs can range from $750–$2,500 depending on the home and the types of inspections you choose. Options include:
- Whole-home inspection
- Well and septic inspection
- Pest inspection
- Radon testing
- Survey
- HVAC, electrical, plumbing, roof, or foundation inspections
Closing Costs
Paid at the closing table, these typically amount to 2.5–3.5% of the purchase price and cover:
- Lender fees
- Title and attorney fees
- Prepaid homeowner’s insurance
- Taxes and escrow setup
Down Payment
Set during the pre-approval process with your lender, your down payment can vary based on your loan type and comfort level — from as little as 5% to as much as 50%. This is the amount you’re putting toward the purchase price upfront, which reduces the amount you borrow.
By understanding these costs early on, you can plan your savings strategy, avoid surprises, and move confidently through the buying process.
Final Thoughts on Buying a Home
Buying a home doesn’t have to feel overwhelming — you just need the right information and the right people in your corner. Whether you’re six months from your lease ending, wondering if now is the “right time,” or just starting to dream about homeownership, I’m here to guide you every step of the way.
If you’re ready to start the conversation, let’s grab coffee and talk about your next move.
