Your Buyer's Guide

It's natural to feel like this is a lot to take in — but you won't be doing it alone. Working with an exceptional agent like Meg turns an overwhelming process into a confident one, with expert guidance at every step from first conversation to closing day.

Your credit score is a number — typically between 300 and 850 — that estimates how likely you are to repay a loan on time. Lenders use it to decide whether you qualify for a mortgage and what interest rate you'll pay, so even a modest improvement can meaningfully lower your monthly payment.

Scores are based on the information in your credit report. The biggest factors are paying your bills on time, keeping balances low relative to your credit limits, the length of your credit history, and how recently you've applied for new credit. Focusing on those areas — well before you start home shopping — puts you in the strongest position when it's time to get pre-approved.

You're entitled to a free copy of your credit report from each of the three nationwide bureaus at the only federally authorized site, AnnualCreditReport.com. Reviewing it for accuracy is a smart first step. (Note: a free report doesn't always include your numeric score, which is a separate product some services charge for.)

Educational information adapted from the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (consumer.ftc.gov). Not financial or credit advice.

Closing costs are the fees due when your purchase is finalized — separate from your down payment. For buyers they typically run about 2–5% of the loan amount, so on a $400,000 loan that's roughly $8,000 to $20,000. Planning for them early keeps your budget realistic and your closing stress-free.

These costs generally fall into a few buckets: lender fees (loan origination, application, and points), third-party services (appraisal, title search, title insurance, and settlement/escrow fees), and prepaids and escrow (upfront property taxes, homeowner's insurance, and prepaid interest). Your lender is required to give you a Loan Estimate up front and a Closing Disclosure before you sign, so you can review every line and compare it to what you were quoted.

Some closing costs are negotiable, and in certain markets sellers may contribute toward them. Knowing which fees to question — and how to structure your offer — is exactly where an experienced agent earns their keep. Contact Meg and she'll help you anticipate the full cost of your purchase and negotiate on your behalf.

Educational information adapted from the U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (consumerfinance.gov). Not financial advice; actual costs vary by lender, location, and transaction.