To know how much you can afford, you should set a budget and get pre-approved for a mortgage. This will give you a clear idea of your price range and help you focus on homes you can afford.

Getting pre-approved means a lender has reviewed your finances and agreed to lend you a certain amount of money for your home. It shows sellers that you're serious and ready to buy.

Start by making a list of what you want and need in a home. Use online search tools and work with a real estate agent to find homes that match your list. Visit open houses and tours to see which ones feel right.

After you make an offer, the seller can accept it, reject it, or make a counteroffer. If they accept, you'll need to do inspections and finalize the paperwork. If they counteroffer, you and the seller will negotiate until you agree on the terms.

Closing is the final step in buying a home. It's when you sign all the paperwork and pay any remaining costs. Once everything is signed and paid for, you get the keys to your new home.

Working with a real estate agent usually doesn't cost you anything when you're buying a home. Most of the time, the seller pays the agent fees for both their own agent and yours. This means you can get all the help and expertise from an agent for free. Just make sure to talk with your agent about any fees so there are no surprises.

In most cases, the realtor’s commission is paid by the seller of the property. When a property is listed for sale, the seller typically agrees to pay a certain percentage of the sale price as a commission to the real estate agents involved in the transaction. This means that as a buyer, you generally do not have to directly pay the realtor’s commission. The commission is usually split between the listing agent (the agent representing the seller) and the buyer’s agent (the agent representing you as the buyer). It’s important to note that the commission is typically factored into the overall sale price of the property. So, while you may not be directly responsible for paying the realtor’s commission, it is indirectly included in the cost of the home.

Buying a home without an agent is possible, but I really suggest you use one. An experienced agent can guide you through everything—from knowing the local market to negotiating with the seller and closing the deal. I'll work hard to find you the perfect property and make the process smooth and stress-free.

Figuring out how much to save for a down payment depends on things like the home's price, your money situation, and the kind of mortgage you want. Usually, you should try for at least 20% down, but some loans allow for less than 20%. I can help you figure out a specific amount for your situation, and we can connect you with a mortgage broker to find the best loan for you.