For Buyers
Buying a home is a journey — I never let you walk it alone.
A start-to-finish buyer's guide from a REALTOR® who grew up in Lakeville and treats your search the way she'd treat her own family's.
My Promise
You'll be fully heard, fiercely represented, and never left to navigate this alone.
Tenacious
I don't walk away from a hard negotiation. Ever.
Communicative
You'll never wonder where things stand. You'll know — usually before you ask.
Compassionate
This is one of the biggest decisions of your life. I treat it that way.
The Process
From first conversation to keys in your hand.
Eight steps. No surprises. Every one of them done with you in the room.
- 01
The First Conversation
We sit down — coffee, phone call, video, your call — and I learn what you actually want. Not what the algorithm thinks you want. School district, commute, lake access, that one weird kitchen layout you love. I take notes that matter.
- 02
Pre-Approval & Budget Reality
Before we tour a single home, you'll know your real monthly number — taxes, insurance, HOA, everything. I work with trusted local lenders who close on time, and I'll run the math with you so the payment fits your life, not just the approval letter.
- 03
The Search — Block by Block
I grew up here. When I send you a listing, I already know which streets back up to the parks, which additions were built in which decade, and where the school bus actually stops. You'll see homes that match how you live, not just your filters.
- 04
Tour Days
I show up early. I open every cabinet. I point out the foundation crack the staging hid and the south-facing windows you'd thank me for in February. You'll leave each home with a real read — not a sales pitch.
- 05
Writing the Offer
Pricing strategy in this market matters more than ever. I'll show you comps line by line, walk you through escalation, contingencies, earnest money, and timing — then write an offer that's competitive without giving away leverage you'll need at inspection.
- 06
Inspection & Negotiation
This is where the deal is really made. I bring vetted inspectors, read every report alongside you, and negotiate repairs or credits hard. My clients use the word 'tenacious' a lot — this is where they mean it.
- 07
Appraisal, Title & Final Walk-Through
I stay on top of the lender, the title company, and the seller's side so nothing slips. We do the final walk-through together the day before closing — every room, every system, every promise the seller made.
- 08
Keys in Your Hand
Closing day is the easy part when the other 60 days were done right. You sign, I hand you the keys, and you walk into a home I helped you choose with eyes wide open — not just one that beat the deadline.
Buyer FAQ
What buyers want to know right now.
Do I really need a buyer's agent in this market?+
Yes — more than ever. With recent commission changes, buyers now sign written representation agreements up front, and the seller often still offers to cover some or all of the buyer-agent fee. Skipping representation means negotiating directly against the listing agent who works for the seller. I'll explain exactly how compensation works at our first meeting, in plain language, before you commit to anything.
How much do I really need for a down payment?+
Less than most people think. Conventional loans can go as low as 3%, FHA as low as 3.5%, and some local first-time buyer programs in Minnesota go lower. I'll connect you with lenders who actually know our market and aren't selling you the wrong product.
What credit score do I need?+
Generally 620+ for conventional, 580+ for FHA — but rates and terms get meaningfully better at 700+. If you're close, I'll loop in a lender who can give you a 30-day plan to bump your score before we go shopping.
How long does the whole process take?+
From first meeting to keys, most of my buyers close in 45–75 days once we're under contract. Finding the right home can take 2 weeks or 6 months — I never push you to settle.
Should I waive inspection to win in a bidding war?+
Almost never. I've seen what gets hidden behind fresh paint. I'd rather lose one house than hand you a $30,000 surprise. There are smarter ways to make your offer stand out — and I know them.
What if I'm relocating from out of state?+
I do this often. We can tour virtually, I'll FaceTime you through every showing, and I'll be your eyes and ears on inspections and walk-throughs. Several of my best client relationships started from another time zone.
Ready to start looking?
The first conversation is free, no pressure, and the most useful thing you'll do this month if you're thinking about buying.