buying your first home?
First-time home buyers, this one's for you.
Most of the people I help are buying their very first home, so I know exactly how big (and a little scary) this feels. I'll explain every step in plain English, connect you with the right people, and be in your corner from "should we even buy?" to the day you get your keys.
Let's chat about your first home
free guides
Grab my free first-time buyer guides
Two quick guides I put together for my first-time buyers. Tell me where to send them and they're yours.
The First-Time Buyer Guide
- Every step from renting to keys
- What you need to get started
- The costs people forget
- Questions to ask when you interview lenders
Wisconsin Down Payment Help Guide
- WHEDA Easy Close & Capital Access
- City of Milwaukee down payment grants
- Who usually qualifies and how to apply
- Using gift funds from family
Your roadmap from renting to keys
A no-pressure strategy chat
We'll talk about your goals, timeline, budget and must-haves, and I'll answer every "dumb" question (there aren't any).
Let's meet (in person or virtually)
We'll meet in person, or virtually if you're not local, and go through the market, the home buying steps, the costs to prep for, and how hiring me to work for you works. You'll leave with personalized next steps.
Get pre-approved
I'll connect you with lenders I trust, plus my lender interview checklist so you can compare them yourself. My trusted resources →
Find your down payment help
Many first-time buyers qualify for help they don't know about. Your lender and I will make sure you look at every option.
Tour homes
You'll get new listings as soon as they hit, plus my honest take on every home we see, the good and the not-so-good.
Write a winning offer
I'll pull the data so you know what the home is really worth, and we'll build an offer that's strong without overpaying.
Inspection & appraisal
I'll walk you through the inspection report: what's normal, what's a big deal, and what we can negotiate.
Closing day & your keys
I'll keep the lender, title company and everyone else on track, so closing day is a celebration, not a scramble.
What do I really need to get started?
Steady income
Income you can document: pay stubs, W-2s or tax returns.
A credit score to check
Some loan programs work with scores in the low 600s, and a lender can tell you exactly where you stand.
Some savings
Often less than people think. Some loans need as little as 3% to 3.5% down, and VA and USDA loans can be 0% down for buyers who qualify.
A pre-approval
Before we start touring, so you know your real budget and sellers take you seriously.
Down payment help in Wisconsin
These programs come and go and have income, price and location limits, so your lender will confirm what you qualify for. Here's what I most often see first-time buyers use:
WHEDA Easy Close
Up to 6% of the purchase price toward your down payment and closing costs, paid back as a small second loan over 10 years. It pairs with a WHEDA first mortgage.
WHEDA Capital Access
$7,500 with 0% interest and no monthly payment, repaid when you sell or refinance. Funding is limited, so ask about it early.
City of Milwaukee Home Down Payment Assistance
Forgivable grants up to $7,000 for eligible City of Milwaukee residents buying in the city.
Gift funds
Money from family can often be used toward your down payment too.
The costs people forget
- Earnest money when your offer is accepted (it goes toward your purchase)
- Home inspection and appraisal
- Closing costs, which down payment help can sometimes cover
- Homeowners insurance and property taxes, usually built into your monthly payment
- Moving, utility setup, and a little cushion for repairs and furniture
First-time buyer FAQs
Should I wait for rates to drop?
Nobody can time the market perfectly. We'll look at what you can comfortably afford today and what renting another year really costs you, then you decide. Not sure? Take my rent-or-buy quiz →
How much house can I afford?
Your lender gives you the maximum. I'll help you find the number that still lets you live your life, and we'll shop below it if that feels better.
Do I have to pay you?
We'll talk about exactly how I'm paid before we ever tour a home, so there are no surprises. In many cases it's covered as part of the sale, and I'll walk you through your options.
What if I'm not ready yet?
That's totally okay. Many of my clients start talking with me 6 to 12 months before they buy. We'll make a plan and I'll check in when you're ready.
"From looking at homes to negotiations, she was extremely quick to respond and get things done!"
★★★★★ First-time buyers · South Milwaukee Read more reviews →
Ready to take the first step?
Coffee, a call or a quick text, whatever feels easiest. Call or text 414-501-7880 and you'll hear back within 2 hours (before 8 pm).
Loan programs, limits and down payment assistance change often and depend on income, price and location. This page is general information, not lending advice. Your lender will confirm what you qualify for.