Your dream home
Journey starts here

Buying your first home doesn't have to be overwhelming. I'm here to guide you through every step, making the process simple, clear, and exciting.

Your Next Home Starts With One Conversation. Let’s Make Your Next Move a Pretty Big Deal.

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Proven Results, Strategic Negotiation

Hands-On Guidance From Start to Finish

Local Expertise + Client-First Service

Your First Steps to Home Ownership

Follow our proven roadmap to make your home buying journey smooth and successful

Get Pre-Approved

Start with a pre-approval to understand your budget and show sellers you're serious

Contact a lender to review your finances and get a pre-approval letter. This typically takes 1-3 days and helps you shop with confidence

Define Your Needs

Create a wish list of must-haves vs. nice-to-haves for your future home.

Consider location, size, amenities, and proximity to work/schools. This helps narrow your search and saves time.

Start Touring Homes

Begin touring homes that match your criteria and budget.

Work with your agent to schedule viewings. Take notes and photos to help remember each property.

Make An Offer

Found the one? Your agent will help you submit a competitive offer.

Your offer should include price, closing date, and any contingencies. Your agent will negotiate on your behalf.

Home Inspection

Hire a professional inspector to check for any issues with the property.

This protects you from unexpected problems. Most issues can be negotiated with the seller.

It's Time To Close!

Sign the final paperwork and get your keys!

Bring a cashier's check for closing costs, review all documents, and celebrate your new home!

Homes Perfect for First-Time Buyers

How Much Can You Afford?

Find Out The Estimated Monthly Mortgage Payment

* Based on Fixed Interest Rate with a 30 year term, principal and interest only

For general informational purposes only. Actual rates available to you will depend on many factors including lender, income, credit, location, and property value. Contact a mortgage broker to find out what programs are available to you.

Mortgage calculator estimates are provided by C21 Results and are intended for information use only. Your payments may be higher or lower and all loans are subject to credit approval.

Understanding Real Estate Terms

Amortization
The process of paying off a debt over time through regular payments. Part of each payment goes toward the loan principal and part goes toward interest.
Closing Costs
Expenses over and above the price of the property in a real estate transaction, including attorney fees, title insurance, appraisal, and more.
Equity
The difference between how much your home is worth and how much you still owe on your mortgage. It's the portion of your home that you truly 'own.'
FHA Loan
A mortgage loan insured by the Federal Housing Administration, designed to help first-time and low-to-moderate income buyers with lower down payment requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to common questions about the home buying process

How long does the home buying process typically take?

The home buying process typically takes 30–60 days from the time you go under contract to closing, but the full journey can vary depending on your preparation and the market.

Here’s a simple breakdown:

Getting pre-approved & searching: a few days to several weeks (depends on how quickly you find the right home)
Under contract to closing: usually about 15–45 days
Inspections, appraisal, and final loan approval: completed during that contract period

Some buyers move faster — especially if they’re pre-approved and clear on what they want — while others take more time to explore options. My role is to guide you step-by-step, keep things moving smoothly, and help you avoid delays so you can close with confidence.

What is the difference between pre-qualification and pre-approval?

Pre-qualification and pre-approval both help you understand your buying power, but they are not the same level of commitment.

Pre-qualification is a quick estimate. It’s usually based on information you provide verbally about your income, debts, and credit. It gives you a general idea of what you might be able to afford, but it doesn’t carry much weight with sellers.

Pre-approval is more serious and much stronger. A lender reviews your financial documents, credit, income, and assets to verify your buying power. You’ll receive a pre-approval letter showing exactly how much you’re qualified to borrow — and this makes your offer much more competitive.

In short:
Pre-qualification = estimate.
Pre-approval = verified buying power.

I always recommend buyers get pre-approved before house hunting so we can move quickly and confidently when the right home comes along.

How much should I budget beyond the purchase price?

Beyond the purchase price, buyers should plan for several additional costs to avoid surprises. A good rule of thumb is to budget about 2%–5% of the home price for upfront expenses, plus ongoing monthly costs.

Here’s what to expect:

Closing costs: Typically 2%–5% of the purchase price. These may include lender fees, appraisal, title insurance, attorney fees, taxes, and insurance.

Earnest money deposit: Usually 1%–3% of the purchase price. This shows the seller you’re serious and is applied toward your purchase at closing.

Home inspection: Often $300–$600 depending on the size and type of property.

Moving expenses: Costs vary, but it’s smart to set aside funds for movers, supplies, or utility setup.

Initial home expenses: Things like minor repairs, appliances, furniture, or upgrades once you move in.

Monthly costs: Beyond your mortgage, plan for property taxes, homeowners insurance, HOA fees (if applicable), maintenance, and utilities.

I always help buyers look at the full financial picture early so there are no surprises — just a smooth and confident path to homeownership.

What is a credit score?

A credit score is a number that reflects your credit history and helps lenders evaluate how reliably you manage debt. It’s one of the key factors lenders use to determine whether you qualify for a mortgage and what interest rate you’ll receive.

Here’s a general guide for home loans:

620+ — Often the minimum score for many conventional loan programs
580+ — May qualify for certain FHA loan options with a lower down payment
700+ — Typically qualifies for better interest rates and loan terms
740+ — Usually considered excellent credit and can help you secure the most competitive rates

Keep in mind, credit score is only one part of the picture. Lenders also look at your income, debt-to-income ratio, employment history, and savings.

If you’re not sure where you stand, don’t worry — many buyers are surprised by their options. I can help connect you with trusted lenders who will review your situation and show you the best path forward.

Our Testimonials

brinson601

Janelle did an excellent job with assisting me in the purchase of my new home. She was very responsive and answered any question that I had. I really felt that she was on my side, and would definitely recommend her services.

The Baliem Estates

Jenelle’s execution is top tier, she was on it the moment we connected. She paid attention to what mattered to us the most & once we found what we loved, she didn’t stop & probably didn’t sleep until the sellers accepted our offer. She is truly a buyers agent. She helped every step of the way, from connecting us to lenders, showing us around the homes in the area, giving us solutions to get the deal closed! She’s a pretty big deal, & we truly appreciate her efforts & getting us in the home we wanted

Skalove

Jenelle was one of the best I met as she did everything in her power and assisted me at anytime day or night with the help I needed and even made an earlier closing than we expected. She also bargained a great bargain so I was able to close with everything I had a problem with. Will definitely refer her to anyone I know that’s looking for their perfect home.

Ready To Start Your Journey?

Get in touch today for a free consultation. We're here to answer your questions and guide you every step of the way.

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Your dream home Journey starts here