This guide will help breakdown the process and get you prepared to start looking at homes with more confidence.

Mortgages are not created equally and it is incredibly important to understand the different loan options available for you. There is no such thing as applying too early for a mortgage and by doing so, you are allowing yourself time to determine which loan works best for you and search for a home based on what you want to pay vs. what you qualify for. Applying for a mortgage does not obligate you to use that lender specifically or to buy a property. Fun fact! FICO changed their rules about applying for mortgages to encourage consumers to compare rates and multiple applications in a 30 day period will only count as 1 credit check.

Homespotter is the same app I use as a REALTOR® to check the live status of properties. You can customize your search, see all listings, and communicate with me directly through the messaging feature. Download it here: http://hms.pt/1kr0

When you finally find the property you've been searching for, you might find yourself asking "Now what?" Before we get there, I highly recommend reading through the sample contract provided so you will be ready to discuss the main terms of the contract. Those terms are price, earnest money, financing type/down payment, closing date, closing costs, and inspections.  This is the largest financial purchase you will probably make and that is exactly how I treat it. When you have a clear understanding about the information in the contracts, you'll be able to strategize to be competitive and to also protect yourself. Let's start with the price. What should you offer? My pricing method will educate you about the difference between market value and appraised value along with an after renovation value. It will also help you determine how you value subjective features. This way, you'll know your limits and feel confident with your offer.  Financing is addressed on the purchase agreement and it's just another reason to have your pre-approval done prior to looking at homes. You'll need to know which loan product you'll be using (FHA, Conventional, DVA or Cash), what your down payment is, how much your closing costs are and how much earnest money you'll need to deposit.  The next contingency we'll need to address is the inspection contingency. I highly recommend getting a home inspection on any home (including new construction). This is your opportunity to hire an inspector of your choosing to take a closer look at the property and potentially catch any hazardous items before moving forward. Every house is different which means every offer will be slightly different. My job is to make sure you have all the information you need in order to make an educated offer.

Jessica moved to Minneapolis—St.Paul in 2002 and has been falling in love with the area ever since. She grew up in the small town of Amery, Wisconsin and was seeking a more vibrant environment, which is why she immediately found a connection with the Twin Cities and its real estate market. She’s passionate about working with both buyers and sellers and consistently utilizes her sharp negotiation skills to solve problems for her clients. She’s creative and innovative when it comes to real estate transactions, and there is no scenario that’s too big or demanding for her to successfully manage. Of course, one has to commingle work with a little fun, so Jessica enjoys spending time with her kids in the city. From cultural experiences like plays and museums to active excursions like hiking and biking around the lakes, she finds joy in discovering all that the Twin Cities has to offer. If you’re looking for a real estate agent who is dependable, honest and loyal, look no further than Jessica. She is eager to take your call and learn more about your real estate objectives.

We finished 2021 with our best year ever and I'm not just talking about sales. We have an amazing group of agents at BRIX who inspire us every day to be better for our clients and our community. Our consistent, steady and organic growth is a reflection of our continued commitment to putting clients first. We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished so far and we’re excited for what 2022 will bring.