As your agents, we represent your best interests from start to finish — and when you work with us, you’re getting two professionals for the price of one. Together, we’ll:
- • Walk you through every step with clarity
- • Negotiate with strategy and heart
- • Support you through inspections, decisions, and closing
- • Offer stress-reducing tools like breathwork, mindfulness, and movement practices to help you feel grounded throughout the process
Getting Started
The amount you can afford depends on your income, debt, credit score, and savings. A trusted lender can help you determine your budget and provide a pre-approval letter, which strengthens your offer when you’re ready to buy.
- Pre-qualification: gives you a quick estimate based on your self-reported finances.
- Pre-approval: is a more formal process where a lender reviews your documents and confirms how much you can borrow. Pre-approval carries more weight when submitting offers.
Think about commute times, school districts, walkability, amenities, safety, and overall feel. We’ll help you align your search with what matters most to you.
Some buyers find the right one quickly, while others take their time. On average, people view about 8 to 12 homes. Trust your instincts when something feels like home.
Your lender will guide you through the full list of required documents, which often includes pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, and ID. If you’re not already working with a lender, I can connect you with someone I trust.
A buyer’s agent represents you and your best interests throughout the homebuying process. Here’s how I add value as your agent:
- Expert Guidance: I simplify every step of the process, from financing to inspections to closing.
- Holistic Support: Through mindfulness techniques, breathwork, and stress-management strategies, I help you feel calm and confident in your decisions.
Beyond your down payment, it’s important to plan for additional costs, including:
- Closing Costs: Typically 2–5% of the purchase price, covering fees for appraisal, title, and more.
- Home Inspection: A small investment that helps protect you from hidden issues.
- Property Taxes & Insurance: Ongoing costs that will be part of your monthly budget.
- Maintenance & Utilities: Prepare for both routine upkeep and unexpected repairs.
We can walk through these together so you feel financially ready at every step.
Your Buyer’s Agent Advantage
Fees are outlined in the Buyer Representation Agreement we’ll sign together. They’re negotiable and will be discussed clearly and transparently so you understand how I’ll be compensated for my work on your behalf.
- Many sellers still choose to offer buyer agent compensation during negotiations.
- If the seller doesn’t cover the fee, the buyer is responsible for the amount outlined in our agreement.
- We’ll go over everything in detail during our consultation to make sure you feel fully informed.
We take a holistic approach to real estate, blending expert guidance with wellness-focused support. This means:
- Mindful Home Viewings: We help you stay present and focused during showings so you can tune into how a home truly feels.
- Stress-Reduction Strategies: From breathwork to mindfulness tools, we’ll share simple practices to help you navigate the process with calm and clarity.
- Ongoing Support: After closing, we’re still here to help you create a home that supports your well-being — and we’ll continue to check in as you settle in. And remember, when you work with us, you’re getting two professionals for the price of one.
Navigating the Process
From accepted offer to closing, the process usually takes 30 to 60 days. The full journey, including the home search, may take a few weeks to a few months.
A licensed inspector checks the condition of the home — from roof to foundation — and provides a report. We’ll help you review it and decide on next steps.
Title insurance protects you from claims against the property, such as ownership disputes or unpaid taxes. It’s typically required by lenders, and I highly recommend it for your peace of mind.
- Do: Keep your finances steady, pay bills on time, and avoid large expenses.
- Don’t: Open new credit accounts, change jobs, or make large purchases that could affect your credit score.
In a competitive situation, it’s important to lead with both strategy and heart. We’ll guide you in crafting a compelling offer that reflects your priorities and stands out to the seller. This may include:
- A strong and well-researched offer price
- Flexible terms or timing that work in the seller’s favor
- Clean contingencies or fewer conditions, when it makes sense
Every detail matters in a multiple-offer scenario, and we’ll talk through your comfort level with each piece. Our goal is to help you submit an offer you feel good about — one that’s competitive, authentic, and aligned with your values.
- Appraisal: Confirms the home’s value for the lender
- Inspection: Evaluates the home’s condition for your protection
Costs and Financial Preparedness
- Earnest Money Deposit: Often 1 to 2 percent of the home price
- Down Payment: Typically 3 to 20 percent
- Closing Costs: Usually 2 to 5 percent
- Inspections and Appraisals: A few hundred dollars each
- Moving Expenses: Movers, packing, and utility setup
- Conventional Loans: For buyers with strong credit
- FHA Loans: For lower down payments
- VA Loans: For eligible veterans
- Jumbo Loans: For high-value properties
We can connect you with great local lenders to explore your options.
If your down payment is under 20 percent, you may need mortgage insurance (PMI), which protects the lender. Your lender will explain the details.
Home Inspections: What You Need to Know
A licensed inspector will evaluate the overall condition of the property, including key systems like the roof, foundation, plumbing, electrical, and heating. The purpose of the inspection isn’t to find a flawless home — it’s to help you understand what you’re buying so you can make informed, confident decisions.
We’ll be by your side to help interpret the findings, answer your questions, and guide any next steps if repairs or follow-up inspections are needed.
Home Inspection Tips
- Understand the Purpose of a Home Inspection: The inspection gives you a clear picture of the home’s condition so you can make an informed decision with confidence.
- Choose a Qualified Home Inspector: We recommend working with a licensed, experienced inspector. We’re happy to connect you with professionals we trust.
- Be Present During the Inspection: If you can, attend the inspection. You’ll be able to hear feedback directly, ask questions, and learn more about the property.
- Avoid Bringing Friends or Relatives: Too many opinions can cloud your judgment. Focus on the inspector’s expertise and your own impressions of the home.
- Come Prepared with Questions: Note any concerns you noticed during the showing — like water stains or odors — and ask the inspector to take a closer look.
- Don’t Expect a “Perfect Report”: Every home has quirks. The important thing is to understand major issues related to safety, structure, or function.
Wellness-Focused Questions
I offer mindfulness tools like breathwork, gentle yoga, and grounding practices to help you stay clear and calm through big decisions. You don’t need to use them, but they’re available if you’d like extra support.
- Take it one step at a time
- Pause if you feel overwhelmed
- Trust the process, and let me guide you
- Ask me about complimentary breathwork or movement sessions for clients
Start with a simple reset: declutter, open windows, and create a space that feels grounding. I’ll help you find homes that align with your wellness goals.
Focus on elements like natural light, clean air, and functional spaces for rest, work, and hobbies. I can help you identify homes with wellness-friendly features.
After You Move In
Once the keys are in your hand, there are a few important things to take care of. We recommend:
- Updating your address with the post office, banks, subscriptions, and any other important accounts
- Reviewing your home warranty and homeowners insurance for coverage details
- Getting familiar with your home’s key systems, like the circuit breaker, water shut-off valve, and HVAC
- Taking your time settling in — you don’t need to do everything all at once
- We’ll continue to be here after closing if you have questions or need recommendations for local services. You’re not on your own.
Ashley & Kamil | golddoorrealty.com | haven-harmony.com | 401-425-7714 581 Smithfield Road North Smithfield, Rhode Island 02896 | Licensed in RI, MA, and CT