Buyer Questions

What’s the first step to buying a home?
The very first step is to get pre-approved by a lender. This helps you understand what you can afford, gives us a clear roadmap, and shows sellers you're serious when it’s time to make an offer. I can connect you with trusted local lenders to walk you through it.

How much do I need for a down payment?
You don’t always need 20% down. Depending on the loan type:

• FHA loans: 3.5% down

• VA loans: 0% down (for qualified buyers)

• Conventional loans: 3%–20% down
  You’ll also want to plan for closing costs, which typically range from 2%–5% of the purchase price. Your lender will walk you through the numbers — and I’ll help you budget accordingly.

Do I have to pay for a buyer’s agent?
In most cases, no — the seller pays the buyer’s agent commission. However, in some situations, buyers may need to contribute or cover it themselves, depending on the home or market. That’s why early conversations with your lender are so important — we’ll make a plan together so there are no surprises.

What other costs should I expect besides the down payment?
Common additional costs include:

• Closing costs (lender, title, escrow)

• Inspection and appraisal fees

• Moving expenses or setup fees
  I’ll walk you through every item and help you plan so you always know what to expect.

How do I know if now is the right time to buy?
It depends on your goals, not just the market. If buying a home will help you build wealth, create stability, or move toward your ideal lifestyle — we’ll explore options. If not, I’ll still guide you with clarity and zero pressure.

How do I start searching for homes?
You can search right on my website — save listings, set alerts, and explore what’s available in Ridgecrest and surrounding areas. Or I can set up a custom search for you that sends you new listings the moment they hit the market.

Seller Questions

How do I know what my home is worth?
Online estimates can be off. I provide a personalized market analysis based on real-time Ridgecrest data, recent sales, and your home’s unique features — so you can price it right from day one.

Do I need to fix everything before listing?
Not necessarily. I’ll help you prioritize upgrades or touch-ups that actually increase your sale price — and skip the ones that don’t.

How long does it take to sell a home?
That depends on pricing, condition, and demand. In Ridgecrest, well-priced homes often sell within a few weeks. I’ll give you a realistic timeline and keep you updated the whole way.

How much does it cost to sell a home?
You’ll usually pay commission and closing costs, which I’ll outline upfront. I’ll also help you avoid costly mistakes that could eat into your equity.

Do I need to stage my home?
Clean, bright, and decluttered homes sell faster — but full staging isn’t always necessary. I’ll walk you through exactly how to make your home market-ready, based on your goals and timeline.

Buyer + Seller Combo

Can I buy and sell at the same time?
Yes — with careful planning. I’ll help you manage the timing and explore options like rent-backs, bridge loans, or contingent offers to make it smooth and stress-free.

Is now a good time to buy or sell in Ridgecrest?
That depends on your personal situation, but I’ll give you real-time insight into local market conditions, interest rates, and trends so you can make the best decision for you.