Everything You’ve Been Wondering About Buying a Home — Answered Simply
Buying a home is one of the biggest financial and personal decisions you’ll ever make — and let’s be honest, it can feel a little overwhelming at times. Whether you're a first-time buyer or just haven't done this in a while, you probably have questions (lots of them).
Good news: You're in the right place. Below are the most common questions I get from buyers in Ridgecrest and surrounding areas — answered clearly and simply, without the fluff or pressure.
What’s the first step to buying a home?
Before browsing homes or going to open houses, your first move should be getting pre-approved by a lender. Pre-approval tells us what you can afford and shows sellers that you’re a serious buyer when it's time to make an offer.
Need a lender? I can connect you with trusted local professionals who make the process smooth, respectful, and informative — no pressure, just clarity.
How much do I need for a down payment?
Most buyers assume they need 20% down — and that’s just not true for everyone.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
FHA loans: 3.5% down
VA loans: 0% down (for qualified buyers)
Conventional loans: 3%–20% down, depending on credit and loan type
In addition to your down payment, you’ll also want to budget for closing costs, which usually range from 2%–5% of the home’s purchase price. Your lender will explain all the numbers, and I’ll help you plan wisely so there are no surprises.
Do I have to pay for a buyer’s agent?
Most of the time, no — the seller pays the buyer’s agent commission. But there are exceptions depending on the property and market conditions.
This is one of the many reasons it’s so important to have a lender review your finances early. We’ll know if we need to build buyer agent commission into the offer or plan ahead in your budget. I’ll always walk you through that before any decisions are made.
What other costs should I expect besides the down payment?
In addition to your down payment, plan for:
Closing costs (loan, title, and escrow fees)
Appraisal and home inspection fees
Moving costs and home setup
Altogether, expect about 2%–5% of the purchase price for closing costs. I’ll break it all down for you clearly, and your lender will give you a full cost estimate as we go.
How do I know if now is the right time to buy?
That depends on your personal goals, not just the market. Buying a home can be a smart move if it brings stability, builds equity, or gets you closer to the lifestyle you want. But if you're unsure, that’s okay too. I’m here to talk through your situation, timeline, and options with zero pressure.
How do I start searching for homes?
You can begin right here on my website! Save listings, set alerts, or let me create a custom search for you that sends homes directly to your inbox the moment they hit the market.
And if you ever see a home you're curious about — just reach out. I’ll get you the info you need or set up a showing.
Still Have Questions?
That’s completely normal — and I’d be honored to help. You don’t need to have it all figured out to take the first step. Whether you’re buying next month or next year, I’m here to guide you with experience, honesty, and heart.
📞 Call/Text: (760) 608-3257
📧 Email: meganalysejones@gmail.com
📍 Ridgecrest, CA | Palomino Properties
Want more guidance like this?
Book an appointment with me or check out my Home Buyer Guide in the link below.
