BUYING A HOME?
From cottage to mansion, I service all manner of properties. Whether you are interested in buying or selling a farm, waterview property, condo, home on acreage, or a home in an established development, I am here to help you.
You want to be wise with your hard-earned money, but you also want a particular lifestyle. Smart real estate lets you do both.
It’s so exciting to find a home that fits within your carefully considered budget and empowers you to live your ideal lifestyle.
Myth: It’s a seller’s market, so we won’t be able to find anything in our budget.
Reality: It’s always a negotiator’s market.
Twenty-some years ago my husband and I bought a home that changed our lives. I never imagined that we could own a historic home with a barn for our horse-loving daughter. With that house, our family embarked on a new phase in our lives, and it wouldn’t have been possible without Sue, our real-estate agent. Sue did more than listen, she heard me say something I didn’t even say. By getting to know me she found us a true dream home. Sue has since retired, but I like to think I’m continuing her tradition of honest, reliable, empathetic service with my clients.
Whether you want a home in a family-friendly neighborhood, a horse farm, a waterfront view, a no-hassle condo, or a historic gem…I’ll find it and negotiate the best possible terms.
Learn more about the home search process and how Lori finds homes for her clients Download Lori’s Home Buyer Guide.
Mortgage Information
OUR TESTIMONIALS
"5 Stars | Google Review"
“If there is someone I have enjoyed encountering the most, the person is Lori Jean B. Lori and I met, and just a few weeks down the road, I was in an amazing loving house, the house of my dreams. Lori is so nice and especially real. She hasn’t changed an ounce since I knew her about a year ago. While maintaining her professionalism, she can’t just stop being a mother, mentor, friend, and coach. I now know much about the real estate world than ever just within this short period of time. She really fights for the interest of her clients, and she wins. I would recommend her for any real estate transactions or deals.”
– Cleford Forsang –
"5 Stars | Google Review"
“Lori is the best real estate agent I have ever worked with. She is responsive, caring, and really engaged with us to be sure we were purchasing the right home for us. When it came time to negotiate with the seller, she was savvy and prompt and got us a great deal. She was on top of the whole inspection and closing process. She made the most stressful parts of the home-buying process easier with knowledge, confidence, and humor. I recommend her without reservation, there is no one better!”
– Amy McPherson –
"5 Stars | Google Review "
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“Lori has been nothing short of amazing. Attentive, driven, and on top of the REALTOR® game. As a first-time home buyer, I was unsure of the steps to follow, but Lori was there with me every step of the way! She knew my “must haves” and opened me up to new possibilities.
More importantly, Lori was able to negotiate my wants in this very tough housing market.“
If you are looking for an attentive and driven REALTOR® with great attention to detail, Lori is it!”
– Maelim Gonzalez –
GOT QUESTIONS?
CHECK OUT OUR FAQS
I want to buy a home. Where do I start?
To get started, reach out to Lori Jean Homes. As a professional Realtor she will help you find your dream home. The next step is loan pre-approved with a lender. After you fill out the loan application (15 minutes) and provide documents, you will know how much loan you qualify for how much cash you need for closing and deposit. It is never too early to get pre-approved in the event the lender has recommendations for you to make improvements. To get pre-approved, contact my trusted lending partner, Corey Smith with Vellum Mortgage.
I am comfortable renting. Why should I buy a home instead?
My credit isn’t great. Can I still buy a house?
Conventional loans require a minimum credit score of 620. FHA loans require a minimum credit score of 500. VA loans require a minimum credit score of 580. USDA loans require a minimum credit score of 620. Special products and programs will each have their own credit score guidelines, Maryland Mortgage Program, for example, requires a minimum score of 640.
How much money do I need saved up?
In addition to the down payment, you will have closing costs to pay for at the time of closing. Closing costs are typically around 3-5% of the home’s sales price. Like down payment, there are programs and strategies to help buyers pay their closing costs.
Conventional loans require a minimum down payment of 3% for first-time homebuyers and 5% for repeat homebuyers. FHA loans require 3.5% down. VA and USDA loans offer 0% down payment.
What is the benefit of working with a local lender?
A trusted, local lender will be more thorough, providing a pre-underwritten pre-approval compared to an online or large corporate lender. Having a pre-approval letter from a local lender will make your offer stronger because Realtors know lenders reputations for getting buyers all the way to closing. They know that local lenders can communicate directly with underwriting to get your loan approved in less time, iron out any snafus on the buyer’s behalf, and close faster. Additionally, smaller local lenders tend to be more cost effective for the borrower and offer superior customer service than a large corporation.
What are current mortgage rates?
What documents are typically needed to apply for a mortgage?
What are the different types of loans available?
How long does it take to buy a home?
CONTACT US
What’s Next?
– You will get a call within 1 working day.
– We’ll discuss your property or home buying needs.
– We can schedule an in-person meeting if necessary.
– You can leave the rest of the work for us.