Clear, simple answers to common questions we hear from home buyers every week.
Buying a home comes with a lot of questions. Below are some of the most common questions we hear from buyers in Murfreesboro, Rutherford County, and across Middle Tennessee, along with straightforward answers to help you feel more confident about your next steps.
We strongly recommend it. A pre-approval helps you understand your price range, what your monthly payment might look like, and how much cash you’ll need for closing. It also makes your offer stronger when you find the right home, because sellers know a lender has already reviewed your basic info.
It depends on the loan program. Some buyers use options with as little as 3–5% down, while others choose to put more down to lower their payment. A local lender can walk you through the choices. Our role is to help you line up homes that fit both your budget and comfort level.
Closing costs are the fees related to your loan, title work, recording fees, and other services needed to complete the purchase. Buyers usually pay most of their own closing costs, but in some situations we can ask the seller to help with a portion of them as part of your offer strategy.
Once you’re under contract, most closings in our area take around 30 days, depending on the loan type and the terms you negotiate. The search phase can be fast or slow — some buyers find a home in the first week, and others take longer while they wait for the right fit.
Many buyers are able to purchase a home without perfect credit. A lender can review your situation and let you know what’s possible now and what steps might help you in the future. Our job is to connect you with trusted lenders who will give honest guidance, not pressure.
We almost always recommend a home inspection. An independent inspector looks at the major systems and condition of the home so you have a clearer picture of what you’re buying. If issues come up, we’ll talk through options and how to respond within your contract timeline.
The agent in the model home represents the builder. When you work with our team, we represent you. We help you compare floor plans, upgrades, and builder incentives, and we make sure you understand the contract and timelines from your side of the table.
Sometimes yes. It depends on your finances, loan options, and comfort level. We’ll work with your lender to see what’s possible and then build a plan that might include timing your sale and purchase, using a contingency, or exploring other options that fit your situation.
Even a small change in interest rates can change your monthly payment. Instead of focusing only on price, we look at both the price and the payment together so you can decide what feels comfortable for your budget and long-term plans.
Earnest money is a good-faith deposit you make after your offer is accepted. It shows the seller you’re serious about buying the home. In most cases, it’s applied toward your closing costs or down payment at closing, as long as you follow the terms of the contract.
Still have questions that are specific to your situation? That’s normal. Every buyer’s story is a little different.
Schedule a Buyer Consultation Download the Homebuyer GuideWe’ll walk you through the process step by step and help you move at a pace that feels right for you.
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