Buying a home, step by step
Resale home or builder home, I guide you through both. Buying a home has an order to it, and once you know it, it stops being scary. Here it is, in five stages, in your language. More than 140 families have already walked this path with me.
The free guide: from renting to your own keys, in your language.
From the first conversation to the keys
- 1
Your numbers, no judgment
We start with your budget, your pre-approval, and what you're really looking for. No rush and no feeling graded: the numbers are there to give you clarity, not to scare you.
- 2
The search, with a plan
It's not about seeing forty homes, it's about seeing the right ones. We narrow down area, price, and priorities, and I alert you when something worth it hits the market, sometimes before you spot it on the portals.
- 3
The offer and the negotiation
This is where money is won or lost. We build an offer with strategy, price, terms, and dates, and I negotiate on your side, always.
- 4
The inspection and the appraisal
An independent inspection tells you the true condition of the home. Whatever comes up, we use it to renegotiate or request repairs. The appraisal confirms the price makes sense. I explain every report, no jargon.
- 5
Closing and the keys
We review the final numbers, do the final walkthrough together, and you get the keys to your home, knowing exactly what you signed.
What if the home is brand-new, from a builder?
In this market, builders are offering terms worth a look, and buying a builder home has rules of its own. If you're considering one, I'll explain that whole path. And remember: talk to me before your first model-home visit, so I represent you, not the builder.
See the new-construction process →“I know both paths, and on both I sit on the same side of the table: yours.
Sheryl Cury
What buyers ask me most
How much do I need for a down payment?
Often less than people think. Some loans ask for a low down payment, and for some buyers there are assistance programs. On our first call, together with your lender, we look at the real numbers for your situation, no surprises and no empty promises.
Do I need to be pre-approved before we start?
It's the smart move, and it's in your favor. A pre-approval tells you what you can actually afford and makes your offer get taken seriously. If you don't have one yet, I'll connect you with lenders I trust and we start there, with no obligation.
What does it cost me to use a buyer's agent?
It depends on the deal, and I put it in writing before we start, no fine print. In many purchases the seller or the builder covers part or all of the buyer's-agent commission, but it isn't guaranteed. We go over it on our first call, and you'll know exactly what you're signing.
Should I buy a resale home or a brand-new one?
It depends on your budget, your area, and your timeline. Resale often gives you location and more home for the price; a brand-new home gives you warranties and fewer repairs, and in this market some builders offer good incentives. I know both paths, and we compare them with your numbers, not with theories.
How long does the whole process take?
A resale purchase usually takes 30 to 45 days from accepted offer to closing. A brand-new home depends on whether it's finished or still being built, and can take anywhere from weeks to several months. On our first call I'll give you a realistic estimate based on what you're looking at.
Are there down-payment-assistance or first-time-buyer programs?
Yes, programs like Florida Housing (the Florida Bond) exist and are worth exploring. Each one has its own requirements and they don't apply to every buyer, so I won't promise anything up front: we review them together with your lender to see what you can truly take advantage of.
Do you work in Spanish?
Yes. I'll guide you in Spanish or English, whichever feels more comfortable. I explain every document and every step in your language, so you sign understanding everything, not on blind trust.
The best time to buy? Yours. Rates and prices move, but the decision gets made with your numbers and your timeline, not with headlines. Let's talk and look at them together, no obligation.
Download the guide or book a consult
More than 140 families already got their keys with me. Download the free guide or book a 30-minute consult. No rush, no pressure.