Dawn Little

A Step-by-Step First Time Buyer's Guide

Buying a home is one of the most exciting milestones of your life. To prepare yourself for this moment, you need to know what to expect during the process. This step-by-step first time buyer’s guide created by your agent will help reduce the stress of buying a home and help you enjoy the journey as much as possible.

Open-plan kitchen, dining, and living area with white cabinetry, exposed beams, and tall garden-facing windows.

Step 1: Buyer Consultation

  • No Obligation
  • Just Clarity
  • Discuss Budget
  • Timeline
White brick home entrance with a dark wood door, white columns, and flanking evergreens.

Step 2: Pre-Approval

  • Strong buyers win homes.
  • We connect you with a trusted lender.
  • We learn your budget.
Bright kitchen with warm wood cabinetry, open shelves, and large windows overlooking a forest.

Step 3: Understand Numbers

  • Estimated monthly payment
  • Closing costs (2-5%)
  • 3 upfront costs:
    • Escrow deposit (1-3%)
    • Home inspection ($400-$700)
    • Appraisal ($500-$700)
Gray stone-and-stucco house with slate roof, dormer windows, covered porch, and broad driveway.

Step 4: Strategic Home Tours

We don't just "look."

  • Evaluate Condition
  • Resale Value
  • Systems
  • Location

My goal is to provide you with the most personalized service that is designed to help you buy your dream home.

Open-plan kitchen with a large white island, black pendant lights, and leafy views through wide windows.

Step 5: Write a Competitive Offer

Offer includes:

  • Price
  • Financing Type
  • Deposit
  • Inspect on Contingency
  • Appraisal Contingency
  • Closing Timeline

Strategy > Emotion

White house exterior behind a flowering shrub with pale pink and white blossoms.

Step 6: Escrow Deposit Money

  • Cashier's Check to hold the home off-market.
  • $ Amount to show how serious you are about your offer.
Modern white kitchen with marble-look counters, black appliances, open shelves, and a large island.

Step 7: Inspection & Negotiation

  • We review findings and negotiate repairs or credits.
  • You are protected every step of the way.
White two-story house with a covered porch, stone walkway, and pink flowering shrubs.

Step 8: Appraisal & Loan Commitment

  • The lender verifies value.
  • Underwriting clears your file.
Living room with vaulted ceiling, large windows overlooking a wooded yard, and a lit fireplace.

Step 9: Cleared to Close

Your lender will have your new home appraised so they have their independent value of it. The appraisal is to ensure that all parties involved are paying a fair price for the house.

Large white mansion with a dark shingle roof, mature trees, and a broad manicured lawn.

Closing Day

Congratulations!

Bright entryway with arched glass double doors, white blossoms, and a woven rug.

Beyond Closing

  • Qtrly Check-Ins
  • Available Vendors
  • Client Appreciate Events

Congratulations!

After signing the final paperwork to complete the purchase, you are now the owner of a new house. It may take a few days for your loan to be funded once the paperwork has been returned to the lender, but once that check is delivered to the seller, you’ll be all set to move into the home of your dreams.

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY

I don't even know where to start! I met Dawn 5 years ago, and I used her as a realtor to buy my first condo. Dawn has always been very friendly and helpful throughout the process of buying my first home. It's never about the money, but for the customer. She is trying to help you in different ways and make it a smooth process. She is very bright and knowledgeable about the business. As time went by, she a...

— Nicholas

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY

Dawn is beyond excellent. She truly cares about her clients and helped me out with an issue, all while being professional, understanding, helpful, and courteous. If you're looking for someone who actually cares, here’s my recommendation.

— Nick T.

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY

Nothing but pleasant, helpful.

— Tom A.

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY

Dawn was truly amazing throughout the entire process. From the initial phone call, we knew we selected the right realtor. Her communication and flexibility are more than what we expected. She is a true professional and is highly recommended.

— Robert W.

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY

We can't speak highly enough of our experience with Dawn Little. She is honest and hands-on, and she really helped to take the pressure off of us. Would highly recommend her to anyone, whether buying or selling a home!

— Monique C.

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY

Dawn made sure we had everything we needed in our first home! She was great!

— Kyla G.

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY

Working with Dawn was simply exceptional! Not only is she knowledgeable and pleasant, but she looks out for your best interest in every single part of the process. I felt as if I was working with one of my close friends, or dare I say, family. This has been one of the best experiences I’ve had in a very long time. I will be coming back for our next one and telling all my friends, relatives, and coworkers...

— Artem M.

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY

Dawn was great throughout the process. As a first-time homeowner, I was nervous, anxious, and questioned almost everything. Dawn remained patient and honest. We even shared laughs, which made the process more comfortable and fun.

— Sygera H.

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY

My husband Joe and I appreciate Dawn's help and expertise in the sale of the property in a very timely manner. She is a great real estate agent and a pleasure to work with.

— Elaine L.

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY

Dawn’s unique approach to real estate honestly deserves more recognition. In a world where so many agents focus on quick wins, Dawn shows up differently—she leads with education, clarity, and a truly personal touch. Her Facebook page is packed with valuable information for first-time buyers and new homeowners. She shares resources that actually help people make smart decisions—like how to prepare if you’...

— Brian G.

Your Trusted Guide

Experience a client-first approach built on trust, compassion, and dedication—because your goals matter.