✦ Buyer's Guide
Buying a home, simplified.
Eight steps from "I think I'm ready" to "here are the keys." In English or Spanish, with full transparency at every stage.
Get pre-approved
Before looking at homes, talk to a lender. Pre-approval tells you what you can afford, what programs you qualify for, and what your monthly payment will look like. I introduce you to participating lenders who work with the down payment programs.
Define your must-haves
How many bedrooms? Schools? Commute? Yard size? We narrow down neighborhoods (Mecklenburg, Cabarrus, Gaston, or Union County) and the must-haves vs. the nice-to-haves. This saves you weeks of looking at the wrong homes.
Tour homes
I set up showings, often with multiple homes per outing. We tour together. I take notes, point out red flags, and answer questions in real time. Bilingual — I'll explain anything in English or Spanish.
Make an offer
When we find the right home, I write a competitive offer based on the local market. We strategize on price, contingencies, earnest money, and closing date. The offer is reviewed with you in your language before submission.
Negotiate & go under contract
The seller responds — accept, counter, or reject. If they counter, we negotiate. Once both sides agree, we're "under contract" and the clock starts on inspections, appraisal, and closing.
Inspections & due diligence
You hire a home inspector. We review the report together. I help you decide what to ask the seller to fix or credit. North Carolina is a "due diligence" state — we have a defined window to do this work and walk away if we need to.
Appraisal & final loan
The lender typically orders an appraisal to determine the property's value. If the appraisal comes in below the purchase price, we may need to renegotiate, explore financing options, or discuss the buyer's next steps. Final underwriting wraps up. I coordinate with the lender, title company, and seller's agent to keep everything moving.
Closing & keys
You sign the closing documents at the attorney's office. Funds transfer. Recording happens. I hand you the keys to your new home — usually with a small surprise to mark the moment.
✦ Free tools
Before you call, run your numbers
Two educational tools that run in your browser without asking for personal details: a 9-question quiz to see whether down payment help is worth reviewing, and a price-range calculator with county property taxes.
Also read: how to buy a home in North Carolina, step by step
✦ Honest answers
Buyer questions
How much do I need for a down payment in NC?
Less than you think. Conventional loans can require as little as 3% down. FHA loans require 3.5%. VA and USDA loans can require 0%. With down payment assistance programs like NC 1st Home Advantage ($15K) or a participating lender's grant, you may be able to bring very little to closing. Start with a free pre-approval conversation.
What credit score do I need to buy a house?
FHA loans typically require 580+ for the lowest 3.5% down payment. NC Home Advantage programs require 640+. Conventional loans typically require 620+, with the best rates above 740. If your score is lower, we'll talk about the steps to raise it before buying.
How long does the home buying process take?
From pre-approval to closing, expect 45–75 days. The pre-approval and home shopping phase is highly variable — some buyers find a home in two weeks, others take six months. Once you're under contract, closing is typically 30–45 days.
Do I have to pay anything to work with you as my agent?
Buyer-agent compensation is fully negotiable and is not set by law or by any brokerage. Before we tour homes, North Carolina requires a written buyer agency agreement that states what I will be paid and how; that amount may be paid by you, by the seller as a negotiated concession, or a combination. I walk you through it line by line, in your language, before you sign anything.
Let's talk about your next move.
Tell me a little about what you're looking for and we'll talk it through, no pressure. I'd be glad to help and walk this process with you.
(704) 380-7185 · berenicecruz@kw.com
— sí, hablamos español