Warm front porch of a home

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Buying a home is one of the biggest decisions you'll ever make and most people go into it completely blind. I'm Mandy Almaraz, a real estate agent in Central Arkansas and I put this together because I wish someone had told me all of this from the start.

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Before You Do Anything — Get Pre-Approved

• Pre-approval is not the same as pre-qualification
• Talk to at least 2 lenders and compare
• Know your credit score before they pull it
• Don't open any new credit cards or make big purchases during this process </aside>

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What Your Budget Actually Means

• Your max approval is not your budget
• Factor in closing costs — typically 2-5% of the loan amount
• Home inspection, appraisal, and moving costs are out of pocket
• Leave an emergency fund — don't spend every dollar to close </aside>

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The Search — What Most Buyers Get Wrong

• Get clear on needs vs wants before you start looking
• In a competitive market you may need to move fast
• Don't fall in love with a house before inspection
• Your agent should be educating you not just opening doors </aside>

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Making an Offer

• List price is a starting point not a final answer
• Earnest money shows you're serious — typically 1% of purchase price
• Contingencies protect you — don't waive them without understanding what you're giving up
• Multiple offer situations are real — have a strategy ready </aside>

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From Contract to Close

• Inspection happens first — this is your out if something is wrong
• Appraisal comes next — the home has to appraise at or above purchase price
• Clear to close means you're almost there — don't change jobs or move money around
• Final walkthrough is your last look before you sign </aside>

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Ready to start your home search in Arkansas? Let's talk.

📅 Book a Free Buyer Consult

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Rackley Realty

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