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Buyer's Guide

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.

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Step 1: Research

Do you already know where you want to buy? If you want a condo, townhome, or single-family home? Which features do you like and dislike? What’s available on the market now? If you answered no to any of these questions, now is the time to start researching. In addition to looking for homes that interest you, also take note of any changes in asking prices. This could give you valuable insight into housing trends in specific neighborhoods and help you when the time comes to make an offer.

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Step 2: Decide on Your Budget

Notice I said to decide on your budget—not determine how much the mortgage company will give you. In many cases, a mortgage company will pre-approve you for more than you’re comfortable spending, which is why you need to determine the monthly payment you feel comfortable with before talking to a lender. This likely includes doing a full household budget and taking into consideration what changes other than a mortgage payment will occur once you move into your new home. If you’ve lived in an apartment or with roommates, you may overlook new expenses like garbage, water, or HOA fees that could easily blow your budget.

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Step 3: Get Prequalified

Just because you think you can afford a certain payment every month doesn’t mean the mortgage company will agree. Just as they may approve you for too large of an amount, they may also approve you for a lesser amount or deny you a mortgage altogether. Lack of time at a job, insufficient credit, past bankruptcies, or other financial issues can cause major problems when trying to secure a mortgage. Before you get your heart set on a home, talk to a mortgage professional to find out what amount you can qualify for. This will also be an advantage when you make an offer on a home, as some sellers won’t entertain offers from those who aren’t already prequalified for a loan.

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Step 4: Choose a Real Estate Agent

Can you shop for, look at, and ultimately make an offer on a home without a Real Estate Agent? Technically, yes, but why would you when it costs you nothing for an agent like me to take much of the stress off your shoulders? Not only will I help identify properties you might be interested in, arrange showings, and ultimately handle the offer process, but I also have a knowledge of the market that you don’t possess. Finding the perfect home can be a daunting task, and this is where my expertise and wealth of knowledge come into play. Let me show you around some homes that meet your dream home criteria so you can find the one that's right for you.

Passion & Expertise

My goal is to provide you with the most personalized service possible, meticulously designed to help you navigate the process of buying your dream home. I am dedicated to understanding your unique needs and preferences, ensuring that every step of the journey is tailored to achieve your ultimate home-buying aspirations.

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Step 5: Find the Right Home

This should be the most enjoyable step of the entire process (other than moving in!). I will arrange showings of homes you’re interested in that are within your price range. Take notes about what you like and don’t like, and make sure to pay attention to details. Turn light switches on and off, open and close doors, and run the faucets in various rooms. Don’t limit your inspection to the home itself. Make sure to take time to explore the neighborhood and keep an eye on traffic at certain times of the day, the parking situation, and how close it is to necessities like schools and grocery stores.

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Step 6: Make an Offer

Once you have selected the perfect home, work with your agent to craft a fair offer based on the value of comparable homes on the market. Depending on what the home is listed at and whether the current environment is a buyer’s or seller’s market, your offer may be below, at, or even above the asking price. I will be able to help you negotiate if you receive a counteroffer and reach an agreement. At this point, the house will go into escrow.

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Step 7: Have the Home Inspected

In most cases, your offer will be contingent on having the home inspected to ensure there is no major structural damage or large repairs needed. I can help you arrange this, and you can schedule it within days of making an offer. If there are no major issues, the process goes to step eight. If there is, you can renegotiate your offer based on what needs to be fixed, or you can withdraw it.

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Step 8: Select Your Loan

Now is the time to go back to the mortgage lender who pre-approved or pre-qualified you and choose your mortgage. You will be presented with various options based on your unique financial situation, including fixed-rate, variable-rate, 15-year, 30-year, or special programs such as VA loans or FHA loans. Work with your mortgage lender to select the option you feel the most comfortable with.

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Step 9: Get a Home Appraisal

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.

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Step 10: Finish Paperwork

No one looks forward to all the paperwork involved in buying a home, but it’s a necessary part of the process. Fortunately, everything will be arranged by your lender and title company and, when you’re finished, you’ll know you are the legal owner of your new home.

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. 

See Why Our Clients Love Us

Success Stories

"Closed Escrow, could have not done it without the help of you Alicia Crus Rivera. Thank you for leading us in the right direction."
"Closed Escrow, could have not done it without the help of you Alicia Crus Rivera. Thank you for leading us in the right direction."
Stanley C.
"Alicia was very supportive and thorough during our first home purchase process. She maintained a very proactive communication line between us and stayed on top of every task, which helped us get our dream home eventually. Her positive and patient attitude made us feel very welcome and at ease. I will definitely reach out to her again when the time comes."
"Alicia was very supportive and thorough during our first home purchase process. She maintained a very proactive communication line between us and stayed on top of every task, which helped us get our dream home eventually. Her positive and patient attitude made us feel very welcome and at ease. I will definitely reach out to her again when the time comes."
Ann N.
"As first-time home buyers, Alicia was very knowledgeable and answered all our questions. She made the process easy and flow smoothly. I would highly recommend!"
"As first-time home buyers, Alicia was very knowledgeable and answered all our questions. She made the process easy and flow smoothly. I would highly recommend!"
Megan S.
"Alicia was a great Agent. I had some challenges with my first property purchase and she was awesome in helping me with the second one. She was there every step of the way and even with follow-up after the purchase. When I need to buy or sell, she will be my first call. Thank you for all your help!"
"Alicia was a great Agent. I had some challenges with my first property purchase and she was awesome in helping me with the second one. She was there every step of the way and even with follow-up after the purchase. When I need to buy or sell, she will be my first call. Thank you for all your help!"
Derek R.
"Alicia is a wonderful agent that keeps on top of things and keeps you updated on what's happening with your listing."
"Alicia is a wonderful agent that keeps on top of things and keeps you updated on what's happening with your listing."
Georgia K.
"Alicia and Roberto were exceptional agents. I had the pleasure of working with them on the purchase of my first home. They were both extremely knowledgeable and communicated clearly every step of the way. I would recommend them to any future buyer."
"Alicia and Roberto were exceptional agents. I had the pleasure of working with them on the purchase of my first home. They were both extremely knowledgeable and communicated clearly every step of the way. I would recommend them to any future buyer."
Monica E.
"A good realtor is worth their weight in gold and that perfectly describes Alicia and her husband. Great team to work with and will work with them in the future. They have a lot of connections that made this process a whole lot easier than it would have been without them."
"A good realtor is worth their weight in gold and that perfectly describes Alicia and her husband. Great team to work with and will work with them in the future. They have a lot of connections that made this process a whole lot easier than it would have been without them."
Harris M.
"Alicia is awesome! Kept us up to date and in the loop on every aspect of the process. She went above and beyond to help us and ensure the process was painless for us throughout. We would certainly recommend Alicia to anyone!"
"Alicia is awesome! Kept us up to date and in the loop on every aspect of the process. She went above and beyond to help us and ensure the process was painless for us throughout. We would certainly recommend Alicia to anyone!"
Jimmy B.
"Alicia is hands down one of the best real estate agents in Las Vegas! As a veteran, I was nervous about purchasing a brand-new construction home and wasn’t sure if I needed a realtor. I am so glad I had Alicia representing me. She was extremely knowledgeable about working with veterans and helped me navigate the process with ease. Even though I was buying a new home, Alicia made sure every detail was handled, guiding me step by step and ensuring I was protected throughout. Her patience and professionalism were unmatched. I’ll admit I asked a lot of questions but Alicia always picked up the phone and never minded taking the time to explain everything to me. Her outstanding service, great resources for anything I needed, and dedication to her clients made a potentially stressful process completely seamless. If you’re looking for a top realtor in Las Vegas who truly cares, I cannot recommend Alicia enough. Whether you’re buying a home or selling, especially as a veteran, she’s the person you want on your side. Thank you, Alicia, for everything you’ve earned as a lifelong client!"
"Alicia is hands down one of the best real estate agents in Las Vegas! As a veteran, I was nervous about purchasing a brand-new construction home and wasn’t sure if I needed a realtor. I am so glad I had Alicia representing me. She was extremely knowledgeable about working with veterans and helped me navigate the process with ease. Even though I was buying a new home, Alicia made sure every detail was handled, guiding me step by step and ensuring I was protected throughout. Her patience and professionalism were unmatched. I’ll admit I asked a lot of questions but Alicia always picked up the phone and never minded taking the time to explain everything to me. Her outstanding service, great resources for anything I needed, and dedication to her clients made a potentially stressful process completely seamless. If you’re looking for a top realtor in Las Vegas who truly cares, I cannot recommend Alicia enough. Whether you’re buying a home or selling, especially as a veteran, she’s the person you want on your side. Thank you, Alicia, for everything you’ve earned as a lifelong client!"
Tushil S.
"Alicia is one of the most educated in her field of real estate, especially in the Metropolitan Area of Las Vegas. She gave us honesty, transparency and above all else she was attentive to our needs/wants in finding OUR home. It wasn’t about making a sell, she made it about building loyalty. Much love to her and I thank her much for assisting my wife and I in making a milestone moment for us."
"Alicia is one of the most educated in her field of real estate, especially in the Metropolitan Area of Las Vegas. She gave us honesty, transparency and above all else she was attentive to our needs/wants in finding OUR home. It wasn’t about making a sell, she made it about building loyalty. Much love to her and I thank her much for assisting my wife and I in making a milestone moment for us."
Ashton J.
"From the very first day Alicia has always been super attentive of our needs. She listened to what we wanted and made it all happen for us! When it comes down to buying a new home, it can be extremely overwhelming but Alicia made everything flow smoothly. She’s patient, she’s kind and so full of energy. She made this experience wonderful! If I ever need anything again in the future I will always go back to her."
"From the very first day Alicia has always been super attentive of our needs. She listened to what we wanted and made it all happen for us! When it comes down to buying a new home, it can be extremely overwhelming but Alicia made everything flow smoothly. She’s patient, she’s kind and so full of energy. She made this experience wonderful! If I ever need anything again in the future I will always go back to her."
Miriam G.
"Where can I begin? Alicia and her husband are at the top of their trade with the most industry knowledge. Their expertise and professionalism, top-notch communication and negotiation skills, and last but not least, their integrity is so hard to come by. If you want someone in Las Vegas to fight for you, and be with you every step of the way (especially as a first-time homebuyer) you picked the right duo. She will represent you and your purchase as if it were her own. Even through trying markets, she will not give up until you find the perfect homewhether it be Henderson to Las Vegas she will gather her research to match up potential homes. We saw 20+ homes ourselves, and just when we lost hope, she will pick you back up and send possible leads to your forever home! She is also not afraid of questions, as a matter of fact, she loves them! She is patient and is willing to answer every single one to the best of her ability, and if she doesn’t know, she will reach out to her team for guidance. Thank you so much for this experience and your expertise. You have been phenomenal"
"Where can I begin? Alicia and her husband are at the top of their trade with the most industry knowledge. Their expertise and professionalism, top-notch communication and negotiation skills, and last but not least, their integrity is so hard to come by. If you want someone in Las Vegas to fight for you, and be with you every step of the way (especially as a first-time homebuyer) you picked the right duo. She will represent you and your purchase as if it were her own. Even through trying markets, she will not give up until you find the perfect homewhether it be Henderson to Las Vegas she will gather her research to match up potential homes. We saw 20+ homes ourselves, and just when we lost hope, she will pick you back up and send possible leads to your forever home! She is also not afraid of questions, as a matter of fact, she loves them! She is patient and is willing to answer every single one to the best of her ability, and if she doesn’t know, she will reach out to her team for guidance. Thank you so much for this experience and your expertise. You have been phenomenal"
Clariza M.
"What can I say Alicia and Roberto were absolutely amazingI had knee surgery on Aug 12 my wife after 2 weeks going up and down stairs said we're moving Alecia and Roberto came on Sat the 24th of Aug and came up with a great plan with there team Kim mortage Rachel at first american title and Christine the one behind the scenes doing the doucuments they were fantastic sold my house and getting ready to move into our new house next week they were available 24/7 to answers all my questions it was the best experience knowing they had our best interest in mind I told all my friends how grest this was and they handle everything if your looking to sell or buy there the ones to call you wont be dissapoiinted If i could post 10 stars I would do it Extremely Satisfied and Happy to Post This."
"What can I say Alicia and Roberto were absolutely amazingI had knee surgery on Aug 12 my wife after 2 weeks going up and down stairs said we're moving Alecia and Roberto came on Sat the 24th of Aug and came up with a great plan with there team Kim mortage Rachel at first american title and Christine the one behind the scenes doing the doucuments they were fantastic sold my house and getting ready to move into our new house next week they were available 24/7 to answers all my questions it was the best experience knowing they had our best interest in mind I told all my friends how grest this was and they handle everything if your looking to sell or buy there the ones to call you wont be dissapoiinted If i could post 10 stars I would do it Extremely Satisfied and Happy to Post This."
William R.
"I am from out of state. Alicia Cruz-Rivera from Easy Street Realty went above and beyond the call of duty to meet with our tenants in an effort to make amicable times for showings and with contractors to allow access to our condo while we were renovating it for sale. Alicia maintained consistent contact with us, keeping us abreast of what was going on with the showings, construction, etc. She gave us very good advice as well as listened to our thoughts and concerns. You will not be dissatisfied if you work with this realtor. She is hard working and gets the job done!"
"I am from out of state. Alicia Cruz-Rivera from Easy Street Realty went above and beyond the call of duty to meet with our tenants in an effort to make amicable times for showings and with contractors to allow access to our condo while we were renovating it for sale. Alicia maintained consistent contact with us, keeping us abreast of what was going on with the showings, construction, etc. She gave us very good advice as well as listened to our thoughts and concerns. You will not be dissatisfied if you work with this realtor. She is hard working and gets the job done!"
Donna S.
"I cannot be more grateful to have come across Alicia and Omar. They are so resourceful and make such a strong team. My husband and I are first-time home buyers and live in California so through this entire process we needed to find the perfect realtor that would work with us. When we first did our research on some realtors, we spoke to many people and Alicia was the only realtor that stood out from the rest. Alicia and Omar are fast, efficient, professional, compassionate, agressive with getting things done, and they are so knowledgeable about the market. They showed up to showings and walkthroughs for us when we couldn’t make it and represented us throughout the entire process. They even came to the signing at the title company to assist us with any questions we may have as first-time home buyers. There were many hiccups with the lenders and title company but Alicia and Omar always had our backs, and because of their communication and guidance, we closed the deal on our first home. This review doesn’t shine light on all they have done for us during this process. We are so proud to have met them and would definitely recommend them to friends and family. I wish i had some kind of constructive feedback for these two but they know their stuff!"
"I cannot be more grateful to have come across Alicia and Omar. They are so resourceful and make such a strong team. My husband and I are first-time home buyers and live in California so through this entire process we needed to find the perfect realtor that would work with us. When we first did our research on some realtors, we spoke to many people and Alicia was the only realtor that stood out from the rest. Alicia and Omar are fast, efficient, professional, compassionate, agressive with getting things done, and they are so knowledgeable about the market. They showed up to showings and walkthroughs for us when we couldn’t make it and represented us throughout the entire process. They even came to the signing at the title company to assist us with any questions we may have as first-time home buyers. There were many hiccups with the lenders and title company but Alicia and Omar always had our backs, and because of their communication and guidance, we closed the deal on our first home. This review doesn’t shine light on all they have done for us during this process. We are so proud to have met them and would definitely recommend them to friends and family. I wish i had some kind of constructive feedback for these two but they know their stuff!"
Samira F.
"If you want to buy a house and don’t know where to start, she’s the one for you. She’s very helpful, informative, professional, and friendly. She knows what she is doing and always tries to help you. I bought my first house with her, and I would do it again inthe future with her!"
"If you want to buy a house and don’t know where to start, she’s the one for you. She’s very helpful, informative, professional, and friendly. She knows what she is doing and always tries to help you. I bought my first house with her, and I would do it again inthe future with her!"
Dae K.
"As an out-of-town seller, Alicia made the process easy and simple. She kept me informed on every step, and I arrived to sign the paperwork, and in twenty minutes I was walking out the door. Best realtor I have worked with."
"As an out-of-town seller, Alicia made the process easy and simple. She kept me informed on every step, and I arrived to sign the paperwork, and in twenty minutes I was walking out the door. Best realtor I have worked with."
Dan D.
"Alicia was professional, reliable, trustworthy and responsive to any concerns I raised. I was in a pinch to sell my house in Las Vegas, NV, because I relocated to Michigan in the middle of July to pursue a new job opportunity. Alicia handled all of my affairs while I was in Michigan. She also provided detailed reports and a housing market analysis when I was uncertain whether to sell or lease my home. In the end, a sell was made and I am pleased with the service and amount of attention that I was given. The level of service that Alicia provided allowed me to focus on the new job, prepare for the new academic year, before the original scheduled time, and a chance to enjoy my new home in Michigan."
"Alicia was professional, reliable, trustworthy and responsive to any concerns I raised. I was in a pinch to sell my house in Las Vegas, NV, because I relocated to Michigan in the middle of July to pursue a new job opportunity. Alicia handled all of my affairs while I was in Michigan. She also provided detailed reports and a housing market analysis when I was uncertain whether to sell or lease my home. In the end, a sell was made and I am pleased with the service and amount of attention that I was given. The level of service that Alicia provided allowed me to focus on the new job, prepare for the new academic year, before the original scheduled time, and a chance to enjoy my new home in Michigan."
Dr. Renee T.
"Alicia was wonderful to work with! She did all the leg work or guided us through it, making the transaction run smoothly and be less stressful. Because selling a home is more stressful than buying one! Also, stood by us at all necessary appointments to be sure we understood the process. We would use her again for a third time, if necessary!"
"Alicia was wonderful to work with! She did all the leg work or guided us through it, making the transaction run smoothly and be less stressful. Because selling a home is more stressful than buying one! Also, stood by us at all necessary appointments to be sure we understood the process. We would use her again for a third time, if necessary!"
Nancy R.
"Second deal with Alicia. Alicia showed up as not just a realtor but a supportive, informed, and fact-finding friend. This was a rough deal, and we relied on her expertise, as well as her ability to learn with us as we navigated difficult waters. Can't thank her enough for supporting, encouraging, and reassuring me during the challenging issues. I was so appreciative to have a true warrior in my corner. The deal is done; sold and bought in a tough market. Even after, I know that warrior is still there for me!"
"Second deal with Alicia. Alicia showed up as not just a realtor but a supportive, informed, and fact-finding friend. This was a rough deal, and we relied on her expertise, as well as her ability to learn with us as we navigated difficult waters. Can't thank her enough for supporting, encouraging, and reassuring me during the challenging issues. I was so appreciative to have a true warrior in my corner. The deal is done; sold and bought in a tough market. Even after, I know that warrior is still there for me!"
Heather J.

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