Welcome – Let’s Make Your Move Easy

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial and lifestyle decisions you’ll ever make. Whether you’re a first-time home buyer, selling and buying at the same time, downsizing, or relocating to West Michigan, my goal is simple:

This guide gives you a clear, step-by-step overview so you can move quickly and confidently when you find the right home.

Before You Start: Quick Buyer Checklist

Get prepared in advance so you can act fast when the right home hits the market.

The 8 Biggest Buyer Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

Small missteps can cost thousands. Here’s how to protect yourself.

• Waiting for the “perfect” home: In a fast-moving market, perfection can mean never buying. I help you identify the right home at the right value.
• Relying only on online estimates: Payment calculators and price estimates can be off. I provide real numbers for West Michigan taxes, insurance, and current rates.
• Shopping without pre-approval: The best homes often sell quickly. Being fully prepared can be the difference between winning and missing out.
• Overpaying emotionally: It’s easy to fall in love with a home and overshoot budget. I bring market data and negotiation strategy to the table.
• Underestimating closing costs: I walk you through estimated costs upfront so there are no surprises at the closing table.
• Ignoring neighborhood trends: Resale value matters. I help you understand which areas are growing, stabilizing, or shifting.
• Going it alone: The process involves contracts, inspections, appraisals, negotiations, and timelines. You shouldn’t have to navigate that alone.

What You Get When You Work With Me

More than door-opening. You get strategy, guidance, and advocacy.

How to Win in the West Michigan Market (Without Overpaying)

Winning in this market isn’t about throwing the highest number at the seller. It’s about being prepared, strategic, and thoughtful.

• Understand true value: I provide you with recent sales, neighborhood trends, and context behind the numbers.
• Use strategic terms: Possession, closing dates, inspection timelines, and contingencies can all strengthen your offer — even without raising the price.
• Be offer-ready: With pre-approval, clear criteria, and a plan, you can move quickly when the right home appears.
• Know when to walk away: Sometimes the best negotiation move is not chasing a house that doesn’t fit your budget or goals.

What Most Buyers Don’t Know About Costs & Payments

Your monthly payment is influenced by more than just the purchase price. We’ll look at the full picture together:

• Down payment options: Many buyers use 3–5% down programs, and some may qualify for 0% down. 20% isn’t always required.
• Closing costs: These typically include lender fees, title fees, prepaids, and more. In some situations, seller credits are possible.
• Payment strategies: Rate buydowns, different loan types, and local programs can help make your monthly payment more comfortable.

West Michigan Market Snapshot

Every area has its own personality and price dynamics. Here’s a simplified high-level view:

• Grand Rapids Metro: Popular for first-time buyers and move-up buyers, with a mix of character homes and newer builds.
• Byron Center · Hudsonville · Zeeland: Great schools, suburban feel, and strong long-term appeal for families.
• Rockford · Ada · Forest Hills: Premium neighborhoods, top-rated schools, and a focus on long-term value.
• Grand Haven · Holland · Muskegon (Lakeshore): Lifestyle-driven communities with growing interest from both locals and relocations.

Real Client Wins

Stories like these are why I love helping people make their move.

• First-time buyer in Grand Rapids: Closed in under 30 days and secured a home in a competitive neighborhood with a strong but fair offer.
• Relocating buyer: Bought with minimal money down and leveraged local connections to make their transition seamless.
• Move-up buyer: Sold and purchased within the same time frame using a strategic plan to reduce stress and overlap.