Question 1

What is the first step I should take in the home-buying process?

Accepted Answer

The most important first step is getting a full mortgage pre-approval. This defines your true budget and proves to sellers that you are a serious buyer.

Question 2

Can you recommend reputable mortgage lenders in the area?

Accepted Answer

Yes, I provide a list of top-tier DFW mortgage lenders who are proven to close on time and understand Texas-specific programs.

Question 3

How will you help me find properties that fit my specific needs and budget?

Accepted Answer

After a 'Buyer Consultation' to define your needs, I use instant MLS alerts and my agent network to find 'off-market' and 'coming soon' DFW properties.

Question 4

What is your process for showing me homes?

Accepted Answer

I create an efficient 'Tour Itinerary' and act as your consultant during showings, pointing out potential red flags (A/C age, foundation) and hidden value.

Question 5

How do you help me determine the right price to offer on a home?

Accepted Answer

I determine the right offer price with a detailed Comparative Market Analysis (CMA). Unlike a 'Zestimate,' I analyze 'Sold,' 'Active,' and 'Pending' comps to understand the immediate market direction.

Question 6

What strategies do you use to make an offer more competitive in a multiple-offer situation?

Accepted Answer

To win in multiple-offer situations, we use a strong pre-approval, offer a higher option fee, and use an 'As-Is' addendum (with inspections) to signal you are a serious buyer.

Question 7

What are common contingencies, and which do you recommend for my protection?

Accepted Answer

Contingencies are your 'safety exits.' The three most important are the Inspection Contingency (Texas Option Period), Financing Contingency, and Appraisal Contingency.

Question 8

What are the typical closing costs I should expect?

Accepted Answer

In Texas, budget 2% to 5% of the purchase price for closing costs. This is in addition to your down payment and covers appraisal, loan origination, title policy, and escrow account setup.

Question 9

How long does the home-buying process usually take from start to finish?

Accepted Answer

The entire home-buying process typically takes 45 to 90 days. From an accepted offer to closing day (the 'escrow period'), it's usually 30 to 45 days.

Question 10

Once my offer is accepted, what are the next steps?

Accepted Answer

Once your offer is accepted, you deliver the Option Fee and Earnest Money. You then use the Option Period (typically 7-10 days) to schedule inspections and negotiate any potential repairs.

Question 11

Can I Still Purchase a House If I Haven't Paid My Taxes Yet?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but it's complex. An IRS repayment plan is manageable, but the payment counts as debt, reducing your buying power. An active tax lien is a significant hurdle.

Question 12

Do I need 20% downpayment to purchase a home?

Accepted Answer

No, this is a common myth. While 20% down avoids Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI), many loan programs (like FHA or VA) allow you to buy with 0% to 3.5% down.

Question 13

What is the lowest amount of downpayment needed to become a homeowner?

Accepted Answer

The lowest down payment is 0% with VA Loans (for veterans) or USDA Loans (rural areas). FHA loans require 3.5% down, and some conventional loans start at 3%.

Question 14

When should I talk to a loan officer if I want to purchase a home?

Accepted Answer

Immediately. Talk to a loan officer before you look at homes, even if you're 6-12 months out. A good lender will give you a free 'Financial Game Plan' to get you ready.

Question 15

I just graduated college and just accepted a job offer, can I purchase a home?

Accepted Answer

Yes, this is common in DFW. Lenders can often use a signed employment contract with a guaranteed salary to qualify you if your start date is within 90 days of closing.

Question 16

What's the Difference Between Pre-Qualified, Pre-Approved, and Approved?

Accepted Answer

'Pre-Qualified' is a 10-minute guess. 'Pre-Approved' means you submitted documents and is the minimum needed for an offer. 'Approved' (or 'Clear to Close') means you are fully underwritten and ready to sign.

Question 17

How to Make an Offer on a House?

Accepted Answer

As your agent, I handle this. I draft the official Texas contract with your price and terms, send it for your e-signature, and formally present it to the seller's agent.

Question 18

How Long Does Closing on a House Take?

Accepted Answer

'Closing' has two meanings: 1) The 'Escrow Period' (30-45 days from offer to close) and 2) The 'Closing Appointment' (a one-hour meeting to sign final documents).

Question 19

Where can I find a realtor in McKinney to help me buy a house?

Accepted Answer

When looking for a McKinney buyer's agent, interview 2-3 REALTORS®. Ask about their experience with MUD taxes, local schools, and their strategy for finding off-market homes.

Question 20

Where can I find expert negotiation help for buying a house in Texas?

Accepted Answer

Look for a REALTOR® with the CNE (Certified Negotiation Expert) or RENE (Real Estate Negotiation Expert) designation. This proves they have advanced training in negotiation.

Why "Evenings and Weekends" Are Part of the Job for Me

"We Were Never Stressed": How I Aim to Set the Bar for Home Buying

Buying Your First Home? Here is How I Remove the Worry.

"I Can't Recommend Brandon Scribner Enough": A 5-Star Review

How We Secured an Offer Above Asking Price in 3 Days.

Channeling My Inner "Founding Father": A Client Success Story

"An Amazing Person to Go on a Journey With": A New 5-Star Client Review

Southlake's $24M Estate: What it Means for Dallas-Fort Worth Housing & Texas Real Estate

Navigating the North Texas Freeze: Impact on Dallas-Fort Worth Real Estate

2026 Market Watch: Why Lower U.S. Mortgage Rates Are Sparking a Move to Frisco

Why the Final Residential Subdivision in Canyon Falls Will Sell Out Fast

New Housing Development in DFW: What the HPI Project Means for Buyers and Investors

The Future of Apartments in Celina: Why Smart Money is Chasing Green Energy and High-Speed Access

The Northern Gateway: How the New 141-Acre Multifamily Development in McKinney Signals the Next Boom

Craver Ranch Update: The $5.1 Billion Master-Planned Community Coming to North Denton

Scarcity & Luxury: Essential Housing Developments Updates in Grapevine, Colleyville and Southlake You Need to Know

Lavon Farms Plano: The "Agrihood" That Will Transform East Plano Real Estate

DFW Real Estate Unpacked: What Recent Deals Mean for Your Investment & Equity in Dallas, Fort Worth & Collin County

Strategic Investment Fuels DFW Real Estate: What It Means for Dallas, Collin County, and Your Equity

Frisco Market Update: The Real Story Behind the "Signage Error" Delay at Main & Independence

5 Major Market Signals Hidden in Recent Permits Filed with TDLR

Construction of Denton Industrial Complex: 2026 Market Impact & C-PACE Update

2026 Lifestyle Report: A Real Estate Guide to New Amenities in Northeast Tarrant County

How the New H-E-B Electronic Fulfillment Center in Frisco Will Change Your Commute and Home Value

6 Major Development Updates in Keller, Roanoke, and Northeast Fort Worth You Need to Watch in 2026"

Development Updates in Plano: Lavon Farms, Collin Creek, and Market Trends for 2026

Beyond the Aisle: How the 2025 Grocery Store Boom is Reshaping McKinney Real Estate Values

Collin County December 2025: Buyers Gain Leverage as 2025 Comes to a Close

Sales Surge & Price Drops: The Dallas County Market Wrap-Up

Dallas-Fort Worth Real Estate: December 2025 Market Recap

Monthly Market Watch: Rockwall County (November 2025)

Market Analysis: Seasonal Cooling and Inventory Trends in Collin County (November 2025)

November 2025 Snapshot: Softening Prices and Steady Rates in Dallas County

Cooling Trends, Hot Opportunities: DFW Real Estate November 2025

October 2025 Market Update: Is the Buyer's Window Opening?

Dallas Market Snapshot: October 2025 Sees Shifting Prices and Inventory Adjustments

Dallas-Fort Worth Real Estate: Inventory Rises and Sales Cool in October 2025

Buying a New Build in McKinney? Why You Still Need a Top Realtor

DFW Real Estate: How Data & Automation Are Redefining Investment Opportunities

Your First Step to Homeownership: Pre-Approval Demystified by a Top Realtor in McKinney

Not Just Another Agent: Here's What Sets Me Apart as a Top Realtor in McKinney

How This Top Realtor in McKinney Nails Your Home's List Price

Why You Need a Top Realtor in McKinney (Hint: It's All About Negotiation)

Don't Start House Hunting! A Top Realtor in McKinney Shares Step #1

Unveiling the Brandon Scribner Difference: Your Top Realtor in McKinney!

How Does a Top Realtor in McKinney Determine Your Home's Best List Price?

Get Top Dollar for Your Home with the Pricing Strategy of a Top Realtor in McKinney

The Strategic Advantage: Why Every Move in DFW Needs a Tailored Plan

"Master of His Craft" – Why This Review Means So Much

"Is This Google App Tripping?" – A Review That Made My Day

What "Going Above and Beyond" Means to Me

Why I Strive to Be the "One and Only Realtor You Will Need"

The best compliment a realtor can receive is a referral! 🏡

From "Nerve-Racking" to a Walk in the Park: A First-Time Home Buyer’s Journey

The Review That Proves It: My Clients' Success is My Only Priority.

Smooth, Painless, and Fast: How We Closed a Home in 21 Days

Why Staging and Photography Are Non-Negotiables When Selling Your Home

DFW Real Estate News

Dallas- Fort Worth Realtor - Brandon Scribner