Your Nieghborhood Realtor
Questions Buyers Ask
Meet with your financial advisor and/or alender of your choosing. I highly recommend utilizing a LOCAL lender as it can have an impact on offers. I work with many highly rated local lenders that I am more than willing to refer you to. You do not have to utilize the lender at your local bank. Any bank, credit union or licensed mortgage broker/lender can assist you. Many offer different programs that may be fit for your current situation.
This will be determined by your lender or financial advisor. They will work up your options and present the ones that best fit your financial situation. I like to set realistic expectations for my Buyers when setting their budget and I will only work within their means and never force a Buyer to do something they are not financially comfortable with.
The myth that you NEED to have 20% is just that, a MYTH. While 20% can eliminate PMI, it is not your only option. Again, it is important to meet with a lender or financial advisor to research your options. I like to break the MONEY question into 3 Categories:
Category 1 is your down payment,
Category 2 is your closing costs and
Category 3 is the money you have left in your account to cover deposits, Inspections, Surveys, Appraisal Gaps (if able/needed), Repairs, etc……
The goal is to make sure you have money in the bank still at the end of this transaction. Not to drain you dry.
PreQualification (Informal Estimate)
What it is: A lender gives a general idea of what a buyer might qualify for based on self reported information.
Key traits:
• No documents required
• Quick — often same day
• Based on what the buyer says about income, debts, credit
• Not a commitment from the lender
• Useful for early planning, not for writing offers
How buyers use it: To understand their price range before getting serious.
PreApproval (Verified & Strong)
What it is: A lender verifies the buyer’s financials and issues a letter stating exactly how much they’re approved to borrow.
Key traits:
• Requires documentation (W2s, pay stubs, bank statements, credit check)
• Stronger, more accurate
• Shows sellers the buyer is financially ready
• Often required to submit an offer
• Can speed up closing because underwriting has already begun
How buyers use it: To make competitive offers and show they’re serious.A typical transaction can take anywhere from 30 – 45 days, depending on the type of lending. However, in some cases they can take longer if there are defects found in the title work, repairs that need to be made before closing and any other unforeseen circumstances that may arise in the transaction process.
• Inspections: This includes Well/Septic, Sewer Lines, Termites, Radon, etc…. It is HIGHLY recommended to get a home inspection done. You are spending a LOT of money to buy a home, and you want to make sure it is safe and healthy. While a home inspector does not have to be licensed, I would recommend utilizing an inspector who holds at minimum an active Builders License. All other inspectors should be licensed within the state where they conduct business.
• Appraisal: This is ordered by your lender and will be conducted by a 3rd party management company.
• Underwriting: They will review the files and appraisal and determine if any additional information or repairs are required. These are known as conditions. The lender will inform you of these and work with you to get this information as quickly as possible as to not delay the process.
• CLEAR to CLOSE: These are a Buyer and Sellers favorite 3 words! The file is complete and your lender will be providing you with final instructions on how to get the funds to closing.
While I cannot speak for every agent, I will tell you what I will do for you. I will do my best to make the process fun. I will work hard to find the near perfect home and negotiate the best deal for you. I will point out things you do not see and help you look past the pretty or sometimes event the ugly stuff to help you with your vision of homeownership. I will answer ANY questions, even the same ones multiple times. I will give you my honest opinions and I will be your greatest advocate. I will pick up my phone and answer my texts and/or emails. I will make sure if I am unavailable during a vacation that I have you covered. Your happiness and trust is my top priority. Without you, I would not be able to do the job I love.
Questions Sellers Ask
Pricing strategy, comps, market trends, and how condition affects value. These are all things that agents work with to determine what price range to
list your home in. While it is somewhat of a calculated formula, it is not exact and as I sometimes say, it is not what it is worth but rather what someone is willing to pay. Pricing a home can be frustrating for both Sellers and their listing agents because emotions tend to play a part in list price. Listen to your agent and listen to the public. They will be your best source to getting your home sold for what it is worth.Sellers want realistic timelines based on local demand and seasonality. The market is always changing and each home is unique. I will not place a guaranteed timeline on the sale of your home. If it is priced right, it will sell. If it is not, it will sit on the market and grow stale over time. Each situation is different though so keep that in mind. Pricing is critical in any market.
DEEP Cleaning, decluttering, repairs, staging, curb appeal and SMELL!!!!!! Fresh coats of paint and carpet cleaning go a long way when preparing a home to sell. Cleaning up the outside space and trimming up trees and disposing of junk. Think about what you want to see or smell if you were buying a home?
Doing a full kitchen remodel just before listing may not net you the best ROI. It is important to talk to your realtor first and see what they suggest. Major renovations may be worthwhile to you if you plan to stay in the home a bit longer but generally the cost of those renovations in comparison to what you will sell the home for may not be in your best interest at that time. That being said, things like roofs, furnaces, central air units, hot water heaters and windows tend to be some pretty big ticket items that individuals do not want to have to take care. It is important to keep in mind that if you are pricing a home you need to take some of these items into account when deciding on a list price.
Commission (Listing Agent and in many cases even the Buyers Agent), closing costs, repairs, concessions, taxes, owners title policy and any additional requests or requirements that a buyer may ask for.
This is probably the biggest question that is asked in Real Estate. First and foremost, commissions are not set by anyone. A seller is not required to pay one to a buyer’s agent. When an Agent lists a home their commission rate is discussed with the Seller at that time. Sellers have the option of offering, within the Listing Agreement, to pay the Buyers Agent commission as well. If a Seller should choose to forego that, keep in mind that a Buyer will likely be writing a request for the Seller to pay their Buyers Agent’s commission at the closing. Your Agent should provide you with an estimate Seller Net Sheet for every offer so you can see the exact breakdown of costs.
This is another big question in Real Estate. Keep in mind that I do not get paid until a deal closes. A Realtor has many upfront costs when listing a home. Mileage, vehicle wear/tear, hours working on comparables/research, marketing, time spent hosting open houses, social media, documentation, listing management, phone calls/texts/emails, organizing, photography, videography, floor plans, staging, showing management and a host of other behind the scenes responsibilities. You are paying me to do a job and I will go above and beyond. In the world of Real Estate, CHEAPER IS NOT ALWAYS BETTER. If I am unable to negotiate my commission, then how am I able to negotiate a deal for you?
Get to Know Amanda
Born and raised on the northwest side of Grand Rapids, Michigan, I’ve always carried a deep appreciation for the people and communities that shaped me. Today, I’m married with two wonderful kids and a few furry friends who keep life full and joyful.
After losing both of my parents, I felt a profound shift in my perspective and chose to change the direction of my career. Real estate became the path that allowed me to honor what matters most—helping people, solving problems, and creating positive experiences during some of life’s biggest transitions.
I’ve always believed that exceptional service is non‑negotiable. I hold myself and my team to high standards, expecting top‑tier communication, professionalism, and follow‑through in every single transaction. Whether you’re buying, selling, or exploring your options, I will walk you through the process with clarity, confidence, and genuine care.
My goal is simple: to change your mind about what a Realtor can be. I’m here to show you that real estate can be a positive, rewarding, and empowering experience—for you and everyone involved.
Kristin C.
We are so incredibly grateful to have had Amanda in our corner for our home-buying journey! She went above and beyond to ensure we felt comfortable, informed and confident at every turn. Her patience, positivity and professionalism are unmatched. Amanda didn't just help us find a house (after a long search); she helped us find the perfect place to call home. Thank you Amanda for your hard work and amazing support.
Darby T.
Amanda was so incredibly helpful in purchasing my home! As a first time home buyer, there were tons of nuances that I never knew about and Amanda was there to help me understand every step of the way. She was always willing to show me properties and often times did so on weekends, off times, etc. to accomodate my schedule. She also made the process FUN! Even when the process was stressful or hard, she was always there making it easier and more enjoyable. She truly is the best!!
Katelyn S.
Amanda was an amazing realtor to work with! She was so responsive and willing to work with our busy schedules! Amanda also made sure we were comfortable throughout the whole process. I will absolutely work with Amanda again in the future!!!
Daniel C.
Amanda was and is amazing! We were in a tight spot where our realtor didn’t work out and she swooped in and saved the day. I would highly recommend her to anybody. Thank you for all your hard work and help finding us our forever home.
Contact Me
Finding your perfect place in West Michigan starts here.
460 Ada Dr SE Suite 120 | Ada, MI 49301