Your Complete Guide to Finding a Home You’ll Love Within Your Budget

What You Need To Know Before Buying Your Home

7 Week Series

Thinking about buying your first home? I get it. The whole process can feel overwhelming. You might be wondering, “Is it actually possible to find a home I love without breaking the bank?”

The answer is yes! And I’m here to walk you through it.

My comprehensive series, Finding a Home You’ll Love Within Your Budget, gives you practical strategies to discover a home that fits your lifestyle, meets your needs, and works with your finances. No more second-guessing or buyer’s remorse, just confident, informed decisions every step of the way.

Remember, your first home is typically a stepping stone. By making smart choices now, you’ll set yourself up for future success and be in a stronger position when you’re ready to upgrade.

Your 7-Week Roadmap to Home Buying Success:

Week 1: 12 Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Step Foot in an Open House

Before you start browsing listings, take time to understand what you truly want and need. This brainstorming session is crucial. Your answers will shape your entire home-buying journey and keep you focused on what matters most to you and your family.

Week 2: Are You a “House” or a “Location” Person?

Here’s the reality…finding your dream home in your dream location within budget is rare. That’s why you need to figure out your priorities. Do you value the home itself more, or is location non-negotiable? Understanding where you stand helps you know where you can compromise.

Week 3: The 3 Steps Most Buyers Skip When Buying a Home

I’ve developed a proven formula that ensures my clients find homes that truly fit their needs and budget. Yes, it requires patience, but this is the biggest financial decision you’ll make. I’ll show you the three critical steps that lead you to the right home without rushing into regret.

Week 4: How to Finance Your First Home Purchase

New to mortgages, interest rates, and credit scores? Most first-time buyers are! Here’s something crucial: you need loan pre-approval before you can seriously start house hunting with an agent. I’ll break down the lender and pre-approval process so you’re ready to move fast when you find “the one.”

Week 5: Putting It All Together

Budget, location, and your home criteria aren’t separate factors. They’re deeply connected! This article reveals how these three elements influence each other and provides your personalized roadmap for house hunting. Understanding these connections is key to making the right choice.

Week 6: What You Need to Know About Buying for Schools

Whether you have kids or not, great schools boost property values and community quality. If you have school-aged children, this will likely be a top priority. Since real estate agents can’t legally advise on school quality, I’ll show you how to research and prioritize school districts on your own.

Week 7: “As Is” Home: Deal or No Deal?

Tempted by a lower-priced “as is” home in your target neighborhood? Proceed with caution. “As is” can mean anything from minor cosmetic updates to major structural issues, and sellers won’t make any repairs. I’ll help you evaluate whether an “as is” property is truly a smart investment or a money pit in disguise.

Ready to Start?

This series was designed to help you feel informed, prepared, and empowered, not overwhelmed.
Whether you’re hoping to buy in the next few months or simply educating yourself for the future, these weekly steps will help you move forward with confidence.

Stay tuned! Week 1 drops soon.
And if you’d like to get the series delivered directly to your inbox, just let me know!

Hi, there!

I'm Dionne and I love educating and empowering first time home buyers and sellers so their first experience is their best experience.
Let me know how I can help you make your real estate dreams come true. 

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(470) 543-3498

hello@dionnesmall.com

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schedule your complimentary consultation

(770) 640-6800

Hi, there!

I'm Dionne and I love educating and empowering first time home buyers and sellers so their first experience is their best experience.
Let me know how I can help you make your real estate dreams come true. 

schedule your complimentary consultation

Buyer

seller

homeowner

All Articles

I'm here to share helpful information that will make you a savvy, more confident real estate owner or buyer! Expect useful tips, detailed how-to guides, proven advice, and insider knowledge to help you thrive in today's ever-changing real estate market.

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