Your Complete Home Buying Guide
From first thought to front door keys — everything you need to know about buying a home in Clark County.
Two Stages of Buying a Home
Home buying breaks down into two phases. Here's what to expect.
The Thinking Stage
Get your finances in order, understand your credit, save for a down payment, and define what you want in a home. This is the foundation that makes everything else possible.
The Action Stage
Get pre-approved, start touring homes, make offers, go under contract, and close on your new home. This is where the excitement happens.
Get Your Finances in Order
The best first step is a conversation with a loan officer. They’ll look at your income, debts, and credit to tell you what you can realistically afford. You’re in charge — interview several and go with the one who communicates best.
Key things to focus on:
- Down payment — You do NOT need 20% down. Most first-time buyers put down 6–7%.
- Credit score — Clean up any issues. Don’t stress about the exact number.
- Budget for extras — Home inspection (~$400), closing costs (3–5%), and an emergency repair fund.
- Debt-to-income ratio — Lower is better. This determines how much a lender will offer you.
Define What You Want
It’s easy to fall in love with a beautiful home that doesn’t fit your needs. Before you start shopping, separate your needs (must-haves like bedrooms, location, garage) from your wants (nice-to-haves like a large yard or open floor plan).
Think about:
- Where do you want to live? What neighborhoods interest you?
- What type of home fits your lifestyle?
- What does the market look like for the homes you want?
This is much easier when we talk about it together — I know the Clark County market inside and out.
Get Pre-Approved & Start Shopping
Pre-approval means your loan officer has reviewed your documents and confirmed what you can borrow. You’ll need proof of income, assets, debts, and other financial documents.
Important: Once you’re in this process, don’t make big financial changes — no new car purchases, no job changes, no large unexplained deposits.
Then the fun begins. We’ll tour homes, attend open houses, and reference your needs list until we find the right match. When you’re ready, we’ll discuss offer strategy — price, earnest money, and contingencies.
Under Contract to Closing Day
Once your offer is accepted, a timeline kicks in:
- Days 1–3: Deposit your earnest money
- Days 1–10: Complete your home inspection
- Inspection results: We decide if repairs are needed from the seller
- Title & HOA review: 5 days to review documents
- Appraisal: Your lender confirms the home’s value
- Final walkthrough: ~5 days before closing, we verify everything
Keeping everything on track is my job. You focus on getting excited about your new home.
On closing day, you sign the paperwork, wire your remaining funds, and within 1–2 business days — I hand you the keys.
Quick Tips for Buyers
Keep these in mind throughout your home buying journey.
You Don't Need 20% Down
Most first-time buyers put down far less. Talk to a loan officer about your options — there are programs designed specifically for first-time buyers.
Never Skip the Inspection
Even on new construction. Always get an independent inspection. It's a few hundred dollars that can save you thousands.
Needs vs. Wants
Know the difference before you start shopping. It saves time, keeps you focused, and prevents emotional decisions in a competitive market.
Jan was fantastic. I'd never been through the process of buying a home, and she was patient and willing to explain every little thing that I had questions about. Without reservation, I'd reach out to her again as soon as I need a realtor.
Ready to Take the First Step?
Whether you're just starting to think about buying or ready to get pre-approved, Jan is here to help. Her services are free to you as a buyer — the seller pays the commission.