Sample site. Marguerite Vance is an invented business, and every name, price and review here is invented too.
Why it is built this way ▾

The features a site in this trade needs. Each one is working somewhere on this sample:

  1. Current listingsListings are why people land here and why they come back each week, updated daily from the MLS feed.
  2. Home valuation estimatorThe valuation request is the most valuable lead an agent gets, so the whole site points to it.
  3. A page per neighborhoodPeople search whether an area has good schools and parks, and a guide per neighborhood wins those searches.
  4. Seller results with numbersAgents are chosen on referral, and a testimonial with days on market and a sale price is the written version.
  5. About the agentYears in the area, homes closed and where she lives are the facts sellers weigh.
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Home / Services / First-time buyers

First-time buyers

What you can afford, what down payment help exists, and how an offer works.

I run a free first-time buyer class on the second Tuesday of each month with a local lender. We cover pre-approval, down payment assistance programs in Oregon, closing costs and what happens between offer and keys.

Many first-time buyers here put down 3 to 5 percent. Closing costs typically run 2 to 4 percent of the price. A lender gives you the real numbers, and I help you understand what those numbers buy on the east side.

What is included

  • Free monthly class with a local lender
  • Down payment assistance programs explained
  • Closing cost estimate before you offer
  • Starter homes and condos under $400K

Common questions

How much do I need saved?

Often 3 to 5 percent down plus closing costs, though assistance programs can reduce that. A lender confirms your figure.

Should I get pre-approved first?

Yes. Most sellers here will not look at an offer without a pre-approval letter.

Also offered

Other services

Sell your home

Listing fee 2.5%

Pricing, preparation, photography and negotiation, from valuation to closing.

Buy a home

Written buyer agreement

Showings, offer strategy and negotiation on the east side.

Downsizing and estate sales

Move coordination included

Selling a long-time family home and finding the next, smaller one.

Questions before you book?

Or call (555) 010-5836.

Get a home valuation
Call (555) 010-5836