First-time buyer? Start with these five moves.
Ashley's no-jargon starter list for anyone thinking about buying their first home in the next 6–12 months.
Buying your first home is a big deal. Here's the short list Ashley walks every first-time buyer through — in this order.
1. Get honest about your monthly comfort number
Not what a lender approves you for — what you actually want your payment to feel like. Everything downstream is easier once that's set.
2. Talk to two lenders
One local, one national. Compare the loan estimates side-by-side. The difference is often thousands over the life of the loan.
3. Get pre-approved (not pre-qualified)
Pre-qualified is a guess. Pre-approved means you're ready to write an offer. Sellers can tell the difference.
4. Tour 5–8 homes in your top area
Even ones you know aren't "the one." You'll calibrate your eye to what your money actually buys in the Catawba Valley.
5. Write an offer with a strategy behind it
Price, timing, contingencies, seller concessions — all of it should be intentional. Ashley builds offers around your goals, not templates.
Ready when you are. No pressure, no pitches — just a conversation.