My trusted team

A great local lender is the first person you should talk to when you're thinking about buying. They'll get you pre-approved, explain your loan options and keep your closing on schedule.

• Get pre-approved before you start touring homes so your offer is taken seriously.
• Compare the Loan Estimates from two or three lenders: rate, points and closing costs.
• Ask about FHA, VA, USDA rural loans and down payment assistance. Many East Idaho homes qualify for USDA.

An inspection is optional, but I always recommend one. A thorough inspector helps you understand the home's condition before you're committed, and gives you leverage to negotiate repairs.

• Schedule the inspection right away. Most contracts give you a short window to complete it.
• Rural homes may need well water and septic inspections too. Ask for radon testing as well.
• Attend the end of the inspection so the inspector can walk you through what they found.

When you're getting a mortgage, your lender orders the appraisal through an independent process, so you won't choose that appraiser. An appraiser you hire yourself is still very useful in other situations.

• Get a pre-listing appraisal on a unique or rural property before setting a price.
• Use one for an estate, a divorce, a family sale or a refinance.
• An updated appraisal may help you remove PMI once you've built enough equity.

Staging helps buyers picture themselves living in your home. It makes rooms look bigger, brighter and move-in ready, and it makes your listing photos stand out online.

• Start by decluttering and depersonalizing. It's free and makes the biggest difference.
• Focus on the rooms that matter most: living room, kitchen and primary bedroom.
• Vacant homes benefit the most from professional staging.

Most buyers see your home online first. Professional photos, video walkthroughs and drone shots of your acreage and views are what get buyers through the door.

• Book photos after staging and cleaning are done, on a sunny day if possible.
• Drone photos are a must for acreage, waterfront and homes with mountain views.
• Video walkthroughs and 3D tours help out-of-state buyers moving to Idaho.

Buying or selling a home takes a whole team. These are other local pros I trust, and I'll keep adding to this list.

• Title & escrow companies handle the closing and protect your ownership.
• Ask for references and proof of insurance from any contractor or mover.
• Not sure who to call? Text me and I'll point you in the right direction.