Buying your first home is a big step, and it should feel exciting, not overwhelming. We're Julia and Brandon Hornby, and we walk first-time buyers through every part of the process in plain English, so you always know what comes next.
Before you tour a single home, we'll sit down with you to talk about your budget, your must-haves, and your timeline. We'll also connect you with trusted local lenders so you can get pre-approved and shop with confidence. Knowing your numbers up front saves time and helps you make strong offers.
Whether you picture a starter home in Roanoke, a quiet street in Salem, or more space out in Roanoke County or Botetourt, we'll help you narrow down the areas that fit your life. We set up custom home searches, preview homes, and point out things a first-time buyer might miss, like the age of the roof or HVAC system.
When you find "the one," we'll help you understand what comparable homes have sold for and build an offer that makes sense for you. We handle the negotiation and explain each part of the contract, including inspection, appraisal, and financing contingencies.
After your offer is accepted, there's still work to do: home inspection, appraisal, final loan approval, and the final walk-through. We keep track of deadlines, coordinate with your lender and closing attorney, and keep you updated so nothing slips through the cracks.
As Roanoke natives, we have lots of experience working with first-time homebuyers, and we guide you from start to finish, holding your hand through the whole process. We make sure you're well informed and know what to expect at every step, so there's no unsettling fear of the unknown. As REALTORS® with Nest Realty, we know the Roanoke Valley and care about helping you start strong as a homeowner.
Ready to take the first step? Contact us to set up a no-pressure first-time buyer consultation, or call Julia at 540-815-5510 or Brandon at 540-819-0805.