Resource Guide
The Home Buying Guide
Everything you need to know about buying a home in Rochester and Southeast Minnesota — from pre-approval to closing day.
I believe informed clients make confident decisions. This guide walks you through the entire home buying process, answers the most common questions I hear, and gives you the knowledge to move forward with confidence.
Step 1: Get Pre-Approved
Before you start looking at homes, get pre-approved by a lender. This tells you exactly how much you can afford and shows sellers that you're a serious, qualified buyer. I work with several excellent local lenders and can connect you with the right one for your situation.
Common question: How much total money do I need to buy a house? The answer depends on your loan type and situation. With a VA loan, you may need very little down payment. With conventional loans, expect 3-20% down plus closing costs. I'll help you understand the full picture before you commit to anything.
Step 2: Define Your Priorities
What matters most to you? Schools? Commute time? Size? Style? Outdoor space? I'll help you prioritize so we can focus our search on homes that actually fit your life — not just what's on the market.
Step 3: Search & Tour
I'll set up customized searches based on your criteria and schedule tours of homes that make sense. During each showing, I point out the things you might not notice — potential maintenance issues, neighborhood factors, and whether the home is priced fairly for what it offers. That's the kind of transparency that helps you avoid costly mistakes.
Step 4: Make an Offer
When you find the right home, I'll prepare a competitive offer backed by market data. In multiple-offer scenarios — which are common in Rochester's current market — I know how to position your offer to win without overpaying. My negotiation experience across 600+ transactions means I know what works.
Step 5: Inspection & Due Diligence
Once your offer is accepted, we'll schedule a home inspection and review all disclosures. I'll be there to help you understand the inspector's report and determine which items are worth negotiating and which are cosmetic.
Step 6: Closing
I coordinate with your lender, the title company, and the seller's agent to ensure a smooth closing. I'll review all documents with you, make sure everything is accurate, and make sure you understand what you're signing. On closing day, you'll get your keys — and I'll be there to make sure everything goes right.
Frequently Asked Questions About Buying a Home in Rochester MN
What questions should I ask a realtor?
Ask about their experience in your target area, how many transactions they've completed, their negotiation style, how they communicate, and what makes them different from other agents. You should also ask for references from past clients.
What should I expect to pay a realtor?
In most residential transactions, the seller pays the commission for both agents. As a buyer, you typically don't pay your agent's commission directly. I'll explain the details during our first conversation so there are no surprises.
How do I know when I've found a good realtor?
A good realtor listens more than they talk, provides honest feedback even when it's not what you want to hear, has deep knowledge of the local market, responds promptly, and puts your interests ahead of their commission. Check their reviews, ask for references, and trust your instincts.
Is it better to rent or own a house in Rochester MN?
With Rochester's strong market and relatively affordable home prices, ownership is often the better long-term financial decision. However, it depends on your timeline, financial situation, and lifestyle. I'm happy to walk through the numbers with you so you can make an informed choice.