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Buyer's Guide
JACKIE CONNOLLY AND DINO FANTASIA PRESENT TO YOU
our client Library
Buyer's
Agreement
This agreement is your legal protection,
ensuring you have a dedicated advocate
negotiating 100% on your behalf.
• Once signed, your agent becomes your
representative, focused on negotiating the
best possible deal & protecting your interests
• The agreement outlines the professional
relationship, including who represents you,
what the agent does & how compensation
works.
• Buy your home with confidence, backed by a
pro committed to your success.
Buyer's First
Steps to Home
Ownership
Buying a home is a journey that requires a
disciplined strategy. By focusing on your
financial foundation & long-term goals, you
can navigate the market with confidence &
avoid most common pitfalls.
• A preapproval strengthens your offer &
provides clarity on your down payment &
monthly lifestyle
• Stay within your financial comfort zone while
choosing a neighborhood that fits your daily
life
• Protect your investment by choosing a home
you’d be happy in for at least five years,
ensuring your situation remains secure even if
the market or your life shifts
Do's and Don'ts
When Buying a
Home
Buying a home is a major milestone that
requires a clear strategy. Navigating the
process with confidence means
understanding the essential steps to take and
the common pitfalls to avoid.
• Get pre-approved early to confirm your
budget and avoid making major financial
changes—like new credit lines or large
purchases—until after you close
• Work with a trusted real estate professional
and never skip the home inspection, as these
steps protect you from hidden defects and
costly surprises
• Define your "must-haves" and understand
that your first home is a tool to build equity;
waiting for price drops is often less effective
than buying and refinancing later
Buyer’s
Objections
Understanding the math behind the market
turns hesitation into a strategic advantage.
Replace the "noise" with facts to move forward
with confidence.
• Interest rates can be refinanced later, but
your purchase price is permanent. Waiting for
"perfect" rates often leads to higher
competition and higher home prices
• Renting provides a 0% return on your
investment. Homeownership allows you to
build equity with every payment, moving
money into your own long-term nest egg
• A Buyer Agency Agreement is a fiduciary
protection, not a trap. Secure a dedicated
advocate to handle complex negotiations and
shield you from hidden risks
How to Buy and
Sell Without
Being Homeless?
You shouldn’t have to risk being homeless to
move. We coordinate your sale & purchase
with a structured plan that ensures you are
protected, keeping your move seamless &
stress-free.
• We structure offers so you aren’t committed
to buying unless your current home sells,
keeping your deposit safe throughout the
entire process
• We align lenders, attorneys & agents to close
your sale in the morning & your new purchase
shortly after—all on the same day
• From rent-backs to flexible extensions, we
establish Plan B options so you always have a
certain and safe place to call home
Inspection
Negotiation
The home inspection is your chance to
uncover a property's true condition. When
issues arise, our goal is to navigate
negotiations effectively to protect your
investment while keeping the deal on track.
• Prioritize safety hazards, structural integrity,
and major systems like HVAC, plumbing, and
electrical rather than minor cosmetic flaws
• We can strategically request professional
repairs, secure a seller credit toward closing
costs, or negotiate a direct price reduction to
cover future costs
• In a competitive market, focusing on high-
cost repairs and safety ensures you get the
best value without risking your contract to
other buyers
Wondering How
Credit Affects
Home Purchase?
Your credit health is the financial backbone of
your home-buying journey. A strong profile
secures better interest rates & ensures a
smoother path to ownership.
• Aim for a 620+ score for conventional loans
and check your reports from all three bureaus
to dispute errors immediately
• Keep credit utilization below 30% and avoid
opening new accounts, making large
purchases, or switching career industries until
after you close
• This vital step gives you a clear budget and
proves to sellers that you are a serious,
qualified buyer ready to move forward
freebies
We Have Something For you
Home buyers often struggle with complex mortgage rules and stressful
negotiations. Master our 16-step process from scouting and checklists to
inspections while learning the financial habits required to keep your loan
secure until closing day.
Financial Advantage:
Master mortgage pre-approvals and closing costs to make realistic,
winning offers.
Professional Advocacy:
Discover how to secure expert representation to protect your interests,
often at no out-of-pocket cost.
frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about real estate
I HAVE A LONG LIST OF "MUST-HAVES'. WILL I HAVE TO COMPROMISE?
Most first-time buyers want it all, from granite countertops to a big yard. Our role as your "editor" is to help you separate your
"Must-Haves" from "Nice-to-Haves" so you don't overspend.
WHAT IS THE VERY FIRST STEP IN THE HOME-BUYING PROCESS?
We start with a financial foundation that goes deeper than just a monthly payment, ensuring you understand the full "Cash to
Close" before we ever look at a house.
WHY DO I NEED BUYER'S AGREEMENT BEFORE TOURING HOMES?
Based on the new law, agents are now required to have a buyer’s agreement with our buyers. By law we now have a fiduciary
duty to protect you to to the best of our ability and to get you the best price and the best terms. We have to explain the entire
process as we go through it. It turns the relationship into a clear professional commitment: your agent becomes your
advocate. It also prevents confusion about who represents you and what you can expect.
HOW DOES COMPENSATION WORK FOR A BUYER'S AGENT?
Compensation is always explained upfront. Often it’s handled through the transaction (commonly seller-paid or negotiated in
the offer). If it isn’t offered, we’ll review fair options (including negotiated terms or credits) so you know the plan before
moving forward.
WHAT CREDIT SCORE DO I ACTUALLY NEED TO QUALIFY FOR A LOAN?
A score of 620 or higher is generally recommended for conventional loans. For FHA loans, you can qualify with a score as low
as 580 with a 3.5% down payment.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I FIND AN ERROR ON MY CREDIT REPORT?
Review your free credit reports from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion meticulously for discrepancies. If you find a mistake,
dispute it immediately, as even a small error can negatively impact your score and mortgage rate.
ARE THERE THINGS I SHOULD AVOID ASKING THE SELLER TO FIX?
Yes. Minor cosmetic flaws or routine maintenance items are typically not considered strong negotiation points. It is important
to be reasonable and focus on what will truly affect your safety and enjoyment of the home.
WHEN SHOULD I CONSIDER A PRICE REDUCTION INSTEAD OF A REPAIR?
Yes, especially in a competitive market. If a seller has multiple offers and a buyer is perceived as "too picky" over minor issues,
the seller may choose to move on to the next buyer. This is why having an experienced agent to guide your strategy is vital.
WHAT IF I SELL MY HOME BUT HAVEN'T FOUND A NEW ONE YET?
We structure your offers with a home sale contingency. This means you aren’t legally committed to moving until your next
home is secured and moving toward the finish line.
WHY IS IT BETTER TO HAVE ONE AGENT HANDLE BOTH DEALS?
It gives us total control. Instead of waiting for a phone call from another agent, we are "both sides" of the communication,
ensuring no deadlines are missed and no one is left guessing.
Work with the new england home finders
Let's achieve your goals
Our team is here to simplify the process and help you navigate every step with
confidence. With decades of experience and a commitment to exceptional service, we're
prepared to help you achieve your real estate goals. Let's start the conversation today.
new england home finders
contact us
dino
jackie
address
Dartmouth MA 02748
phone number
All information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed and should be independently reviewed and verified.
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new england home finders
contact us
dino
jackie
address
Dartmouth MA 02748
phone number
All information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed and should be independently reviewed and verified.