guide.
For first-time buyers
The buyer guide I wish every client had on day one.
Honest answers, real numbers, and the downloads I send my clients before our first call. Free, no email required.
Six chapters
What's inside
Chapter 01
Are you ready to buy?
A truthful self-assessment of finances, timing, and emotional readiness, beyond just credit score.
Chapter 02
How much can you afford?
The 28/36 rule, the hidden costs nobody mentions, and why "pre-approved" is just an opening bid.
Chapter 03
Understanding mortgages
Conventional, FHA, ITIN, VA, USDA: what each one actually means and which applies to you.
Chapter 04
The Long Island market
School districts, taxes, commute, flood zones. The factors that matter and the ones that don't.
Chapter 05
Making an offer
Why over-asking isn't always smart, what contingencies actually protect you, and how to negotiate.
Chapter 06
Inspection to closing
What to look for, how to respond to issues, and the documents you'll sign on closing day.
Interactive calculator
How much house could you afford?
A starting point, not a pre-approval. Adjust the sliders to see how your monthly payment changes with home price, down payment, and rate.
Home Price
$500,000
Down Payment (15%)
$75,000
Interest Rate
7.25%
Loan Term
30 years
Annual Property Tax (est.)
$11,000/yr
Annual Insurance (est.)
$1,800/yr
Estimated monthly payment
$3,966/mo
Principal & Interest$2,899
Taxes & Insurance$1,067
Loan amount$425,000
Total over 30 years$1,043,730
Estimates only. Actual payments depend on credit, lender, and loan type. I'll get you a real number on a free 15-minute call.
Free PDFs
Free downloads
PDFs I send to clients. Saves you a search and an explainer call.
First-Time Buyer Checklist
12 things to do before you start looking. Avoids the biggest first-timer mistakes.
ITIN Mortgage Documents Guide
Exactly what your lender will ask for, in order. Translated in English & Spanish.
Long Island Property Tax Reference
Average tax bills by town and district, updated for 2026.
Offer & Negotiation Playbook
How to write a competitive offer without overpaying. Real examples from my closings.