The buyer's guide
How buying a home works in Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Connecticut, step by step.
- 15 years in real estate
- 150+ transactions closed
- Top 1% Realtor nationwide
- Top 250 Hispanic Realtors in America
- Platinum 2025 RI REALTORS® award
- English · Español RI · MA · CT
1. Talk to a lender
A pre-approval tells you what you can spend and makes sellers take your offer seriously. We introduce trusted lenders, including Spanish-speaking ones.
Estimate your monthly payment →2. Define what you want
Towns, bedrooms, budget and your must-haves. Save a search in My Homes and new listings come straight to your inbox.
Set up my alerts →3. Tour homes
We set up showings and point out what photos don't show: systems, roof, repairs and costs coming up.
4. Make a strong offer
Price matters, but so do the deposit, contingencies and closing date. We build an offer that wins without overpaying.
How to make a strong offer →5. Inspection and appraisal
Inspect the home, go over the report with us and negotiate what's needed. The lender orders the appraisal.
Inspection checklist →6. Closing
Review the final numbers, do the final walk-through and sign. We're with you until you have the keys.
Closing costs explained →
Buying your first home?
Each state has first-time buyer programs with special rates and down payment help. We help you see which ones fit you.
First-time homebuyer roadmap for Rhode Island →Helpful guides
- A First-Time Homebuyer's Roadmap for Rhode Island →From budgeting and pre-approval to inspections and closing: the steps to buying your first home in Rhode Island.
- Down Payment Help for First-Time Buyers in RI, MA and CT →Where first-time buyers in Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Connecticut can look for down payment and closing cost help, and how to get ready to use it.
- How Much House Can I Afford? →How lenders decide how much you can borrow, the costs people forget, and how to pick a monthly payment you're actually comfortable with.
- What Credit Score Do You Need to Buy a House? →The credit scores lenders usually look for on FHA and conventional loans, and simple ways to raise yours before you apply.
- Buying a Home with an ITIN in Rhode Island →No Social Security number? You may still be able to buy a home with an ITIN loan. How it works, what lenders ask for and how to prepare.
- Getting a Mortgage When You're Self-Employed →Own a business, drive for yourself or get paid in 1099s? How lenders look at self-employed income and how to prepare before you apply.
- Using Gift Money from Family for Your Down Payment →Family helping with your down payment? How gift funds work, the gift letter, and how to move the money so your loan isn't delayed.
- FHA Loans for a 2–4 Family Home: Live in One, Rent the Rest →How first-time buyers use FHA loans to buy two-, three- and four-family homes with a low down payment, and the rules to know first.
- Closing Costs Explained: What Buyers Should Budget For →Beyond the down payment, buyers pay closing costs. Here are the common categories and how to avoid surprises.
- Why Work with a Spanish-Speaking Real Estate Agent →Buying or selling a home is a big decision. Here's why understanding every step in your own language makes a difference.