𝖶𝗁𝖺𝗍 𝖠𝗋𝖾 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝖱𝖾𝖺𝗅 𝖢𝗈𝗌𝗍𝗌 𝗈𝖿 𝖡𝗎𝗒𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝖺 𝖧𝗈𝗆𝖾?

Let’s talk money — because it’s not just about your down payment. When you’re buying a home, there are a few key costs to prepare for along the way. At the Nickle Team, we walk you through each of them before you even make your first offer, so there are no surprises — just solid planning.

Here’s what you need to know:

01. Earnest Money

Think of this as your “good faith” deposit. When your offer is accepted, you’ll submit earnest money — usually 1% to 3% of the purchase price. It shows you’re serious and is later applied to your closing costs or down payment.

📌 Pro tip: Earnest money is refundable if you cancel within your contingency period — another reason we guide you through smart deadlines.

02. Home Inspection

A general home inspection is always recommended — and often required — to uncover any issues with the property. You’ll pay this upfront, typically between $400 to $700, depending on property size. Additional specialty inspections (roof, sewer, termite) may be recommended based on the home.

03. Appraisal

If you’re financing the home, your lender will order an appraisal to confirm the market value. This cost usually falls between $500 to $800 and is paid by you. The appraisal helps protect your lender — and you — from overpaying.

04. Down Payment

This one’s the big one — but it’s also where we get creative. Down payments can range from:

• 0% for VA and USDA loans

• 3.5% for FHA

• 3% to 20%+ for conventional loans

Our preferred lender, Alex Daniel with Envoy Mortgage, will walk you through the options and help you find what works best for your situation.

📌 Spoiler: You do not need 20% down to buy a home.

05. Buyer Agent Compensation

This is often misunderstood. Our commission is usually paid by the seller — not out of your pocket. At the Nickle Team, we negotiate compensation upfront, and if needed, we discuss Seller Concessions to offset any additional costs. Even better? You get full representation from offer to close, without worrying about a separate bill.

💬 Bottom Line: We Help You Plan Ahead

Buying a home doesn’t have to be financially overwhelming. When you work with the Nickle Team, we break down every cost in plain English and make sure you’re fully informed before you move forward.

Want a personalized cost breakdown based on your price point and loan type?
📅 Let’s schedule your buyer consultation and go over the numbers together — no pressure, just facts. 1-844-922-7653