Home Buying Basics
This initial approval step helps buyers know how much home they can afford.
What is pre-approval?
Many buyers think they need this much for a down payment—but a REALTOR® can explain programs that allow much less.
What is 20%?
This professional represents and protects a buyer’s or seller's best interests in a real estate transaction.
What is a Realtor?
This North Texas region includes cities like Grapevine, Irving, and Southlake.
What is the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex?
Before becoming a top DFW REALTOR®, Julie worked nearly 10 years in this field.
What is public relations?
Buyers often start scrolling through homes online, but this curated tool from a REALTOR® provides the most accurate and up-to-date listings.
What is the Multiple Listing Service (MLS)?
Sellers often worry this will cost too much to fix before listing, but a REALTOR® can advise which repairs truly matter.
What are cosmetic updates?
The REALTOR® helps explain contracts, negotiate repairs, and guide buyers through closing.
What is a buyer’s agent?
This has been the single biggest driver of DFW population growth in the last decade.
What is relocation from other states?
Julie graduated from this university with a BA in Communications.
What is Brigham Young University (BYU)?
First-time buyers often confuse these two costs: one paid upfront at closing, one ongoing monthly.
What are closing costs and monthly mortgage payments?
Buyers fear low credit automatically disqualifies them, but a REALTOR® can connect them with lenders who offer this type of help.
What is credit repair or flexible loan programs?
This legal document outlines the duties of the agent and gives them legal authority to represent the buyer.
What is the Buyer Representation Agreement?
Homes in DFW typically go under contract fastest in this season.
What is spring?
Julie specializes in serving this group of buyers in the Master Network Chapter?
Who are new construction buyers?
During the home-buying process, payment of this fee protects the buyer's ability to buy the home while negotiations proceed.
What is Earnest Money?
Many first-time buyers believe they can’t afford a home because they don't have enough cash saved. A REALTOR® can guide them to Texas resources like TSAHC and TDHCA, which offer this type of financial help.
What is down payment assistance?
This real estate professional represents the homeowner, helps price the property, markets it, negotiates offers, and manages the sale through closing.
What is the listing agent (or seller’s agent)?
This type of offer term—common in competitive DFW markets—shortens the time a buyer can back out of a contract to buy a home.
What is an option period?
By her fifth year, Julie earned this designation, placing her among the top 2% of agents in DFW.
What is a Top Producer?
This optional but highly recommended evaluation uncovers issues inside a home before closing.
What is a home inspection?
Many buyers are sitting on the sidelines waiting for this number to fall—yet a REALTOR® can show them how buying now with less competition and refinancing later may be the smarter move.
What are interest rates?
This is one of the biggest benefits a REALTOR® provides when evaluating a home’s value.
What is a comparative market analysis (CMA)?
This county contains many popular first-time buyer cities like Grapevine, Hurst, and Euless.
What is Tarrant County?
Friends or family thinking of buying a home; friends who announce they're moving out of state; or people who want to invest in real estate.
Who are ideal referrals for Julie Hillman?