The agent you choose isn’t just there to unlock doors — they can make or break your entire home buying journey. In this video, I’m sharing what to look for in a buyer’s agent, the red flags to avoid, and why the right guidance can save you time, money, and stress.You’ll learn:*Key qualities every strong buyer’s agent should have*Questions to ask before you hire someone*How an agent protects you from costly mistakes*Why local expertise and negotiation skills matter*How to find an agent who keeps you informed and confident*Whether you’re buying your first home or your next one, choosing the right Realtor can make all the difference.Chapters00:00 – Why your agent choice matters00:16 – More than just “opening doors”00:40 – Experience, market knowledge & strategy01:12 – Personality vs. negotiation skills01:38 – Availability and quick response times02:04 – Honest advice and protecting your interests02:35 – How great agents educate buyers03:10 – Key takeaway: partner with a pro03:30 – Free Home Buyer’s Guide & Checklist03:50 – Sneak peek: next episode on smart house hunting04:05 – How to get in touch in Metro Detroit📥 Download my FREE Home Buyer’s Guide and Checklist here: https://www.leslieemartin.com/download-the-home-buyers-guide/📌 Want expert advice on your next move?✨ Connect with Me:🌐 Website: https://www.leslieemartin.com📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leslieemartindtw📘 Facebook: https://facebook.com/LeslieEMartinRealtor💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leslie-martin-68a9a922a/🏡 Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/LeslieEMartin#FindTheRightAgent #metrodetroitrealestate #homebuyingadvice

Buying a home isn’t just about the number on your pre-approval letter — it’s about finding the balance between your budget, your lifestyle, and your long-term comfort. In this episode, I’ll break down how to figure out how much house you can really afford and why understanding your true comfort zone is the key to avoiding buyer’s regret.You’ll learn:Why purchase price doesn’t tell the whole storyHow taxes, insurance, and HOA fees impact affordabilityThe truth about pre-approval and why it’s not your shopping budgetHow to avoid becoming “house poor”The small details buyers often miss that can make a huge difference📥 Download my FREE Home Buyer’s Guide and Checklist here: https://www.leslieemartin.com/download-the-home-buyers-guide/If you’re thinking about buying a home in the Metro Detroit area, I’d love to guide you through the process with clarity, confidence, and strategy.⏱️ Chapters00:00 – Why affordability isn’t as simple as it looks00:12 – The danger of falling in love with the wrong house00:19 – How much house can you really afford?00:37 – Why purchase price isn’t the right starting point00:47 – Two homes, same price… very different costs01:10 – What pre-approval really means (and its limits)01:39 – Lifestyle choices that impact your comfort zone02:01 – How loan types and down payments change the math02:19 – The hidden factor: property tax adjustments02:35 – Pulling it all together: finding your comfort zone02:53 – Confidence makes your offers stronger03:01 – Free Home Buyer’s Guide & Checklist03:25 – What’s coming next: Choosing the right real estate agent03:33 – How to reach me in Metro Detroit📌 Want expert advice on your next move?✨ Connect with Me:🌐 Website: https://www.leslieemartin.com📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leslieemartindtw📘 Facebook: https://facebook.com/LeslieEMartinRealtor💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leslie-martin-68a9a922a/🏡 Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/LeslieEMartin#MetroDetroitRealEstate #HomeBuyingTips #HouseHuntingDetroit

Buying a home is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming. One house has the dream kitchen, another has the perfect backyard… and suddenly it’s hard to know which one is really right for you.That’s why I created The Ultimate Home Buyer’s Worksheet. This tool helps you separate your must-haves from your nice-to-haves, stay within your financial comfort zone, and compare homes side by side — so you can make a confident decision instead of an emotional one.In this episode, I’ll walk you through exactly how to use the worksheet, why it works, and how to download your own free copy as part of my Home Buyer’s Guide and Checklist.If you’re planning to buy a home in Metro Detroit, this is a resource you don’t want to skip.⏱️ Chapters00:00 – Why buying a home can feel overwhelming00:19 – Introducing the Ultimate Home Buyer’s Worksheet00:30 – Meet Leslie Martin, Metro Detroit Realtor®00:48 – Step 1: Must-haves vs. nice-to-haves01:22 – Step 2: Lifestyle fit01:55 – Step 3: Your financial comfort zone02:31 – Step 4: Ranking and comparing homes03:03 – Why the right home is about balance03:17 – How to download the worksheet (page 9 of the guide)03:31 – How to reach Leslie Martin for help📥 Download my FREE Home Buyer’s Guide and Checklist here: https://www.leslieemartin.com/download-the-home-buyers-guide/📌 Want expert advice on your next move?✨ Connect with Me:🌐 Website: https://www.leslieemartin.com📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leslieemartindtw📘 Facebook: https://facebook.com/LeslieEMartinRealtor💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leslie-martin-68a9a922a/🏡 Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/LeslieEMartin#detroitrealestate #homebuyingtips #metrodetroitrealestate