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

Buying a home in today’s market can feel overwhelming — but the right lender can make all the difference. In this special episode, I sit down with Vincent Newsome, a trusted Metro Detroit loan advisor, to talk about what buyers can do to succeed in a competitive market.We cover how to make your offer stand out, the importance of the agent–lender relationship, the full loan process step-by-step, common buyer mistakes to avoid, down payment strategies, and even special programs like the physician loan.If you’re planning to buy a home in Metro Detroit, this conversation is full of practical tips you won’t want to miss!⏱️ Chapters00:00 – Intro: Why the right lender matters01:14 – Meet Vincent Newsome01:49 – How buyers can make their offer stand out03:30 – Saving a deal from falling apart04:30 – Why the agent–lender relationship is so important06:03 – The home loan process explained step by step08:36 – Common buyer mistakes and how to avoid them09:19 – Down payment options: 20% vs 3%10:30 – Special programs: The Physician Loan11:34 – Where to find and connect with Vincent12:05 – Outro & how Leslie can help you📥 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#lesliemartinrealtor #homebuyingtips #metrodetroitrealestate

Buying a home in Metro Detroit can feel overwhelming — but it doesn’t have to. In this episode, I walk you through the home buying process step by step so you’ll know exactly what to expect, how to prepare, and the strategies that make you a confident buyer.From getting pre-approved, to finding the right agent, to writing offers and closing on your dream home — I cover it all. Whether you’re a first-time buyer in Livonia, Grosse Pointe, Birmingham, or surrounding Metro Detroit neighborhoods, this guide will help you avoid costly mistakes and stay on track.📥 Download my FREE Home Buyer’s Guide and Checklist here: https://www.leslieemartin.com/download-the-home-buyers-guide/Chapters:00:00 Buying a Home: Why It’s Complicated00:11 Meet Leslie Martin – Metro Detroit Realtor®00:23 Free Home Buyer’s Guide & Checklist00:46 Home Buying Process Overview00:59 Step 1 – Get Pre-Approved01:18 Step 2 – Find Your Agent01:41 Step 3 – Search and Tour Homes02:12 Step 4 – Make Your Offer02:33 Step 5 – Negotiate02:43 Step 6 – Due Diligence (Inspection & Appraisal)02:57 Step 7 – Closing Day03:13 Reminder: The Process Isn’t Always Linear03:26 Download the Free Buyer’s Guide03:40 Sneak Peek: Next Episode with Vincent Newsome03:56 How to Contact Leslie Martin📌 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 #LeslieEMartin

Thinking about buying a home in Metro Detroit? In this first episode of my Home Buyer’s Guide and Checklist series, I’m giving you the complete overview of the buying process — from your very first thought about moving to the moment you’re holding the keys.We’ll cover:✔ How to clarify your “must-haves” before you start shopping✔ Why pre-approval comes first — and how it gives you a competitive edge✔ The role your real estate agent plays in your success (hint: more than opening doors!)✔ The key steps: searching, touring, making offers, negotiating, inspections, and closing✔ The common buyer mistakes that can cost you your dream home — and how to avoid them🎯 Whether you’re a first-time buyer or ready to upgrade, this episode will help you navigate Metro Detroit’s competitive housing market with clarity, confidence, and strategy.Chapters:00:00 Buying a home: exciting but overwhelming00:13 Myths and mistakes buyers make00:23 Complete overview of the buying process00:40 Meet Leslie Martin – Metro Detroit Realtor®00:53 Free Home Buyer’s Guide & Checklist01:15 Why clarity comes before contracts01:38 Step 1 – Get pre-approved01:59 Step 2 – Hire your agent02:11 Step 3 – Search and tour homes02:25 Step 4 – Make your offer02:34 Step 5 – Negotiate the deal02:44 Step 6 – Due diligence02:55 Step 7 – Closing and getting the keys03:03 Common mistakes buyers make03:20 Avoiding costly surprises03:25 Why I created the Home Buyer’s Guide03:39 Pro tips to move quickly on the right home03:44 Download your free guide03:59 Next episode preview04:07 How to contact me📥 Download my FREE Home Buyer’s Guide and Checklist here: https://www.leslieemartin.com/download-the-home-buyers-guide/This guide includes:**My “Ultimate I Wanna Buy a House” worksheet**Tips for each stage of the process**A ready-to-use checklist to keep you on track💬 Questions about buying in Metro Detroit? Drop them in the comments — I answer every one.#MetroDetroitRealEstate #HomeBuyersGuide #LeslieMartinRealtor📌 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

Not all real estate agents offer the same experience—and yet most charge the same commission.In this episode, I’m breaking down exactly what I do differently to help my clients in Metro Detroit sell faster, look better, and close smoother—without paying a penny more in commission than they would with an average agent.I’m Leslie Martin, and I provide full-service listings with complimentary staging, professional photography, strategic marketing, and one-on-one support from listing to closing. If you’re thinking of selling your home, don’t settle for less—this episode shows you how to get maximum value and concierge-level service for your investment.🏠 In this episode:**Why real estate is strategic, not just emotional**The exact services I provide every seller—at no extra cost**Before-and-after results from actual listings**Why most of my homes go under contract the first weekend**What “White Glove Concierge Service” really looks like**The truth about agent commissions—and how to get more for your money📥 Want to follow the full selling process from prep to close?Grab your free Home Seller’s Guide and Checklist here:👉 https://www.leslieemartin.com/download-the-home-sellers-guide/⏱️ Chapters00:00 – Intro: Why Strategy Matters00:30 – Meet Your Realtor: Leslie Martin00:56 – The Services I Include With Every Listing01:25 – Why I Invest in Your Listing Before It’s Shown01:36 – Before & After Staging Examples01:45 – First Weekend Offer Success01:50 – My Availability vs. Other Agents02:15 – White-Glove Concierge Approach💬 Have questions about selling your home or how I work?Leave a comment or send me a message—I'd love to hear from you.👍 If this helped, give it a like and subscribe so you don’t miss what’s next!📌 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

#LeslieEMartinRealEstate #MetroDetroitRealEstate #HomeSellingTips

You’ve accepted an offer, the inspection is done, and the appraisal is in. So what’s left?Closing.This is where most sellers relax too soon—but the truth is, deals can still fall apart in the final stretch.In this episode of the Home Seller’s Guide series, I’m breaking down exactly what happens between contract and closing—and how I help my clients navigate every step of the process without last-minute surprises, delays, or stress.As a Realtor® serving the Metro Detroit area, I walk my sellers through everything from timelines and repairs to documents, walkthroughs, and final payouts. Whether you're in Grosse Pointe, Gibraltar, Birmingham, or anywhere in the metro Detroit area, this episode will help you close like a pro.In this episode, you’ll learn:✅ What actually happens during the closing process✅ How long closing usually takes and why✅ What sellers are responsible for before and during closing✅ Why deals fall apart at the last minute (and how I prevent it)✅ What to expect on closing day✅ Pro tips to stay organized and avoid delays✅ How to turn your closing day into a celebration—not a stress test📥 Grab the complete roadmap in my FREE Home Seller’s Guide & Checklisthttps://www.leslieemartin.com/download-the-home-sellers-guide/⏱️ Chapters00:00 – Intro: The Closing Isn’t a Free Pass00:28 – Who I Help + What’s In This Episode00:55 – What Happens After You Accept an Offer01:16 – Common Delays to Watch For01:36 – Your Role as the Seller During Closing01:42 – How I Help Clients Stay on Track02:15 – What to Expect on Closing Day02:26 – My Role in Preventing Problems02:30 – Want the Full Plan? Get the Free Guide02:41 – Next Episode Preview: Why Sellers Hire Me02:52 – Outro + Let’s Connect💬 Have questions about closing or your next steps as a seller?Drop them in the comments—I’d love to help.👍 If this video helped, give it a like and subscribe so you don’t miss Episode 13: Why Sellers Hire Me to Sell Their Homes.📲 Reach out anytime:🌐 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 #ClosingTipsForSellers #homesellingprocess