Marissa Bolen Realtor

299 followers

Follow

Follow

Follow

0 saved

2

10

📢 Thinking About Buying a Home? Start Here! 🏡

📢 Thinking About Buying a Home? Start Here! 🏡

If you’re planning to buy a home in the spring, summer, or even later, the best thing you can do right now is check your credit. Wondering why? Running your credit early gives you a clear picture of what you can afford and helps identify any issues that can be fixed ahead of time. Lenders can provide valuable advice on simple steps to boost your credit score so you’re fully prepared when the time comes.

I know browsing homes online is exciting, but preparation is key to turning those dreams into reality. 💭✨

If you’re thinking about buying or selling in 2025, I’m offering FREE consultations—whether it’s via Zoom, phone, or in person. Let’s connect and get you on the right path!

📩 Message me to schedule your consultation today.

#DreamHomeGoals #HomeBuyingTips #CreditMatters #RealEstateReady #FutureHomeowner #SmartBuying #RealEstateTips #BuyersJourney #PlanAhead #YourNextMove #LetsTalkRealEstate #FreeConsultation #ZillowDreaming #HomeSweetHome #BuyingIn2025 #making_moves_with_marissa #makingmoveswithmarissa #smartmovegroupre #exprealty #triadnc #winstonsalem

2025/1/21 Edited to

As you embark on your home buying journey, understanding the current real estate landscape is vital. With rising interest rates and fluctuating housing prices, it's more important than ever to be well-prepared. Begin by assessing your financial health; not only does this include checking your credit score, but also evaluating your savings for a down payment. According to experts, buyers should aim for at least 20% for a conventional mortgage to avoid private mortgage insurance (PMI). Moreover, familiarize yourself with the different types of loans available, such as FHA loans for first-time buyers, VA loans for veterans, or USDA loans for rural properties. Each comes with its own set of benefits and eligibility requirements. Prioritize getting pre-approved for a mortgage, which can streamline your home search and enhance your bargaining power when you find the right property. Networking is also key. Connecting with real estate agents, financial advisors, and even other home buyers can provide invaluable insights and support. Don’t forget to explore online platforms that offer listings and comparison tools, like Zillow or Realtor.com, to stay updated on market trends. A comprehensive approach will not only help you in making informed decisions but will also assist you in navigating challenges that come with the buying process.

Related posts

My 6 tips for buying a car

I’m 20 years old and so far I have bought 2 cars. I’ve learned from my mistakes when purchasing my first car and made SURE I didn’t make the same mistake again. I had a couple of questions in my last post about how I made it possible. I’ve been working since I was about 15 and have been saving up m

3257 likes

A green house with a white garage door and lush landscaping, featuring text 'HOME BUYING TIMELINE' and a key icon, introducing the home buying process for beginners.

A black 'daily task' notebook and pen on a blue surface, illustrating Step 1: Get Pre-Approved, which involves choosing a lender, knowing your budget, and receiving a pre-approval letter.

The front exterior of a green house with a white garage door, illustrating Step 2: Start House Hunting, which includes making a list of must-haves and touring homes.

Home Buying Timeline for Beginners 🔑

If you’re planning to buy a home soon, here’s a simple breakdown of what the process typically looks like, and how long each step usually takes. This is the timeline we followed when we bought our house, and having a clear overview made everything feel much more manageable! 💳 Step 1: Get Pre-App

680 likes

🏡 Thinking about buying a home in Florida?Many buyers are surprised to learn

🏡 Thinking about buying a home in Florida? Many buyers are surprised to learn that there may be a variety of homeownership programs and financing options available through participating lenders and housing organizations. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, relocating, or exploring new cons

0 likes

Home buying tips for first time buyers

Buying a home for the first time can be an exciting and overwhelming experience. It's crucial to be well-prepared and informed to navigate the process successfully. Here are some essential ho-buying tips for first-time buyers Compare Loan Estimates and Closing Disclosures Carefully revie

1014 likes

A woman holds a camera with a flash, illustrating how to start photography on a budget by considering older or used camera models for beginners.

A woman sits on a couch holding a camera, recommending purchasing an older or used camera model for beginners, noting her own upgrade to a different model.

A woman takes a mirror selfie with her phone while holding flowers, advising to practice photography with a phone if a dedicated camera is not yet affordable.

How to Start Photography on a Budget

Photography is truly a beautiful hobby, but it is definitely an expensive one! 💲 If you’ve been thinking about starting your photography, but you’re on a tight budget, here are some of my recommendations.👇🏼 1️⃣ Purchase a camera that’s an older model - trust me, you do not need the newest cam

518 likes

THINGS TO DO AFTER BUYING YOUR FIRST HOME

#Lemon8Diary #beautyfinds #shareyourthoughts #helpmechoose #homedecor #home #homeaesthetic #interiordesign #tipsandtrick #ideas

668 likes

A toddler in a white onesie holds an open alphabet book, showing letters 'A' and 'B' with illustrations. The text overlay reads "HOW TO START montessori AT HOME," emphasizing the article's topic.

A toddler reaches into a wooden box overflowing with various colorful toys, including blocks and a train. The text overlay states, "Set up child-sized spaces MAKE THINGS ACCESSIBLE," illustrating a Montessori principle.

A white shelving unit displays various toys, including cars, a stacking cone, and a toy house. Educational charts for letters, shapes, and numbers are on the wall above. The text overlay says, "Rotate toys and activities SWITCH TOYS EVERY FEW WEEKS."

Want to Start Montessori at Home? Use These Tips!

Want to Start Montessori at Home? Here’s How! Montessori isn’t about buying expensive materials or having a perfectly curated shelf. It’s about respecting your child’s independence, following their lead, and creating a space where learning happens naturally. Here’s how to begin, even with to

46 likes

Things I keep rebuying: chronic illness hospitalization edition, all under $35!!!

Hospitals are supposed to be where you go when things get bad. But during my most recent hospital stay… I was reminded that thinking simply does NOT apply when you have a chronic illness. 7 weeks after my last IVIG (far too late, thanks insurance… not), after travel, stress, and weather fluctuat

299 likes

A black hamster with white paws peeks from a wooden platform in its enclosure, with text asking "Thinking about getting a hamster? Swipe ->" to encourage interaction.

This image provides a five-step guide on how to tame a hamster, including leaving them alone, introducing scent, hand feeding, practicing the scoop method, and scooping and lifting. Cartoon hamsters illustrate the steps.

A checklist outlines essential hamster care items, including a large enclosure, running wheel, deep bedding, proper diet, water, sand bath, hideouts, enrichment, chew toys, and vet access. Various hamster supplies are pictured.

Thinking about owning a hamster?

There is a lot of misinformation about hamsters so I wanted to share all of this information with you guys so that you can be informed if you are trying to get a hamster. if you have any questions feel free to ask I will do my best to answer!! 💗🐹 #hamstersupplies #hamsterenrichment #hamster

127 likes

A person's hand on a laptop keyboard, with a notebook and coffee cup on a desk. Text reads: "TIPS Want to Start an Online Business? Here's How to Keep It Simple! The Soulful Compass LLC."

A white slide titled "01 Pick Your Business Model," listing options like digital products, affiliate marketing, print-on-demand, and services or coaching.

A purple slide titled "02 Know Who You're Talking To," explaining the importance of getting specific about your target audience, such as "busy moms."

Want To Start an Online Business? Here’s how:

Thinking about starting but not sure where to begin? I help moms create income from home without sacrificing time with their family. Drop a 💻 if you’re ready to build something real! #MompreneurLife #WorkFromHomeMom #OnlineBusinessTips #MakeMoneyFromHome #TheSoulfulCompass

36 likes

A light blue bag of Tru Fru Nature's Raspberries in white and milk chocolate, with text overlays saying "Stop Buying Tru Fru" and "I'm here to do you all a favor." It shows 90 calories per serving.

A light blue bag of Tru Fru with chocolate-covered bananas, featuring text overlays discussing why it's not healthy and how popular it is, despite being a dessert in disguise. It shows 100 calories per serving.

A light blue bag of Tru Fru Nature's Strawberries in white and milk chocolate, with a text overlay advising against snacking on it for summer bodies. It shows 90 calories per serving.

Stop Buying Tru Fru 🛑 ✋🏾

Okay let’s get one thing straight! Don’t buy Tru Fru. I’m serious. It’s not even healthy. White chocolate ? Milk chocolate? Frozen fruit? Y’all think you’re snacking smart but you’re really just out here ruining your summer bodies. Meanwhile, I’m just trying to get one bag ONE BAG 😭and all I ever f

7333 likes

Read This BEFORE You Start House Hunting.

Real estate doesn’t have to feel intimidating- it’s about finding what fits you. Here are a few truths that make the journey less stressful and a whole lot more exciting 💫 Save this for your someday home 🏡❤️ #realestate #buyingahouse #home #love #purchases

16 likes

Struggles to Success. My home buying journey🏡✨

How I Turned My Struggles into Success and Bought My First Home 🏡✨ If someone had told me four years ago that I’d own my own home today, I probably wouldn’t have believed them. I was divorced, making $18/hour, and struggling to pay rent and daycare every month. Fast forward to now: I’m sitting in

83 likes

A modern kitchen with dark blue cabinets, white countertops, and stainless steel appliances. The image features the title 'Condo Buying 101: 10 Tips You Need to Know!' for an article about purchasing condos.

Condo Buying 101: 10 Tips You Need to Know!

Thinking about buying a condo? Here are 10 essential tips to guide you! I’ve helped buyers purchase condos, and I’m sharing my experience on how I help my buyers decide if condo living is the right fit for them. Let’s talk about the pros & cons and what you need to know before buying. 1.

10 likes

Home Buying Timeline for Beginners 🏡📦

When we first started the home buying process, I had no idea where to begin. It felt so overwhelming at first. 😅 Here’s a super simple breakdown of the typical steps, just in case you’re starting too 💛 1. Pre-Approval 💼 Find out how much you can borrow—this helps guide your search. 🕐 Tip: T

51 likes

What Ask Yourself Before Buying a Home

🏡 Thinking about buying your first home? Before diving in, it’s important to ask yourself the right questions 👇 ✨ Do I understand my current financial picture? 💭 Do I see my life changing soon (career, family, location)? 🤝 Who can help me learn the process — without pressure? Buying your f

4 likes

Start Your Homebuying Journey Today!

If you’re thinking about buying a home and don’t know where to start, you’re not alone. A few simple steps can make the process feel a lot more manageable: ✔️I’ll help you get a feel for what’s possible. We’ll chat through topics like location, layout, and the features you’ll use every day. ✔️I

0 likes

A modern house exterior with light-colored siding and dark roof, featuring the title 'Hidden Truths About Buying a House & Land No One Tells You (But You NEED to Know)' and the introductory text 'Read this before you start house hunting—trust me, the banks won't tell you this part.'

Read this before you consider buying a house!!🏡🚨

Hidden Truths About Buying a House & Land No One Tells You (But You NEED to Know) Read this before you start house hunting—trust me, the banks won’t tell you this part. ⸻ 1. Pre-Approval Doesn’t Mean You Can Afford It‼️ Just because you’re approved for $300K doesn’t mean that’s your b

23 likes

Buying a home? Real-Tip heres

One thing I always explain to buyers is that the house price does NOT tell the full story 👀🏡 I’ve seen homes priced lower end up costing MORE monthly because of:• Higher taxes• HOA fees• Insurance• Interest rates• No incentives And sometimes a higher priced home actually ends up being the bet

0 likes

🌹 New beginnings start here. 🏡✨

🌹✨ Tuesday Morning Flower Inspiration ✨🌹 Look at these roses showing off like they’ve got everything all figured out… must be nice 😂💁‍♀️ But here’s your reminder for today 👇 QUIT worrying about how everything is going to turn out. (That includes real estate too 😉🏡) Seriously… your stre

7 likes

Home buying: takes longer than you think 🏠

Buying a home is process, especially when it’s your first time. It’s scary, but it’s also very exciting, and satisfying once you get to the finish line. There’s a lot of steps to take. A lot of paperwork and a lot of patience. Which is why it takes so much time. I went through my first home buy

536 likes

I've been thinking a lot about saving money lately

I've been thinking a lot about saving money lately, especially with everything getting more expensive. One thing that's really stood out to me is how simple some money-saving tips can be, yet many of us overlook them. For example, something as easy as bringing lunch to work instead of buyi

983 likes

A person's legs and feet, wearing black pants and checkered slip-on shoes, are shown on a gray metal staircase. Overlay text reads "MY 2026 NO BUY LIST" in red and white.

Two hands hold glasses with colorful drinks, possibly cocktails, in a social setting. Text bubbles list items: "Target trips that turn into full shopping trips," "Coffee that costs as much as a meal," "Extra phone cases," and "Amazon orders placed late at night."

A hand holds a red velvet cookie mix package in a kitchen. Text bubbles list items: "Skincare I buy after seeing one video about it," "Backups of products I am not even out of," "Gas station snacks," "Cute containers with no clear purpose," and "Buying the same basic top in different shades."

what I am not buying in 2026🤍📉🛒

I am not expecting to suddenly be perfect with money but I also know that if I do not give myself some kind of structure, nothing is going to change. Soooo this is my guideline list. Just a way to start paying attention to where my money is actually going☺︎ 💓💓💓 Target runs that turn into full

839 likes

STOP buying courses when you can do THIS

Let’s be real bestie… you don’t need another overpriced course to figure this out. 🤯 You need a mini offer strategy that makes sales before you even promote the big stuff. This is exactly how I flipped ONE digital product into: → a $7 quick-win offer → a value-packed upsell → a full funnel

523 likes

Buying a Tiny home 🏡 with NO MORTGAGE ❌

Realizing you can buy a Tiny home 🏡 with NO MORTGAGE ❌ Saving for a $30,000 Tiny Home🏠 might sound impossible at first. 🤯 Tiny homes have become really popular because they’re more affordable, easier to maintain, and help people avoid huge mortgages.❌ Most people think you need a lot of mo

19 likes

Stop Making These 10 Horse Buying Mistakes Part 2

Stop Making These 10 Horse Buying Mistakes (Beginner Riders) Part 2 In this video, I break down 2 more of 10 of the biggest myths first-time horse buyers believe — and why those myths can cost you your confidence, your safety, and sometimes your future in horses. Buying your first horse is exci

1 like

5 things I wish I knew before buying land

🌾 Five Things I Wish I Knew Before Buying Land 🌾 1️⃣ It’s never just “land.” When you buy dirt, you’re also buying trees that need trimming, fences that need fixing, and critters that already think they live there rent-free. 2️⃣ Clearing and setup costs add up fast. Fencing, permits, wells,

25 likes

Things nobody tells you about buying a home

Things nobody tells you about buying your first home… It’s not just about saving money. 😅 Your credit, your lender, & your strategy matter way more than people think. Most people aren’t “not ready” … they’re just not guided. If you’ve been thinking about buying this is your sign to

0 likes

DO’s and DONT’s before buying your first home!

Before you start house hunting or falling in love with listings on Zillow… pause! 🛑 As a real estate agent who started in the industry at 20, I’ve helped tons of buyers navigate the process — and trust me, there are some key dos and don’ts that can make or break your experience. In this video, I

12 likes

Thinking about raising baby chicks?

Here’s What You Need to Know Hey there! As a beginner chicken mom, I’ve learned a lot about raising chicks, and I’m here to share the ups, downs, and fluffy surprises. If you’re thinking about buying chicks, here are some tips to help you get started! 1. Choosing Your Chicks • Breed

13 likes

Buying a house in 2025 🔑🏡🎊

Ready to buy a house in 2025? 🏡 Here’s your step-by-step guide to make it happen! 💡 Don’t miss out on grants, tips, and insider secrets…let’s turn your dream home into a reality! 🔑✨ #lemon8creator #DreamHome #HouseHunting #FirstTimeHomeBuyer #HomeBuyingTips

50 likes

Buying a New Build in Arizona? Read The Fine Print!

🚨 Builder “Deals” Aren’t Always What They Seem 🚨 Scrolling through new home ads and seeing 2.99% rates or crazy low monthly payments? Yeah… pump the brakes for a second. Here’s what a lot of buyers don’t realize 👇 That super low interest rate you’re seeing is often only available on a very

2 likes

Things I stopped buying 👀

I used to buy these without thinking… now I just skip them 👀 Not everything in my home is low-tox — but being more aware has made a big difference 🤍 #lowtoxliving #nontoxicproducts #momlife #betterchoices #toxinfree

271 likes

Home Buying Tips

#realestatetips #RealTalk #atlanta

26 likes

Buying A Home…Is in Fact Scary

Did you read all the slides 🤔🫣😬 If you’re thinking about buying a home but the concept of spending that much money/owing that much money to the bank + owing for 30 years scares you 😰… then this post is for you. I’m a real estate agent now but when I bought my first home I was not and I was w

36 likes

Buying New Construction? Read This First 👀

A lot of buyers think they don’t need a realtor for new construction homes… but the builder’s agent works for the builder, not for YOU 👀🏡 Having your own agent can help you: ✨ Understand the contract ✨ Negotiate incentives/closing costs ✨ Compare builders & communities ✨ Protect your bes

3 likes

Thinking about buying new car? What if you could save money before you buy

If you’re in the market for a new ride, don't walk into the dealership blind. With Save Club You can unlock exclusive discounts not just on travel and food, but even on big purchases like vehicles and everyday essentials. Why pay full price when you can keep more money in your pocket. Smart

1 like

They’re Not Buying The Jet…They’re Buying Time.

Most people think private jets are just about rich people flexing money… But here’s the part nobody talks about: A private jet can literally save HOURS of your life every single trip. ✈️ No TSA lines. No crowded terminals. No waiting for 200 strangers to board. No missed connections. N

12 likes

✨ Thinking about buying a home in 2026? Start NOW.

The prep you do today can make next year’s home search smoother, less stressful, and way more empowering. I put together 10 things you can start doing now that will set you up for success when you’re ready to make your move. Here’s a peek at what’s inside the guide 👇 🏡 How to understand your lo

1 like

Stop Making These 10 Horse Buying Mistakes Part 1

In this video, I break down 2 of 10 of the biggest myths first-time horse buyers believe — and why those myths can cost you your confidence, your safety, and sometimes your future in horses.Buying your first horse is exciting. It feels romantic. It feels like the beginning of something big.But hor

0 likes

How to make your iPad worth buying 🤎📱

Never let another day making your iPad useless! iPads are great productivity and creativity tools, and they are especially created to help us kick off our daily goals. Make sure to customise it in a way that fits your personal taste and preferences while you can also create beautiful vision boar

3440 likes

CG Chronicles: Buying a Home with no Realtor Pt 2

Since buying my new home I have learned so much! I am currently in the closing process and it is so confusing! Here are some tips to know before you are about to close on your home in the future! 1. Try not to make any large purchases three months before buying a home. The loan officers will

32 likes

Why I’m Never Buying Store-Bought Bread Again

The first parmesan jalapeño loaf from my new bread machine won me over completely. Crisp on the outside, soft on the inside… I don’t think I’ll be buying store-bought bread again. 😌 Lately I’ve been slowing down and getting back to the basics. It was time to thin the radish seedlings, so I harve

1128 likes

Homebuying Timeline for Beginners 🏡

1. Get Pre-Approved Start by getting pre-approved for a mortgage through a lender to understand how much house you can afford. This strengthens your position as a serious buyer and helps narrow your home search within your budget. Tip: Shop around and compare at least two or three lenders, you mi

42 likes

home buying discounts for healthcare workers

✨ Healthcare Worker Homeownership Perks ✨ Did you know there are special programs just for healthcare workers to help you buy a home? 🏡💉 From down payment help to grants and rebates, here’s the breakdown: 🏥 National Programs • Nurse Next Door → Up to $8,000 in grants + $15,000 down pa

7 likes

A white stucco house with green windows and a large cactus, featuring text overlay "BUYING YOUR FIRST HOME! Do you have a checklist?" and a swipe indicator.

A white stucco house with a lawn, displaying text overlay "Get your paperwork and team together" with questions about agents, lenders, and financial readiness.

An empty room with a fireplace, chandelier, and white curtains, posing questions about house size, number of bedrooms, home style, wants, and needs.

Things to consider when buying your first home! 🏡

As you may have seen, I recently just purchased my new home (which is my first!). I’m super excited to have a home of my own, but let me be the first to say that the home buying process is DAUNTING. Not only is the process to find a home overwhelming and difficult, but even the process after fi

100 likes

Most people think buying a home is hard… here’s the truth 👇

Most people think buying a home is hard… here’s the truth 👇” #HomeBuyingProcess #FirstTimeHomeBuyer #HomeBuyers #HowToBuyAHome #RealEstateTips #PalmBayHomes #FloridaRealEstate #BrevardCountyHomes #HouseHunting #DreamHomeSearch #StopRentingStartOwning #HomeOwnershipGoals #RealEstateL

2 likes

Part 4 Buying Abandoned House

The 2nd pic is my Amish neighbor Jade that recently passed. ❤️🙂‍↕️ It was so hard to get a picture of him. I received a call one day from our other neighbor that he had put his dogs outside & had taken his life. This spring is going to be so different. but throughout this journey, the water was

40 likes

See more