Dominique Hofmann
Dominique Hofmann
Soldera Properties
For buyers

Your home-buying guide.

Whether you're buying your first home or your fifth, this guide will walk you through the process step by step with honest advice.

The process

Six steps to your new front door.

Buying a home doesn't have to be overwhelming. When you have the right guide, each step makes sense, and the whole process feels exciting instead of stressful.

01

Get Pre-Approved

Before you start browsing listings, connect with a lender to understand your budget. A pre-approval letter shows sellers you're serious and gives you a clear price range to work within. Don't have a lender? Let me know and I can refer some great ones to you.

02

Define Your Must-Haves

How many bedrooms? Yard for the dogs? Walkable to schools? We'll create a wish list that separates your must-haves from your nice-to-haves, and find homes that check the right boxes.

03

Tour Homes Together

I'll schedule showings around your life and give you honest feedback about each property, the good, the concerning, and the 'let's keep looking.' I'd rather you love your home than just like it.

04

Craft a Winning Offer

In Clackamas County's market, a strong offer isn't always the highest one, it's the smartest one. I'll help you structure terms that appeal to sellers while protecting your interests.

05

Inspections & Due Diligence

Once your offer is accepted, we'll move through inspections, appraisal, and any negotiations that come up. I'll be by your side for every detail, no surprises.

06

Close & Move In

Signing day should feel celebratory, not stressful. I'll make sure you understand every document, coordinate with the title company, and hand you the keys to your new home.

What you can expect from me

Communication you can count on.

Responsive, always

Questions at 8pm on a Tuesday? You'll hear back from me. I believe you deserve answers when you need them, not three business days later.

Honest feedback

I'll tell you when a home isn't right for you, even if it means a longer search. My goal is the right home, not just any home.

Full advocacy

I work for you, not the other side. In negotiations, inspections, and every conversation, your interests come first, always.

A family walking with their real estate agent through an Oregon City neighborhood
Common questions

Buyers ask. Here are honest answers.

How much do I need for a down payment?
Down payments vary by loan type. Conventional loans can be as low as 3-5%, FHA loans around 3.5%, and VA/USDA loans may require zero down. I'll connect you with trusted local lenders who can walk you through your options.
How long does the buying process take?
From the time you start actively searching, most buyers find and close on a home within 30-60 days. The pre-approval process adds a couple of weeks before that. I'll keep things moving efficiently so you're not stuck in limbo.
Should I get pre-approved before looking at homes?
Absolutely. A pre-approval tells you exactly what you can afford, makes your offer much stronger, and speeds up the closing process. It also helps us avoid falling in love with homes outside your budget.
What are closing costs?
Closing costs typically run 2-5% of the purchase price and include lender fees, title insurance, escrow fees, and prepaid taxes/insurance. I'll provide a detailed estimate early in the process so there are no surprises.
Do I need a buyer's agent?
You can technically buy without one, but a buyer's agent costs you nothing (the seller typically pays the commission) and provides invaluable expertise, negotiation power, and protection throughout the process. I'm your advocate from day one.

Ready to start your search?

Let's talk about what you're looking for. I'll give you an honest assessment and help you find the right home, at the right price, in the right neighborhood.

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