Real Estate Advisory · Buy

Buying a home in Montgomery County.

Whether it's your first house or your fifth, you should feel calm, informed, and in good hands the whole way through.

Start the conversation

Is this you?

This page is for you if you're buying in The Woodlands, Conroe, Lake Conroe, Montgomery, Magnolia, Willis, Panorama Village, or Huntsville. First-time buyer, move-up buyer, or relocating from out of state. Texas resident or 1,500 miles away. The process is the same. The support is, too.

The process, step by step.

No two clients move the same way, but the shape of the work is consistent. Here's what you can expect.

Step 01

First conversation

We talk on the phone. You tell me what you're looking for, what you're nervous about, and what you already know. I tell you the truth about the market in the areas you're considering.

Step 02

Get your financing in order

I'll connect you with lenders I trust if you don't already have one. Pre-approval before we tour homes saves time, stress, and missed opportunities.

Step 03

Tour homes

In person if you're local. By video walk-through if you're not. Either way, I walk through every house with you, not for you.

Step 04

Make an offer

I'll talk you through what's fair in the current market, what to ask for beyond price, and what to expect from the seller's side.

Step 05

Inspections and negotiations

Once we're under contract, the inspection report becomes a second negotiation. I'll help you decide what's worth pushing on and what isn't.

Step 06

Closing

Title, survey, final walkthrough, signing day. I'll be there in person or on the phone, whichever you need.

Step 07

After close

I don't disappear. You have a board of advisors at your back for everything that comes next. Movers, contractors, lawn guys, the works.

What sets this apart.

01

Local knowledge that's actually local

Melissa works Montgomery County deeply, not casually. The Woodlands villages, the Lake Conroe communities, the small-town pockets like Panorama Village. She knows the difference between Alden Bridge and Sterling Ridge, and she'll tell you which one fits your life.

02

Built for relocating buyers

Melissa moved from Washington State to The Woodlands in 2012. She has been the relocation client. She knows what it feels like to make a giant decision from a living room 1,500 miles away, and her process is built for it.

03

The board of advisors model

Buying a house isn't a transaction. It's a project with a lot of moving parts. Lenders, inspectors, contractors, movers, estate attorneys, insurance agents. Melissa's board of advisors is a vetted bench of people she trusts with her own clients, ready when you need them.

Working with me looks like this.

  • Honest market read for the areas you're considering
  • Lender introductions if you need them
  • Private home tours, in person or by video
  • Comparative market analysis on every home you're serious about
  • Offer strategy and contract negotiation
  • Inspection guidance and second-round negotiation
  • Closing-day support
  • The board of advisors network for everything after close

A few common scenarios.

Relocating from out of state?

Start with the Relocation page. Melissa's whole business is built for this.

See Relocation

Right sizing or moving for the next chapter of life?

The Empty Nesters and Estates page covers this in depth.

See Empty Nesters and Estates

Considering new construction?

Builders aren't your representative. They represent themselves. See the New Construction page for why having Melissa on your side matters.

See New Construction

Honest answers.

How much do I need saved before I start looking?+

Talk to a lender first. Down payment, closing costs, and reserves vary by loan type. A 20-minute call with a lender will give you a real number for your situation.

What's the property tax situation in Texas?+

Texas has no state income tax, but property taxes run higher than most states. Plan for roughly 2 to 3 percent of the home's value per year, depending on the city and any MUD or PID districts. We'll go through the real numbers for any home you're serious about.

Do I need to be in Texas to buy a house here?+

No. A meaningful share of Melissa's clients buy from out of state, sometimes without ever stepping inside the house before closing. She has a process for it.

What's the difference between a buyer's agent and a builder's agent on a new construction home?+

The builder's onsite agent represents the builder. A buyer's agent represents you. There is no extra cost to you for having Melissa represent you on a new build, and there's a lot of upside.

How long does the buying process take?+

From first conversation to keys in hand, most buyers land somewhere between 30 and 90 days, depending on financing, the home, and how decisive you feel.

What if I'm not ready yet?+

Most buyers start the conversation 6 to 24 months before they actually buy. There is no pressure to move faster than you want to. Start with a phone call and the buyer guide.

Ready to start?

A short call is the easiest first step. Tell me where you are, and we'll go from there.

Give me a call