You’ve found the house you love… but then the inspection report shows 40 issues. Now what?In this episode, I’ll show you how to handle the home inspection without panicking — and how to use it as leverage to protect your wallet.You’ll learn:*Why every home has problems (even brand new ones)*How to know which issues are red flags vs. normal wear and tear*The 4 moves you can make after an inspection (and which keeps the deal alive)*Why focusing on health, safety, and big-ticket items wins negotiations*The one mistake buyers make with inspections that can cost thousands📥 Download my FREE Home Buyer’s Guide and Checklist here: https://www.leslieemartin.com/download-the-home-buyers-guide/Whether you’re buying your first home or your forever home, these strategies will help you approach the inspection with confidence and clarity.⏱️ Chapters00:00 – Picture this: the inspection surprise00:12 – 40 issues on the report… what now?00:16 – Why inspections are misunderstood00:36 – Every home has problems — here’s what matters00:50 – Client story: negotiating a seller credit01:17 – Inspection = leverage, not perfection01:22 – The 4 moves buyers can make01:36 – Strategy: focus on health, safety & big-ticket items01:53 – Why attending your inspection matters02:06 – The real goal: clarity, not a perfect report02:20 – Free Home Buyer’s Guide & Checklist02:32 – Coming next: what happens between inspection and closing02:46 – How to contact me in Metro Detroit02:57 – Closing encouragement📌 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#homeinspectiontips #metrodetroitrealestate #firsttimehomebuyer

Writing an offer can feel like the most nerve-wracking part of buying a home. You’ve found the property you love — but how do you make your offer strong enough to win without overpaying or giving up too much?In this video, I’ll break down how to structure a confident offer that gets noticed, protects you, and keeps you in control.You’ll learn:Why the strongest offers aren’t always the highestHow pre-approval gives you a competitive edgeWhich contingencies to keep (and which can weaken your offer)Why earnest money and timing matter more than you thinkThe role preparation plays in negotiating with confidence📥 Download my FREE Home Buyer’s Guide and Checklist here: https://www.leslieemartin.com/download-the-home-buyers-guide/Whether you’re a first-time buyer or upgrading to your next home, these strategies will help you make an offer that stands out in the Metro Detroit market.⏱️ Chapters00:00 – Why making an offer feels stressful00:07 – The big question: how to make a strong offer00:15 – Structuring a confident offer00:30 – Why the highest offer isn’t always the winner00:51 – The importance of pre-approval01:03 – Contingencies: balancing protection and strength01:23 – Earnest money and what it signals01:37 – Timing: aligning with the seller’s needs01:50 – The real key: preparation and confidence02:11 – Free Home Buyer’s Guide & Checklist02:22 – Next episode: The Home Inspection02:29 – How to get in touch in Metro Detroit02:41 – Closing and encouragement📌 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#homebuyingtips #metrodetroitrealestate #winningoffers

House hunting is one of the most exciting stages of buying a home — but it’s also where many buyers get distracted or make costly mistakes. In this episode, I’m sharing how to approach house hunting with strategy so you can spot the right home quickly, stay organized, and feel confident when it’s time to make an offer.You’ll learn:How to use your “must-have vs. nice-to-have” list as a roadmapWhy grouping showings helps you compare homes more clearlySmart ways to evaluate properties beyond surface-level décorHow to avoid fatigue and “settling” for the wrong homeTips for staying ready when the perfect property hits the market⏱️ Chapters00:00 – Why house hunting needs a plan00:15 – Keep your must-haves front and center00:40 – Grouping showings for clarity and focus01:05 – Look beyond décor: clues about maintenance01:32 – Taking notes and photos the smart way01:55 – Beating buyer fatigue and staying patient02:28 – Acting quickly when the right home appears02:52 – Keeping your “why” in mind03:20 – Free House Hunting Scorecard & Guide03:45 – Next episode: Making an Offer With Confidence04:00 – 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#househuntingtips #MetroDetroitHomes #dreamhomesearch

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