Buyer Resources: How to Buy a Home in Hampton Roads
Let’s Get you Home!
Jennifer Dawn
REALTOR®
Your Key to Buying Real Estate
Buying a home is one of the most exciting — and important — decisions you’ll ever make. This page is your complete home buying guide for Hampton Roads, with resources designed to help you navigate every step of the journey. From Norfolk and Virginia Beach to Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Hampton, and Newport News, you’ll find practical checklists, tips, and expert insights to prepare you for success. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or relocating to the area, these tools will give you the confidence to move forward.
Buying a home isn’t just about the sale—it’s about the people, the possibilities, and the place you’ll call home.
Whether you’re a first-time buyer, upsizing, downsizing, or relocating to Hampton Roads, you deserve a guide who listens, strategizes, and walks alongside you with care and confidence.
You’ll find everything you need to begin right here—trusted resources, buyer tools, and expert insight into neighborhoods like Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, and surrounding areas.
If you ask my clients what it’s like to work together, they’ll often say I make the process feel easy—even fun. But behind the scenes, it’s thoughtful planning, proactive communication, and relentless advocacy that make the difference.
The truth is, I treat every buyer like family—because buying a home is deeply personal. It's not just a financial decision; it’s a heart decision. I’ve helped clients through joyful moves and bittersweet transitions, long-distance relocations, and local fresh starts. Every story is different—but the goal is always the same: to help you feel heard, informed, and confident at every step.
Because your home journey deserves more than just a transaction. It deserves someone who gets it—and gets you.
📍Explore the resources below to get started—or let’s talk about your goals.
✨ When you’re ready, schedule your private consultation here.
📲 Or click to message or call me at 757-524-0417.
I'm here to guide you home—with trust, community, and connection at the heart of it all.
Jennifer D holds the key.
Thinking About Buying?
Whether you’re daydreaming about a new home, relocating to the area, or just want to understand what’s out there, the Home Buyer Concierge can help.
It’s built to give you:
A better feel for what the process actually looks like
Tips on what to look for when touring homes
A few of the questions buyers always ask me (plus some you might not have thought of yet)
📲 No pressure, no follow-up emails—just clear, simple guidance you can use.
Buyer Resource Hub
Confident. Informed. Empowered.
Buying a home is one of the most meaningful decisions you’ll ever make — and you deserve more than just property listings and paperwork. You deserve a trusted advisor, a strategic plan, and resources that guide you with confidence every step of the way.
This Buyer Resource Hub was created to do just that. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, relocating, or building long-term wealth, you’ll find everything you need here to feel clear, prepared, and supported throughout your journey.
⭐ Understand every phase of the buying process
⭐ Prepare for financing, offers, inspections, and closing
⭐ Access checklists, timelines, guides, and expert tips
⭐ Learn how buyer representation protects your interests
⭐ Get organized with move-in prep, home management tools, and local service contacts
Every resource here is designed with intention — because your homebuying experience should be as exceptional as the home itself. Let’s make it seamless, strategic, and completely centered on you.
Keys to a Successful Partnership from Day One
The Buyer Consultation resource is your personalized introduction to the homebuying journey — designed to help you feel informed, confident, and supported from first meeting to closing.
⭐ Learn the full buying process from consultation to contract
⭐ Understand what buyer representation really means
⭐ Explore pre-approval, financing tips, and home search strategy
⭐ See how Jennifer advocates, negotiates, and protects your best interests
This isn’t just an info session — it’s the beginning of a relationship grounded in trust, education, and advocacy.
Keys to a Successful Home Purchase
Buying a home can feel overwhelming — but with the right guidance, it becomes one of life’s most rewarding milestones. This Buyer Resource is your all-in-one guide to navigating the process with clarity and expert support.
⭐ Understand the full timeline from pre-approval to closing
⭐ Learn how buyer agency works and how it protects your interests
⭐ Compare loan types, property styles, and inspection expectations
⭐ Access prep tips for escrow, contingencies, and move-in essentials
This guide helps you anticipate every step and move forward with confidence — supported by a REALTOR® who’s all in on your success.
Keys to a Successful Move — From Contract to Closing
The Buyer Checklists resource is your hands-on companion through every step of the home purchase process.
⭐ Prioritize your search with a customizable home criteria worksheet
⭐ Track progress with a contract-to-closing timeline and inspection log
⭐ Stay organized with moving prep, change-of-address, and utility setup
⭐ Keep track of expenses, measurements, warranties, and receipts
⭐ Access emergency contacts, vendor referrals, and first-night tips
Whether you’re a first-time buyer or seasoned homeowner, this resource helps you stay one step ahead — organized, informed, and prepared.
What to Expect, How to Prepare, and Why It Matters
The Buyer Appraisal Toolkit explains what happens after your offer is accepted — helping you understand, prepare for, and navigate the appraisal process with confidence.
⭐ Learn the difference between inspections and appraisals
⭐ Understand how appraisers determine value
⭐ Explore what happens if the appraisal comes in low — and your options
⭐ Know how loan types (FHA, VA, Conventional) affect outcomes
⭐ See how Jennifer advocates for you during the valuation phase
This guide equips you to handle this critical stage with clarity and peace of mind.
What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know About Flood Risk
Understanding flood zones is a critical part of buying or selling in coastal areas like Hampton Roads. This Flood Zone Overview helps demystify the terminology, risk classifications, and insurance implications that can impact your property value, premiums, and peace of mind.
⭐ Learn the difference between VE, AE, X, and other FEMA zone types
⭐ Understand what BFE means and why it matters
⭐ Know how flood zones impact loan types and building requirements
⭐ Access FEMA guidance and elevation data for your property
⭐ Learn what LiMWA zones are and why they’re crucial in VB & Norfolk
This resource arms you with the knowledge you need to make flood-related decisions with confidence — and with a trusted advisor by your side.
Take a Deeper Look into the Buying Process…
Connecting with Jennifer Dawn
“Reinventing real estate one relationship at a time.”
A glimpse into who I am, how I advocate, and why this work matters to me
With nearly $80 million in closed sales, I bring the experience, negotiation strength, and market insight to help you purchase with clarity and confidence. My work with both buyers and sellers gives me a dual perspective that sharpens pricing insight, offer strategy, and negotiation at every step.
Why Market Knowledge Matters
The Hampton Roads market is unique — shaped by our military presence, coastal economy, and resort lifestyle. These dynamics influence inventory, seasonality, and buyer competition. At the state level, Virginia housing continues to evolve with limited supply, shifting mortgage rates, and lifestyle-driven moves.
I stay closely connected to these trends so your home search and offer strategy reflect today’s conditions, not last year’s assumptions. That awareness means you’ll have the clarity, confidence, and guidance to make informed decisions — no guesswork, no surprises.
How I Advocate for Buyers
Your Strategist: Align your wish list with the market: smart pre-approval, neighborhood fits, and timing — so the right homes surface first.
Your Negotiator: I read both sides of the table to shape competitive, clean offers — calibrating contingencies, timelines, and terms to match your goals and the market.
Your Guide: I translate the process — showings, disclosures, inspections, appraisal, and underwriting — so every step feels clear and manageable.
Your Advocate: I protect your best interests from first search to closing, keeping communication tight and your timeline prioritized.
Recognition, Service & Industry Involvement
Certifications
Luxury Collection Specialist
Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR®)
Military Relocation Professional (MRP)
e-PRO® Digital Marketing Certification
Seller Representative Specialist (SRS)
Pricing Strategy Advisor (PSA)
At Home With Diversity (AHWD®)
Commitment to Excellence (C2Ex) Endorsement
Leadership & Advocacy
Public Policy Committee (state) · Government Affairs Committee (local) — advocating for private property rights and the future of real estate in Virginia.
Buyer Consultation & Required Agreements (Virginia) (click to expand)
To make sure you’re fully protected and informed, we’ll review several disclosures that establish our professional relationship and clarify expectations. In Virginia, a written buyer brokerage agreement must be in place before touring homes. This ensures dedicated representation and full transparency from day one.
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Exclusive Buyer Brokerage Agreement — Authorizes exclusive representation, defines duties and term, and explains how compensation may be handled.
Covers agency, potential conflicts, your commitments (like routing property inquiries through your agent), and wire-fraud safety language.
Why it matters: clearly establishes our working relationship so we can advocate for you.
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Consumer Disclosure Information Form (CDIF) — A comprehensive checklist of issues buyers should independently investigate:
zoning, easements, flood zones, insurance, septic/well, wetlands, airport/APZ noise, and more.
Why it matters: Virginia is a “buyer beware” state—this reminds you to perform due diligence on factors affecting use and enjoyment.
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Virginia Property Disclosure Summary (CH7) — State-required summary explaining what sellers are—and are not—required to disclose under the
Virginia Residential Property Disclosure Act. Emphasizes inspections and your deadlines for due diligence.
Why it matters: sets realistic expectations about seller disclosures and reinforces inspection timelines.
After our meeting, you’ll receive a secure link to review & e-sign these documents—mobile-friendly and fast.
Financing Readiness (click to expand)
- Get pre-approved (not just pre-qualified) to confirm budget and strengthen offers.
- Upload docs early (W-2/1099, pay stubs, 2 months bank statements, 2 years taxes if applicable).
- Discuss rate, fees, down-payment, and estimated monthly payment comfort range.
- Avoid big purchases/new credit inquiries during the loan process.
- Local advantage: responsive, accessible lending teams help timelines and communication.
Search Setup & Touring Plan (click to expand)
- Dial in filters: budget, beds/baths, commute, school needs, lifestyle must-haves.
- Clarify “non-negotiables” vs. “nice-to-haves”—we’ll trade off wisely when needed.
- Plan touring windows + showing etiquette (access rules, safety, and time on site).
- Use collaborative notes/feedback after each tour to spot patterns quickly.
Offer Strategy & Contract Basics (click to expand)
- Understand price and terms: EMD, financing type, appraisal/inspection timelines, and settlement date.
- Know your risk controls: contingencies, HOA/condo docs, and disclosure review windows.
- Strengthen without overreaching: escalation clauses, flexible closing, repair credits—when appropriate.
In-Transaction Offer • Inspections • Appraisal • Loan
Once you’re under contract, we’ll track dates, decisions, and documents so you stay confident and on-time.
Making the Offer & Key Terms (click to expand)
- Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) amount and timeline.
- Financing type, down payment, and proof of funds as applicable.
- Contingency windows (inspection, appraisal, loan, condo/HOA docs).
- Proposed settlement date, rent-back/post-occupancy if needed.
Inspections & Repair Requests (click to expand)
- Typical: general home, WDI/termite, chimney, sewer scope, roof, HVAC, foundation (property-dependent).
- Decide on repairs vs. credits with licensed estimates and timelines in mind.
- Safety and function take priority; cosmetic items are negotiated case-by-case.
Appraisal: What to Expect (click to expand)
- Lender orders appraisal to confirm collateral value (for financed purchases).
- If value comes in low, we’ll review options: price adjustment, gap funds, lender reconsideration (ROV), or renegotiation.
Loan Milestones & Documents (click to expand)
- Loan disclosures & intent-to-proceed (review promptly).
- Underwriting conditions: upload any updates quickly to avoid delays.
- Rate-lock and homeowner’s insurance selection.
- Final loan approval (clear-to-close) prior to settlement.
Closing, Move-In & After You Buy Walkthrough • Settlement • Utilities • Post-Close
We’ll bring the details together at settlement and set you up for a smooth first week in your new home.
Final Walkthrough (click to expand)
- Confirm agreed repairs are complete and receipts provided.
- Verify systems/appliances operate, no new damage/leaks, and property is in expected condition.
- Recheck inclusions/exclusions match the contract.
Settlement Day Basics (click to expand)
- Bring a government-issued ID; wired funds per closing instructions (verify to avoid fraud).
- Sign lender and title documents; once funded/recorded, you’ll receive keys per the contract.
- Keep your Closing Disclosure and final packet for records and tax prep.
Utilities, Address Changes & First-Week Checklist (click to expand)
- Set service start dates for electric, gas, water, trash/recycling, and internet.
- Set up mail forwarding; update banks, insurance, subscriptions.
- Create a “first-night” bin (tools, chargers, snacks, pet supplies, meds, linens).
Know Your Overlays: Flood & AICUZ/APZ (click to expand)
- Review Flood Hazard Information and Flood Zone Map Guide.
- Check AICUZ/APZ & Noise Contour if applicable to your area.
Military & Relocation Support (click to expand)
- Military PCS or relocation? I support timelines, base access logistics, and remote tours.
- Tap my trusted agent network if you’re buying/selling in another city.
Ready to Take the Next Step? (click to expand)
Take the guesswork out of your home search. Our mortgage calculator helps you quickly estimate your monthly payments, allowing you to confidently determine how much house you can afford. This tool provides a detailed breakdown of your costs, so you can plan for a smarter, more secure financial future.
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