Buying a Home Should Feel Exciting,
Not Overwhelming
Let’s be real — buying a home is one of the biggest personal and financial decisions you’ll ever make. It’s exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming with so many steps, questions, and pressure to get it right. That’s where a plan, and the right local partner, makes all the difference.
As a Realtor® and investor based here in Eastern Montgomery County, I help buyers cut through the noise and build a clear, personalized roadmap to homeownership. The more you understand the process, the more confident and prepared you’ll feel from start to finish.
From getting financially ready to navigating negotiations, inspections, and closing, I’m here to help you approach every step with clarity and calm — and make smart decisions that fit both your budget and your lifestyle.
Want to get ahead of the learning curve?
Check out my Handy Homebuyer Glossary — a simple guide to the most common real estate terms you’ll encounter, explained in plain English and sprinkled throughout these pages.
STEP 1: CHOOSE THE RIGHT REALTOR® & SIGN A BUYER AGENCY AGREEMENT
With Zillow, Redfin, and every listing site at your fingertips, it’s easy to think you can buy a home without an agent — but that’s one of the biggest misconceptions in real estate.
The truth? A great Realtor® gives you a real advantage.
As a member of the National Association of Realtors®, I’m held to strict standards of ethics, professionalism, and continuing education. More importantly, I have direct access to the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) — the only system that updates listings in real time. Third-party sites often lag by hours or even days, which can mean missing out in a fast-moving market.
As your agent, I’ll create your own MLS search portal for instant listing alerts and personally help you identify properties that match your goals before the rest of the market even sees them.
Along the way, I’ll guide you through financing, showings, offers, and negotiations with clear communication and a strategy tailored to you.
✨ Pro Tip: In a competitive market, timing and preparation matter more than luck. The right agent makes both work in your favor.
Let’s start your search the smart way — informed, strategic, and ready to win.
STEP 2: GET PREAPPROVED (BEFORE YOU FALL IN LOVE WITH A HOUSE)
Before we start scrolling listings or scheduling showings, it’s time to talk money, but in a way that makes the rest of your home search way less stressful.
Getting pre-approved by a trusted lender is a crucial first step in the buying process. It gives you a clear understanding of your budget, down payment, estimated monthly payments, and loan options, so you can shop smart and avoid surprises.
STEP 3: GET CLEAR ON LOCATION & LIFESTYLE
Before we dive into showings, it’s important to zoom out and ask:
Where do you want to live and why?
Your home isn’t just about the number of bedrooms or the backyard, it’s about your day-to-day quality of life. Choosing the right location means finding the right fit for you (and your family’s) priorities.
By narrowing in on your lifestyle needs before we start looking, we can focus our search in areas that align with your goals, and avoid wasting time on homes that won’t truly fit.
STEP 4: START TOURING HOMES (THIS IS THE FUN PART!)
Once you’re pre-approved and have your search area dialed in, it’s time to hit the road (or the app) and start touring homes.
As your REALTOR®, I’ll schedule showings, coordinate access, and guide you through each property, pointing out things you might not notice on your own and helping you compare homes with clarity and confidence.
Heads up: Most showings require at least 24 hours' notice, especially if the home is still occupied. We’ll do our best to accommodate your schedule, but flexibility is key as we work around sellers’ availability too.
Haven’t started your search yet? It’s totally normal to begin browsing online 6–9 months before you're ready to buy. It helps you get familiar with the market, understand what your money can buy, and start dreaming about your next chapter.
STEP 5: UNDERSTAND THE MARKET BEFORE YOU MAKE AN OFFER
When it’s time to make an offer, I’ll walk you through what’s really happening in the Eastern Montgomery County market so you can move with confidence.
The market is always shifting — based on interest rates, inventory, and demand — and your strategy should shift with it. Together, we’ll look at the data, your goals, and the competition to craft an offer that’s smart, strong, and realistic for today’s conditions.
STEP 6: From Offer to Keys — Navigating Closing With Confidence
You’ve hit one of the biggest milestones in the process — congratulations!
From inspections and appraisals to title work, paperwork, and your final walkthrough, I’ll keep everything organized and moving forward. My goal is to make the stretch between “offer accepted” and “keys in hand” feel clear, smooth, and low-stress — so you can focus on getting ready for what’s next.
Found Your Dream Eastern Montco House?
My goal is to highlight the best of Eastern Montgomery County and make the real estate experience more personal, strategic, and rewarding for buyers and sellers. I prioritize your goals, lifestyle, and peace of mind, creating a tailored approach that fits where you are and where you want to go.
Reach out anytime to explore homes in Jenkintown, Glenside, Abington, and nearby communities — or to talk through your next move with a local you can trust.
DISCLAIMER
Ross Abel is a licensed Realtor® with eXp Realty and the Jeff Chirico Team. All information presented on this site is for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable, but may contain errors or omissions. Information is subject to change without notice, including pricing, availability, and property conditions.
No statement is made as to the accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footages are approximate. Nothing contained herein should be construed as legal, accounting, or other professional advice outside the scope of real estate brokerage.
All information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed and should be independently reviewed and verified.
PHONE NUMBER
Direct - 215-688-5099
Broker - 888‑397‑7352