Collin · Rockwall · Denton · Dallas counties
Buying a Home
with Kim Elmer
When you buy with me, you have an Accredited Buyer's Representative (ABR®) on your side, from the first conversation to the day you get your keys.
My buyer services
How I Work with Home Buyers
I represent home buyers throughout Frisco, Plano, McKinney, Prosper, Celina, Allen, Richardson, and surrounding North Dallas communities throughout Collin, Rockwall, Denton, and Dallas counties. I help you choose the right community, understand the full cost of owning, compare new construction with resale, write a smart offer, and get through inspections, HOA review and closing. I hold the ABR® designation, I bring 12+ years of experience and 400+ transactions, and I've worked extensively with North Texas home builders.
My Commitment to You
Buying a home is one of the biggest decisions you'll make, and in North Texas the right choice depends on far more than the house itself. My commitment is simple: I represent you and your interests, every step of the way.
You work directly with me. I tour homes with you, I give you my honest opinion of each one, and I tell you what I see that the listing photos don't show.
I'd rather help you walk away from the wrong home than rush you into it. When the right one comes along, I'll help you move quickly and confidently.
What You Get When You Buy with Me
Full representation, from your first search to your final walkthrough.
- One-on-one buyer consultation before you tour a single home
- Community-by-community guidance throughout Collin, Rockwall, Denton, and Dallas counties
- Custom MLS search set up around your must-haves, updated as new homes list
- Early alerts on new listings and, when available, homes coming soon
- Private showings scheduled around your calendar
- Video and FaceTime tours for out-of-town and relocating buyers
- Comparable-sales analysis on every home before you write an offer
- Offer strategy, contract preparation and negotiation on your behalf
- Representation at the builder sales office on new construction
- Review of builder contracts, incentives and upgrade selections
- Referrals to trusted local lenders, inspectors and insurance agents
- Inspection attendance and repair-request negotiation
- HOA document and resale certificate review guidance
- Appraisal and financing deadline tracking
- Coordination with lender, title company and builder through closing
- Final walkthrough with you before closing day
The Buyer Roadmap: 10 Steps to Your New Home
This is a summary of the timeline for buying your home, and what I handle at each step. As your agent, I'll be there to make sure you feel confident during each step of the process.
- 01
Interview
We start with a conversation, not a showing. I want to understand why you're moving, what your days look like, and what a home needs to do for you.
- I learn your timeline, budget comfort zone, and must-haves versus nice-to-haves.
- I explain how buyer representation works in Texas and the agreement we sign together.
- I walk you through the full process so nothing later comes as a surprise.
- 02
Pre-Approval
Meet with a lender and get a pre-approval letter. Before you fall in love with a house, you should know exactly what you can comfortably buy.
- I connect you with experienced local lenders so you can get pre-approved, not just pre-qualified.
- We look at the full monthly picture: Texas property taxes, HOA dues, any special districts, and insurance.
- A strong pre-approval letter makes your offer more competitive when the right home appears.
- 03
Search
Begin your home search. I set up a search built around your criteria and help you choose the right community, since in Frisco, McKinney and Plano two homes at the same price can come with very different taxes, HOA rules and school zoning.
- New listings that match come to you automatically.
- I compare neighborhoods like The Grove, Craig Ranch and Deerfield side by side for you.
- I encourage you to confirm school zoning directly with the school district for any address.
- 04
Showings
We set up showings and view the homes you're interested in. I point out what photos don't show, and help you weigh new construction against resale.
- At showings I point out layout, condition, lot, orientation and resale considerations.
- If you're relocating, I can tour homes for you by video so you don't miss an opportunity.
- I help you compare builder incentives, lot premiums, upgrade costs and timelines.
- 05
Offer
After finding the right home, we put in a strong offer and negotiate the terms of the contract. I pull comparable sales so the offer is competitive without overpaying.
- I explain the price, option period, earnest money and closing date as a package, not just the number.
- I talk with the listing agent to learn what matters most to the seller.
- I prepare the Texas contract and walk you through every page before you sign.
- I give you my honest read on when to hold firm and when to compromise.
- 06
Earnest Money and Loan Application
In Texas, this is the escrow step: you deliver earnest money (and the option fee) to the title company and complete your full loan application within the time frames in the contract.
- I make sure you know exactly what is due, to whom, and by which date.
- I keep your lender, the title company and the seller's agent in sync from day one.
- I guide you through HOA documents, rules, dues and the resale certificate.
- 07
Inspections
Schedule inspections and negotiate any repair requests and issues. The option period in a Texas contract is your window to inspect the home and decide.
- I refer independent, licensed inspectors and help schedule inspections quickly.
- I help you separate serious issues from normal wear, and negotiate repairs or credits.
- On new construction, I recommend independent inspections at key stages, even on a brand-new home.
- 08
Financing
Your lender orders the appraisal and you obtain homeowners insurance. I keep every lender and appraisal deadline on track.
- I track appraisal and financing deadlines and alert you before anything is due.
- I remind you to line up homeowners insurance early, since lenders require it before closing.
- If an appraisal comes in low, I explain your options and help negotiate next steps.
- 09
Last Steps
Receive clear to close from your lender and do a final walk-through before closing.
- I walk the home with you before closing to confirm agreed repairs and condition.
- I make sure you know what to bring and what to expect at the title company.
- 10
Closing
Time to get your keys and celebrate buying your home. I coordinate with your lender, the title company and the seller's agent so closing day is calm and on time.
- After closing, I'm still here for questions, contractor referrals and anything you need.
Where My Experience Makes the Difference
01 / Expertise
Local Knowledge, Neighborhood by Neighborhood
I don't just know the cities, I know the communities inside them. I can tell you how sections of The Grove in Frisco differ, what Craig Ranch in McKinney offers, and what to expect in Deerfield in Plano. That kind of detail helps you choose the right street, not just the right zip code.
02 / Expertise
Experience with Builders and New Construction
I have worked extensively with North Texas home builders. I know what to ask at the sales office, how builder incentives usually work, and why your own representation matters when the other side of the table is the builder.
03 / Expertise
Inspections Done Right
A home inspection is your best protection. I refer independent inspectors, help you read the report, and negotiate the repairs or credits that matter, so you close knowing what you're buying.
04 / Expertise
Getting You to the Closing Table
From contract to keys, I track every deadline and stay in touch with your lender, title company and the other agent. You'll always know what's next and what's needed from you.
You'll Always Know What's Next
Direct access to me
You work with me personally. Call or text me directly with questions at any stage.
Honest opinions
I tell you what I like and what concerns me about every home, including the ones you love.
Every deadline tracked
Option period, financing, appraisal and closing dates. I track them and tell you before anything is due.
Buyers I Often Help
First-time buyers
I explain each step in plain language and help you understand the full cost of owning a home in Texas, not just the purchase price.
Relocating families
Moving to North Texas from another state or city? I help you compare communities, commutes and school districts, and I can tour homes for you by video.
Move-up and luxury buyers
I help you evaluate larger homes, premium lots and higher-end finishes, and negotiate with care on high-value purchases.
New construction buyers
I represent you at the builder's sales office and help you through contracts, upgrades, inspections and the build timeline.
55+ buyers and downsizers
Whether you want a single-story home, less upkeep or to be closer to family, I help you find the right fit and coordinate the timing with selling your current home.
Investors
I help investors look at North Texas homes with an eye on location, condition, HOA rules and long-term value.
Buyers who also need to sell
I help you plan the order and timing of buying and selling so you're not carrying two homes longer than you need to.
How to Get Ready to Buy
A little preparation puts you in a stronger position when the right home appears.
- Get a full pre-approval from a lender before you start touring.
- Write down your must-haves and nice-to-haves, and rank them.
- Know your monthly comfort zone, including taxes, HOA and insurance.
- Set aside funds for earnest money, the option fee, inspections and closing costs.
- Pick two or three communities you want to compare first.
- Check commutes at the times you'd actually drive them.
- Confirm school zoning with the school district for any address you're serious about.
- Avoid new credit, big purchases or job changes until after closing.
Where I Help Buyers
My buyer services extend throughout Collin, Rockwall, Denton, and Dallas counties, including Frisco, Plano, McKinney, Prosper, Celina, Allen, Richardson, and surrounding North Dallas communities.
- Collin County
- Rockwall County
- Denton County
- Dallas County
The featured guides below are a starting point, not my entire service area. Explore housing, amenities, HOA considerations, and buyer tips—or contact me about another community you have in mind.
More reading: The Grove Frisco: What Buyers Should Know · New Construction in Frisco: What Builders Don't Explain
Buyer FAQs
How much does it cost to work with Kim as a buyer's agent?
We talk about compensation openly at our first meeting and put it in writing in a buyer representation agreement before we tour homes. In many purchases, part or all of the buyer agent's compensation is paid by the seller or builder, but that depends on the specific home and negotiation. I'll explain your options so there are no surprises.
Do I need to sign a buyer agreement before touring homes?
Yes. Under current rules, buyers sign a written agreement with their agent before touring homes. It spells out the services I provide and how I'm paid. I walk you through it line by line before you sign.
Should I use my own agent when buying new construction?
Yes, I recommend it. The builder's on-site sales agent represents the builder. Your own agent represents you. Register me with the builder on your very first visit to the sales office, since many builders require that for your agent to represent you.
Which is better in Frisco, new construction or resale?
It depends on your priorities. New construction offers modern layouts and builder warranties but can come with longer timelines and upgrade costs. Resale homes often have mature trees, established neighborhoods and can be ready sooner. I help you compare both for the specific homes you're considering.
How do property taxes affect what I can afford in North Texas?
Texas has no state income tax, but property taxes can be a significant part of your monthly payment. Rates vary by city, county, school district and any special districts. I help you look at the total tax rate for each home so you can compare true monthly costs.
What is the option period in a Texas contract?
The option period is a negotiated number of days after your contract is signed, for which you pay an option fee to the seller. During that time you can inspect the home and end the contract for any reason. I help you schedule inspections fast so you can use this time well.
Do I need a home inspection on a brand-new home?
I recommend it. Independent inspections during and after construction can catch issues before drywall goes up and before closing. City inspections check code compliance, which is not the same as a full independent inspection for you.
How long does it take to buy a home?
From an accepted offer, a typical financed resale purchase often closes in about 30 to 45 days. Your search time before that depends on the market and how specific your needs are. New construction timelines depend on the builder and stage of the home.
How do HOAs work in communities like The Grove and Craig Ranch?
Many North Texas communities have an HOA that maintains common areas and enforces community rules. Dues, rules and amenities differ. I help you review HOA documents and the resale certificate before your option period ends. See my community guides for details on The Grove and Craig Ranch.
Can I buy a home in North Texas while still living out of state?
Yes. I can tour homes with you by video, share honest observations about each home and neighborhood, and coordinate inspections and closing. Many title companies can also arrange remote or mail-away closings.
How do I win in a multiple-offer situation?
Price matters, but so do terms. A strong pre-approval, a reasonable option period, an earnest money amount that shows commitment, and a closing date that works for the seller can all make a difference. I talk with the listing agent to learn what matters to the seller.
Can I buy a new home before I sell my current one?
Sometimes. It depends on your finances and lender. Options can include a contingent offer, bridge financing, or timing both closings closely. I help you plan the order so you're comfortable with the risk.
Which areas does Kim serve for buyers?
I help buyers throughout Collin, Rockwall, Denton, and Dallas counties, including Frisco, Plano, McKinney, Prosper, Celina, Allen, Richardson, and surrounding North Dallas communities. The Grove, Craig Ranch, and Deerfield are featured guides, not the limits of my service area.
Your next home starts here
Let's Talk About What You're Looking For
Tell me about your timing, the areas you're considering and what your next home needs to do for you. I'll reach out personally.