Free Buyer's Guide
Your Complete Guide to Buying in Fresno
Whether you're a first-time buyer or a seasoned homeowner,Dane Wildey will walk you through every step of the process with honesty, expertise, and personal attention.
The Process
8 Steps to Buying Your Home
Get Pre-Approved
Before you tour a single home, meet with a lender to get a full mortgage pre-approval. This tells you exactly how much home you can afford and makes your offers competitive. I can refer you to trusted local lenders.
Define Your Criteria
Write out your must-haves vs. nice-to-haves: school district, bedroom count, commute time, price range. The clearer your criteria, the faster we find your perfect home.
Partner with Dane Wildey
As your buyer's agent, I represent your interests exclusively — and my fee is typically paid by the seller. You get 20+ years of local expertise, negotiation skills, and a trusted advocate.
Tour Homes
We'll schedule showings for homes that match your criteria. I'll point out features and potential issues you might not notice on your own, and help you evaluate each property objectively.
Make an Offer
When you find the right home, I'll help you craft a competitive offer — price, earnest money, contingencies, and timeline — to give you the best chance of acceptance while protecting your interests.
Inspections & Due Diligence
Once in contract, you'll order a professional home inspection. Based on findings, we may negotiate repairs or credits. I'll guide you through every disclosure and help you understand what you're buying.
Secure Financing
Your lender will complete their appraisal and underwriting. I'll coordinate with all parties to keep the transaction on track and address any issues that arise before closing.
Close & Get Your Keys
Sign your closing documents, fund the transaction, and get your keys! I'll be there with you at every step and available long after closing day for any questions about your new home.
Affordability
What Can You Afford?
Use our mortgage calculator to estimate your monthly payment. Remember, this is a starting point — your actual rate will depend on your credit score, loan type, and lender. I can connect you with trusted local lenders for an accurate pre-approval.
Mortgage Calculator
Estimated Monthly Payment
$0/mo
Loan amount: $360,000 · 30-yr fixed
*Estimates only. Contact a lender for an accurate pre-approval.
Connect with a LenderFrequently Asked Questions
How much do I need for a down payment?
Down payment requirements vary by loan type. Conventional loans can require as little as 3–5%, FHA loans require 3.5%, and VA/USDA loans may require 0% down. However, a larger down payment can help you avoid PMI and reduce your monthly payment.
What's the difference between pre-qualification and pre-approval?
Pre-qualification is a basic estimate based on self-reported information. Pre-approval involves verifying your income, assets, and credit — it's a much stronger indicator of your actual buying power and what sellers expect in today's market.
How long does the buying process take?
From initial search to closing typically takes 30–90 days. Once you're under contract, closing generally takes 30–45 days depending on the loan type and any contingencies.
What are closing costs?
Closing costs typically run 2–3% of the purchase price and include lender fees, title insurance, escrow fees, prepaid taxes and insurance, and more. I'll help you understand these costs upfront so there are no surprises.
Should I buy now or wait for rates to drop?
This depends on your personal situation. 'Marry the house, date the rate' — when rates drop, you can refinance. But waiting for rates means competing with more buyers and potentially higher prices. Let's talk about your specific situation.
Do I need a buyer's agent? What does it cost?
A buyer's agent is your advocate throughout the transaction and is typically compensated through the transaction (often from the seller's side). You get experienced representation at no out-of-pocket cost — it's one of the best deals in real estate.
Ready to Start Your Home Search?
Let Dane guide you to the perfect home in Fresno — with zero pressure and all the expertise you need.
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