At Home With Mary Palma
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Most buyers focus so much on negotiating the sales price… they completely miss the other areas where they can save serious money.
One of the biggest?
Ask the seller to help buy down your interest rate. That one strategy alone can save you thousands over the life of your loan.
And when it comes to repairs, sometimes asking for a credit makes more sense than asking the seller to fix everything themselves.
You get to choose your own contractor, make sure the work is done the way you want, and keep more control of the process.
Also… don’t forget that appliances, window treatments, patio furniture, gym equipment, and even some furniture can sometimes be negotiated into the deal too. Those are expenses you may not have to pay for later.
And one of the biggest mistakes I see buyers make?
Only talking to one lender.
I’ve seen buyers get very different rates and loan options just by shopping around and making a few extra phone calls.
There’s so much more to negotiating a home purchase than just the list price. Strategy matters.
If you’re thinking about buying and want guidance before you start the process, send me a message. I’m always happy to help.
Connect with Mary!
Mary Palma - Realtor®
Maven & Key Realty
Broker/Owner
Licensed in Virginia
📞 571-259-3009
📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.MaryPalma.com
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05/26/2026
Buying a home can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re worried about finances, interest rates, or whether your credit score is “good enough.”
One of the biggest misconceptions I hear is:
“I’ll wait until everything is perfect before I start the process.”
But the truth is, many successful homeowners started with questions, uncertainty, and a plan.
Homeownership is still possible, even if it feels out of reach right now. The key is understanding the steps to take and creating a strategy that helps you move forward with confidence.
One of the most important pieces of that strategy is your credit score.
Why Your Credit Score Matters
Your credit score impacts:
The loan programs you may qualify for
Your interest rate
Your monthly payment
How much you pay over time
Here’s a quick breakdown:
✔️ 620+ can qualify you for many standard loan programs
✔️ 740+ often helps buyers secure the best available interest rates, potentially saving thousands over the life of a loan
The good news?
Improving your credit is often much more manageable than people think.
You do not necessarily need expensive credit repair companies. Many credit improvements can be made on your own with consistency and guidance.
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