I'm going to let you in on a secret: the questions you're afraid to ask are the exact same questions everyone else is afraid to ask. I know because people eventually ask me all of them, usually with a preamble like "this is probably a dumb question, but..." It never is. Here are the greatest hits, answered the way I'd answer them at my kitchen table.

1. How much money do I actually need to buy a house? Less than you might think, and more than just the down payment. There are loan programs with low down payment options, and then there are closing costs, inspections, and moving expenses on top. The honest answer depends on your situation, which is why the right first step is a conversation with a lender, not a guess. I can connect you with local lenders who will give you real numbers, not internet numbers.

2. Could I even qualify right now? Maybe! People regularly assume they can't and turn out to be closer than they thought. Credit, income, and debt all factor in, and a good lender can tell you exactly where you stand and, if you're not there yet, exactly what to work on. Finding out costs nothing and commits you to nothing.

3. What does a real estate agent actually cost me as a buyer? Great question, and one you should ask any agent directly. Compensation gets discussed and agreed to in writing before we work together, so you'll never be surprised. Ask me and I'll walk you through exactly how it works.

4. What happens if I make an offer and change my mind? Contracts have contingencies, which are built-in exit points for things like inspections and financing. There are right ways and wrong ways to step back from a deal, with different consequences. This is exactly the kind of thing I explain before you sign anything, because you deserve to know your outs going in.

5. Do I really need an inspection? You are allowed to skip it. I will almost never think it's a good idea. An inspection is a few hundred dollars to learn what you're really buying. As someone who has spent years around renovations, I can tell you the expensive problems are rarely the ones you can see on a walkthrough.

6. What if I fall in love with a house I can't afford? It happens, and it stings, and then we use it. That house just taught us exactly what you love, and my job is to find where those things exist at your number. The heartbreak house is data. Useful, painful data.

7. Is it weird to buy a house by myself? Not even a little. Plenty of people buy solo, and honestly it can be simpler: one opinion, one timeline, one set of must-haves. If you're building something on your own, I'd love to help. It's some of my favorite work.

Have a question that didn't make the list? That's what I'm here for. No question is too basic, and I mean that literally. Reach out anytime, even if you're just curious.