Annette DePalmo
Local experience since 1990.
Buying or selling in Canfield, Boardman, Poland, Austintown, Struthers or Columbiana? Work with Annette at CENTURY 21 Lakeside Realty to turn the details into a practical next step.
Know your numbers before you tour.
Adjust the example below to your situation. These are planning assumptions, not local averages, a rate quote or a Loan Estimate.
Illustrates a fixed-rate loan without financed fees. Does not automatically add FHA upfront mortgage insurance, VA funding fees, assistance, seller credits, moving costs, maintenance or utilities. Your lender must provide the actual financing and closing figures. Monthly tax and insurance amounts are estimates, not a tax assessment.
Ohio help worth asking about.
You do not have to figure out every loan program yourself. Start with an approved lender and a clear picture of your cash and monthly budget.
Recently graduated? Ask about Grants for Grads. It has separate eligibility and Ohio-residency requirements.
Program summaries checked against OHFA's official consumer site on October 27, 2026. Terms and availability can change. Assistance is not automatic or a promise of approval. Do not subtract it from your budget until your lender confirms it.
A clear path to your first set of keys.
A home search works better when the money, property and timing are considered together.
Set your comfort zone
Discuss your price range, monthly budget, timeline and must-haves with Annette. Decide what you want to keep in savings after closing.
Confirm financing
Get a lender's preapproval, compare loan terms and ask about Ohio assistance before relying on it in an offer.
Tour, inspect & close
Review comparable homes, contract terms and inspection options. Annette can coordinate the real estate steps with your lender and title team.
First-time buyer questions.
Start with the essentials. Your lender confirms the loan details.
Do I need a 20% down payment?
Not always. Some conventional programs allow eligible buyers to put less down, and government-backed programs have their own rules. Lower down payments can change insurance, fees and the monthly cost.
Is the earnest money deposit an extra cost?
It is generally credited toward the transaction at closing, rather than added a second time to your down payment. The contract controls how the deposit is held and when it may be refundable.
Can I use gift funds or down payment assistance?
Possibly. Your loan program and lender determine what is allowed, documentation requirements and whether programs can be combined. Confirm before moving money or writing an offer.
How should I compare Canfield, Boardman, Poland, Austintown, Struthers and Columbiana?
Start with your budget and the addresses you need to reach. Compare actual listings, property condition, taxes and the applicable school district for each address rather than relying on a citywide assumption.
Your first home starts with a conversation.
Tell Annette where you are in the process. You do not need to have every answer before you reach out.