When talking to first-time homebuyers, there is a common reaction that comes up. They often ask, "What should I do now?" after making an offer. One family that went through their first home purchase in Montgomery felt relieved when their offer was accepted, but they soon realized that the process continued with scheduling inspections, reviewing contract terms, and preparing closing documents.

Let's start with the numbers in the Montgomery housing market. As of February 2026, the median sale price is about $174,700, which is similar to the level from a year ago. This figure indicates that Montgomery still has a lower entry barrier compared to the national average. However, the number of listings during the same period has increased to 889, resulting in a supply duration of 6.4 months, which is longer than the 1.8 months from a year ago, suggesting a favorable trend for buyers.

In this context, the actual steps an agent takes can be outlined as follows. First, they search for listings and assess appropriate pricing through a comparative market analysis. Next, they determine the offer price and conditions for negotiation, and carefully review the sales contract. Then, they coordinate the schedule for home inspections and appraisals, and finally manage the documents and procedures up to closing. For first-time buyers, each of these five steps can feel unfamiliar. Especially when unexpected issues arise during the inspection, they must quickly decide whether to request repairs, renegotiate the price, or proceed as is, and assisting with this decision is one of the agent's important roles.

Since the NAR lawsuit settlement in 2024, an additional step has been added. Buyers must now sign a written buyer agency agreement with their agent before viewing properties. This agreement outlines the scope of services provided by the agent and the commission structure, making it crucial for first-time buyers to fully understand the contents before signing. By reviewing the services outlined in the contract in advance, misunderstandings about the agent's role can be minimized later on.

Working with a Korean agent can make a practical difference in this area. Buyers can comfortably ask questions about conditional clauses or financing terms in Korean and receive answers. The more unfamiliar the process, the more beneficial it is to have a relationship where questions can be asked freely, ultimately leading to a more stable transaction.

In areas like Montgomery, where the Korean population is not large, finding information about school districts can also be challenging. Families with children should refer to indicators like GreatSchools or Niche, but since school district boundaries change frequently, it's advisable to verify the assigned school for the specific address before purchasing. Additionally, information related to access to Korean markets or the location of religious communities can also be gathered.

For families moving from out of state, it's good to be aware that Alabama's property tax and insurance conditions may differ from their previous residence. If someone is newly arriving from Korea and preparing to settle down, they may encounter unfamiliar processes such as international remittance, ITIN issuance, and FIRPTA. An agent who has gone through these experiences multiple times can help alleviate the anxiety that comes with these processes. If needed, they can also introduce reliable lawyers, mortgage brokers, or inspectors within the Korean community. For first-time homebuyers, the difference between having such a network and not having one can be significant, as knowing where to inquire about even one document can be a great help.

For first transactions, it seems wise to go with someone who can comfortably answer questions at each step rather than making decisions alone. This article is not investment or legal advice, and it is recommended to consult with a professional before making any actual contracts.