Buyers
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Buying a home can feel like a hundred decisions at once. The good news is that the first few steps are simple, and doing them in the right order saves time and stress.
Start with your real budget
Get pre-approved before you start touring. Pre-approval means a lender has reviewed your income, credit, and documents, so you know what you can actually borrow. It is not the same as pre-qualification. Sellers take pre-approved buyers more seriously, and you will not fall in love with a home you cannot afford.
Then build your cash-to-close fund. Closing costs typically run 2 to 4 percent of the purchase price, plus earnest money and moving costs. You can estimate your monthly payment with the mortgage calculator.
Decide what matters
Write down your must-haves, your nice-to-haves, and your dealbreakers. Then research the areas you are considering: neighborhoods, school districts, commute times, HOA rules and fees, and typical property tax and utility costs. School assignment and taxes depend on the exact address, so verify them for each home you are serious about.
Protect your finances
From the day you apply through closing, avoid opening new credit, financing furniture, or changing jobs. Lenders look at your finances again before closing, and surprises can delay or derail a loan.
Find an agent you trust
Sign a buyer representation agreement with someone who will explain the process and answer every question, big or small. Ask how they communicate, how they handle negotiations, and what happens at each stage.
Keep a checklist
Moving from pre-approval to your first 30 days at home involves a lot of small tasks. I put them all in one place: the free Buyer’s Moving Checklist is viewable online and downloadable as a PDF.
If you would like to talk through your situation, schedule a call with me. We will be talking within the next 48 hours.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do first when buying a home?
Get pre-approved so you know your real budget before you shop. Pre-approval is different from pre-qualification, because a lender has reviewed your documents.
How much cash do I need to close on a home?
Closing costs typically run 2 to 4 percent of the purchase price, plus earnest money and moving costs. Your lender can give you a specific estimate.
Should I open new credit while I am buying?
Avoid opening new credit, financing furniture, or changing jobs from the time you apply through closing, since lenders look at your finances again before closing.
Ready to talk it through?
Tell me your budget, area and timeline, and we'll be talking within the next 48 hours.
