For Buyers

BUYERS

Below are Some Tips to Help you get started with the Home Buying Process:

Pre-approval: 

What is a Pre-Approval?

The Buyer receives written confirmation from the Mortgage Broker/ Lender that they are pre-approved for a certain loan amount and type (e.g. Conventional Financing, FHA, VA).

Why get Pre-Approved?

• Getting Pre-Approved helps you understand your true budget and can help clarify the financial elements associated with homeownership 

• Getting Pre-Approved can also help you find out about any potential issues before you go under contract with a home, like an error on your credit report. It’s better to deal with this during pre-approval than when you’ve already found a home.

• Getting Pre-Approved shows the seller you're serious and qualified. In today's market, Sellers require offers to be submitted with your full financial package (Proof of Funds, Pre-Approval Letter, FICO scores)

• Getting Pre-Approved is currently a prerequisite* to seeing properties in person in the current COVID-19 environment: As an industry, safety protocols have been implemented to reduce the risk of exposure. This includes sanitizing the property, wearing PPE during showings, and limiting in-person showings to serious and qualified buyers. Many sellers are asking for a pre-approval letter before confirming appointments with prospective buyers.

  Interested in taking this important First Step Towards Homeownership? Contact me today and I'd be happy to connect you to my preferred lender for first-class treatment!

List of needs (must-haves) & wants (wish-list)

• Create 2 lists. The first list consisting of features you must have (number of bedrooms, minimum square footage, one story house if accessibility is a factor, etc.) and any deal breakers. The second list being the wishes, things that are preferred, but not make or breaks. (ex: pool, AC, etc.). Realistically as a first time home buyer, you may not get everything on your wish-list, but it can help the search be more focused.

• If your lists contain being in a specific school district, please find these helpful resources below:

For Ratings of Local Schools, Click Below:

For Specific School Districts by Property Address/ Zip Code, Please View Below. Buyer to to due diligence to verify all information for themselves.

Representation by a Professional

Consider hiring your own Real Estate Agent, one who is working with you The Buyer, not the Seller. Not only do networked agents have access to off-market and coming soon properties during your home search, but will also guide you through the entire transaction process including establishing protections like inspections, appraisal and loan contingencies into your written offer (purchase agreement); assisting with scheduling appraisers, professional inspectors, pest control specialists, etc. during escrow.