Buyer Resources
Prepare to Buy
1. Define Your Goals
Before beginning your home search, take time to clarify what you’re looking for.
✓ Determine your preferred neighborhoods
✓ Identify must-have features vs. nice-to-have features
✓ Consider long-term needs (family, work commute, schools)
✓ Establish your ideal timeline for moving
2. Understand Your Budget
✓ Review your current finances and savings
✓ Estimate a comfortable monthly housing payment
✓ Factor in property taxes, insurance, and HOA dues
✓ Plan for closing costs and moving expenses
3. Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage
✓ Contact a lender to obtain mortgage pre-approval
✓ Provide financial documents (income, assets, credit history)
✓ Understand available loan options and interest rates
✓ Determine your purchasing power
Finding the Right Home
4. Begin Your Home Search
✓ Contact a lender to obtain mortgage pre-approval
✓ Provide financial documents (income, assets, credit history)
✓ Understand available loan options and interest rates
✓ Determine your purchasing power
5. Evaluate Each Property Carefully
✓ Contact a lender to obtain mortgage pre-approval
✓ Provide financial documents (income, assets, credit history)
✓ Understand available loan options and interest rates
✓ Determine your purchasing power
6. Make Competitive Offer
✓ Contact a lender to obtain mortgage pre-approval
✓ Provide financial documents (income, assets, credit history)
✓ Understand available loan options and interest rates
✓ Determine your purchasing power
Closing the Purchase
7. Complete Inspections and Due Diligence
✓ Contact a lender to obtain mortgage pre-approval
✓ Provide financial documents (income, assets, credit history)
✓ Understand available loan options and interest rates
✓ Determine your purchasing power
8. Finalize Financing
✓ Contact a lender to obtain mortgage pre-approval
✓ Provide financial documents (income, assets, credit history)
✓ Understand available loan options and interest rates
✓ Determine your purchasing power
9. Prep for Closing
✓ Contact a lender to obtain mortgage pre-approval
✓ Provide financial documents (income, assets, credit history)
✓ Understand available loan options and interest rates
✓ Determine your purchasing power
10. Close on Your New Home
✓ Contact a lender to obtain mortgage pre-approval
✓ Provide financial documents (income, assets, credit history)
✓ Understand available loan options and interest rates
✓ Determine your purchasing power