Organization is the key to finding the home you want while spending the least amount of time and energy.
It’s always best to find out how much house you can afford before you go house-hunting. I can refer you to a loan officer who can assist you with determining how much of a down payment you can afford, along with a monthly payment you can handle.
Make a list of everything you want in a home. Is a master suite important? How many bathrooms? What about closet space? Do you need a yard for the kids and pets to play in? How about a fireplace or a bay window? Do you prefer a rambler or a multiple-story house? Are schools or access to public transportation important?
Separate the essentials from the items you could do without and put them on the “A” list. Prioritize the rest of the items into a second and third list in order of importance. We’ll then go over the lists so that I’m very clear on what you want and need in your home. Keep good notes as we look at homes. After a while, it becomes difficult to remember which features belong to which home. I can provide you with a form and rating system to help you compare homes.
When selecting a home, look beyond cosmetics. Make sure the home is in good physical condition and that you understand the cost of repairs. Look at additional homes, even if you love the first one you see. Many times, it takes looking at several homes before you find the one that is really right for you.
As your Windermere agent, I’ll check with you regularly, even if you haven’t yet found the home that’s right for you. Keeping in contact allows us to establish a good rapport, and helps me learn how to help you effectively. I’ll continue to be on the lookout for homes that suit your needs.
What I do for you:
- Help you find the home that best meets your needs in the most efficient timeframe
- Provide current market data to assist you in making informed decisions
- Help you understand all the terms, processes, and documents involved in a real estate transaction
- Represent your needs through skilled negotiations and effective communication
- Provide you with a peace-of-mind that all details are being handled in a professional and efficient manner
HOW MUCH HOME CAN YOU AFFORD?
Before you start looking at homes, it’s a good idea to find a target price range that you can afford. A mortgage lender will want to make sure you can handle the down payment, plus a monthly mortgage payment made up of principal, interest, taxes and insurance (PITI).
Interest rates and your personal finances will influence the amount of house you can afford. That’s why it’s always good to talk to a lender before you start shopping for a home. I can refer you to lenders suited to your specific financial needs.
There are a wide variety of loan programs available to buyers. I can give you the names of several mortgage specialists who can review all of your options with you.
In order to plan properly, you need to understand what lenders are looking for from a borrower. There are three factors that help determine if you qualify for home financing:
YOUR INCOME
YOUR ASSETS
YOUR CREDIT HISTORY
Most loan programs require you to verify all of your income sources. Your mortgage consultant will let you know what documentation is needed. Typically, you will need to provide pay stubs and your W-2, and if you are self-employed, you may need to provide copies of your tax returns.
The required down payment varies according to the loan program. There are several affordable options for borrowers. Closing costs are associated with finalizing the transaction and include the appraisal fee, loan origination fee, title insurance, escrow services and legal recording of documents. Each loan is different, so it is important to discuss these fees with a mortgage expert.
All lenders review a borrower’s credit history to determine the type of credit used, the amount owed and the borrower’s history of repaying debt.
When you speak with your mortgage professional to figure out how much home you can afford, it’s also a good idea to get pre-approved for a mortgage before we start your home search. This will help us narrow your home search to a price range that’s comfortable for you, and being pre-approved also makes for a stronger offer in the eyes of sellers.
