First Time Buyer
Why Utilize A Buyer's Agent?
Buying a home is a big step with high stakes. An experienced buyer’s agent will guide you through the entire home-buying process so that you can find the home you want at a price that fits your budget, without all the stress.
Guide | Your agent has a plan to guide you through each step of the buying process.
Advocate | Your agent will advocate for your best interests throughout the transaction.
Expert | Your agent knows the market and every part of the home-buying process.
Search | Your agent has access to more properties so you can find what you want.
Organize | Your agent will save you time by researching and organizing showings.
Negotiate | Your agent will help you negotiate the best possible terms on your property.
Problem-Solver | Your agent will help you prevent and overcome problems along the way.
Tell You What To Buy | We'll show you the best properties that fit your criteria, but we'll never tell you what to buy.
Tell You What To Offer | We will research the market value of the property but we won't tell you what to offer.
Tell You What To Do | We're here to guide you through the process, but you're in charge.
Give Legal Advice | We are not attorneys, and therefore do not (and cannot) give legal advice.
Get Pre-Qualified
Getting pre-qualified is the first big step toward buying your new home and will help you shop with confidence!
You'll meet with a lender who will look at your finances and help determine:
- How much you may qualify to borrow
- How much you may need for a down payment
- What your closing costs may look like
- An estimate of your monthly payment
It's a great idea to talk with more than one lender so you can compare options and costs. Once you're pre-qualified, your lender will provide a letter that you can submit with your offer.
Your lender will likely ask you to gather a few documents, including:
- Last 60 days of paycheck stubs
- Last 2 years of W-2 forms
- Last 2 months of bank statements
- Last 2 years of tax returns, if self-employed
- Social Security Award letter (If applicable)
- Profit & Loss statement and/or business tax returns (For Business Owners)
Types of Asset Statements Needed:
- Checking Account Statements
- Bonds
- Investment Accounts
- Savings Account Statements
- Retirement Accounts
- Business Accounts
- Certificate of Deposit
Lenders review a few key things to help determine what loan amount may work best for you.
Assets | How much you have saved, including cash and other liquid assets
Debt-to-income Ratio | How your monthly debt payments compare to your monthly income
Credit Score | A number between 300 and 850 that helps lenders understand how likely you are to repay the loan
Closing Costs
These are fees paid for services needed to complete the purchase of your home.
Closing costs may include:
- Title company fees
- Lender fees
- Appraisal Fees
- Inspection Fees
- Survey Fees
- Attorney fees, if applicable
Prepaids
Prepaids are costs paid upfront at closing. These usually include items such as:
- Property Taxes
- Homeowner's Insurance
- Mortgage Interest
Your lender requires these to help protect their investment in the property.
Pre-Closing Checklist
Congratulations! You’re in the final stretch of the home-buying process. To help ensure a smooth and stress- free closing day, please complete the following items before your scheduled closing.
Schedule The Closing Date
Secures Homeowner's Insurance
Review The Settlement Statement
Set Up Property Utilities
Schedule Your Address Change
Prepare Funds For Closing
Complete The Final Walk Through
You're Almost Home!
What To Bring To Closing
- All persons listed on the contract should be present to sign.
- Photo identification, such as a driver’s license or passport. (Must be active. Expired ID’s are not accepted.)
- Certified cashier’s check for any funds you are required to bring.