Buyer's Guide

• Income & Employment Status - your lender will want to see how much money you make, your work history, and reliable income sources.

• Debt-to-Income Ratio - this is used to evaluate your loan application & helps your lender to see how much mortgage debt you are able to take on.

• Liquid Assets - cash funds readily available to pay for a down payment and closing costs in addition to paying for regular living expenses.

• Credit Health - Take steps to improve your credit score & reduce your debt to prepare for a mortgage. Better numbers mean better loan options with lower interest rates.

• Timing - Decide whether it is a good time to buy a house or not depending on your personal life and market conditions like economic health & current mortgage rates.

• Down Payment - a one time payment toward the purchase of a home due at closing, can be as little as 0% depending on loan type.

• Closing Costs - costs in addition to your down payment due at closing - usually 2-3% of total purchase price - that will include items such as transfer fees, deed recordings, taxes, insurance, title expenses, & HOA fees (if applicable), etc.

• Other Costs - specialized inspection fees that you may want on a property and may be required depending on your loan type

Your Real Estate Agent (that’s me!) is your representative in the home buying purchase transaction. I will hand walk you from the first interaction all the way to taking possession of your new home. I will protect your interests, help you avoid costly mistakes, and help guide decision making on this investment. We will work together to navigate the housing market & your unique situation in order to accomplish your goal! 

In our current housing market you will need a skilled professional in order to come to an agreement with a seller.

Important elements in any offer:

• Contingencies

• Purchase Price

• Terms of Possession

• Due-Diligence

• Performance Deadlines

This is a professional assessment that determines the current value of the property you want to buy. Many lenders require appraisals in order to determine the value of the home & your loan. 

Three days before closing, your lender will give you a Loan Estimate that summarizes what you need to pay at closing and your loan details before receiving your Closing Disclosure. After reviewing the disclosure, attend your closing meeting and bring a copy of your ID, copy of your Closing Disclosure, & proof of funds for your closing costs.

You will then sign a settlement statement listing all of the costs related to the sale. While you sign this document, you will pay your down payment & closing costs, sign the mortgage note, and sign the deed of trust.