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Buyer's Guide

Your complete roadmap from pre-approval to closing day. We'll guide you through every step of the home buying process.

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Buyer's Roadmap

1

Meet with a Real Estate Professional

Discuss the type of home you're looking for, including style, price, and location. This is also the time to sign the Buyer Representation Agreement, a crucial move that lets your agent fully commit to finding your dream property.

2

Get Pre-Approved

You will need pay stubs, W2s, and bank statements. Knowing what you can afford is critical to a successful home shopping experience.

3

Search for Homes

The fun part! Your agent will schedule showings and help you find the perfect home that meets your criteria.

4

Make an Offer

Your agent will prepare the offer based on the price and terms you choose, leveraging market data to position you competitively.

5

Negotiations & Contract

It may take a few tries to get it just right, but hang in there. The contract provides you with a timeline to obtain financing and time to inspect the physical condition of the home.

6

In Escrow

You and the seller have agreed to the price and terms. The home is effectively held for you until closing.

7

Final Details

Perform due diligence, order the appraisal, conduct an inspection, and review terms with the lender. Your agent will be managing this entire process for you.

8

Closing

This is the transfer of funds and ownership. A title company or attorney typically acts as an independent third party to facilitate the closing. Congratulations — you are a new home owner!

Buyer Preparation Guide

Preparing to buy a home is exciting, but being ready is key. Consider your financial situation — down payment, closing costs, and mortgage pre-approval — along with what matters most in a home and neighborhood. With this preparation, I'll be able to help you find a home that fits both your current needs and future plans.

Financial Preparedness

Down Payment

This typically ranges from 5% to 20% of the home's purchase price. Do you have enough for a down payment? If not, consider:

  • Savings Plan: Start a dedicated savings plan to build up the required amount.
  • Gifts: Explore the possibility of receiving gift funds from family or friends.
  • Grants and Assistance Programs: Research state or federal programs that offer down payment assistance.
  • Loan Options: Consider loan programs with lower down payment requirements, such as FHA loans.
  • Ask Us About Special Programs: Reach out to learn about special loan programs with down payment assistance and options to get into a home with as little as $2,000 to 3% down.

Closing Costs

Estimate and budget for closing costs, which typically range from 2% to 5% of the home's purchase price. Consider:

  • Negotiate Seller Contributions: Ask the seller to cover some or all of the closing costs as part of the offer.
  • Roll into Loan: Check if your lender allows you to roll closing costs into your mortgage.
  • Assistance Programs: Look into local programs that offer help with closing costs.
  • Lender Credits: Consider higher interest rates in exchange for lender credits towards closing costs.

Mortgage Pre-Approval

Secure pre-approval to understand your budget.

Home Insurance

Research and budget for homeowner's insurance.

Property Taxes

Look into the property tax rates and assess how they might change with future development in the area.

Legal Status

  • Social Security Number
  • ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number)
  • DACA
  • Work Permit

Local Considerations

  • HOA Fees
  • Neighborhood Restrictions
  • Natural Disasters
  • Air and Water Quality
  • Noise
  • School Districts
  • Zoning Laws
  • Crime Rate
  • Commute
  • Future Development Plans
  • High Property Taxes
  • Environmental Hazards
  • Access to Healthcare
  • Proximity to Amenities

Loan Preparation Checklist

If you're applying for a home loan, your mortgage lender will want to examine your financial life in depth to ensure that you meet all of their underwriting guidelines and can afford your new mortgage payment. Throughout the approval process, you can expect to be asked for documents that substantiate different aspects of your income, work status, and expenses.

Income & Assets

For all borrowers on the application, you'll need to collect:

Recent pay stubs
Accumulated cash value from life insurance, if applicable
W-2 forms from the past two years
Down payment gift letters, if applicable
1099 forms from past two years
Alimony and child support, if applicable
Bank statements for all checking and savings accounts
Documentation of rental income
Statements for all investment accounts: 401(k)s, IRAs, CDs, Brokerage accounts
Copy of lease and property appraisal report

If Self-Employed

Year-to-date profit and loss statement
Documents to show unpaid accounts receivable

Spending, Expenses & Debts

For all borrowers on the application, you'll need to collect:

Company name, account number, unpaid balance and monthly payment for all liabilities (credit cards, auto loans, student loans, medical bills, personal loans)
Paperwork documenting monthly child support or alimony you provide
Proof of monthly job-related expenses, if applicable

Miscellaneous Documentation

Copy of your driver's license
Rental history, including contact information for previous landlords
Copy of your Social Security card
Immigration paperwork, if applicable

If You Own Another Property

Address
Monthly expenses related to property
Property value
Lender name and account number
Status of property
Type of loan
Intended occupancy
Monthly payment amount and unpaid balance

Closing Checklist

As the anticipation builds towards closing day, ensuring a seamless transition requires thorough preparation. From securing the keys to making moving arrangements, careful planning is essential to making this significant milestone a joyous and stress-free experience.

Before Closing Day

Financial Readiness

  • Review the Closing Disclosure from your lender
  • Coordinate with your lender to secure necessary funds for closing costs and down payment

Property Preparations

  • Schedule and complete a thorough home inspection
  • Coordinate and address any negotiation points from the inspection
  • Arrange and complete the home appraisal process
  • Ensure homeowners insurance is in place

Document Organization

  • Collect essential documents, including IDs and required paperwork
  • Clear title and provide the title search results to your mortgage lender
  • Purchase title insurance for added protection

Logistical Arrangements

  • Arrange for utilities to transfer to your name
  • Confirm completion of contingencies
  • Schedule a final walk-through of the property
  • Change your address with relevant parties

On Closing Day

  • Bring valid photo ID
  • Bring proof of homeowners' insurance
  • Bring copy of the contract with the seller
  • Bring home inspection report
  • Review closing documents ahead of time
  • Provide necessary funds for closing
  • Sign all necessary paperwork, including loan agreement, deed, etc.
  • Receive keys once documents are signed and funds transferred
  • Duplicate closing documents and store them in a safe place
  • Ensure utilities have been reactivated in your name
  • Consider changing locks for added security
  • Plan a routine maintenance schedule for your new home

Moving Preparation

  • Schedule a moving service or reserve a moving truck
  • Notify employers, family, friends, post office, government agencies, insurance providers, utilities, schools, financial institutions, medical providers, and subscriptions

Ready to Find Your Home?

Whether you're a first-time buyer or an experienced investor, I'll guide you through every step of the process.

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Is this your first home purchase?

This helps us connect you with the right programs and resources.

Yes — first-time buyer
🔄 No — I've purchased before

What's your budget range?

A rough range is fine — this helps us narrow the search.

🏡 Under $400K
🏘 $400K – $600K
🏢 $600K – $900K
$900K+

Are you pre-approved for a mortgage?

If not, no worries — we can help connect you with a lender.

Yes, I'm pre-approved
📝 Not yet — I need help with this
💵 Cash buyer — no mortgage needed

Let's set up a quick call

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Pick a time that works for you

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📞 Call Jesus — (360) 851-1793