08/30/2026
🏡 THINKING ABOUT BUYING A HOME? START HERE!
Before you start scrolling through listings and falling in love with your dream kitchen, take a few important steps first! 🔑
Here are 5 things every buyer should do BEFORE house hunting:
✅ 1. Get pre-approved.
A pre-approval helps you understand what you may qualify for and shows sellers you’re a serious buyer.
💳 2. Check your credit.
Your credit can affect both your ability to qualify and the interest rate you’re offered. Check your reports for errors before applying.
💰 3. Know your TOTAL budget.
Don’t just think about the purchase price. Consider your monthly mortgage, taxes, insurance, HOA fees, maintenance and other homeownership expenses.
🏦 4. Shop your mortgage lender.
The CFPB recommends comparing multiple loan offers. Even small differences in rates and fees can add up over the life of a mortgage.
🧾 5. Plan for upfront costs.
Closing costs typically run around 2%–5% of the purchase price, in addition to your down payment.
✨ Bonus tip: Don’t let the lender’s maximum approval become your personal maximum budget. The amount you qualify for isn’t necessarily the amount you’ll feel comfortable spending every month.
Ready to start your home search?
Let’s make sure you’re prepared BEFORE you start touring homes! 🏠❤️
📩 Send us a message and let’s talk about your home-buying goals!
