• Things you should NOT do when preparing to buy a home
• The Road to buying a home
• The Loan Process
• How to schedule showings
• Home Inspections – Overview

1. It will cost me money to get pre-approved. This is a free service.
2. I will have to pay my realtor when I close on my house. This is not correct, agents are paid by the SELLERS proceeds.
3. Realtors can only help me with single family homes. We can also help you purchase condos, townhomes, land and investment properties.
4. I can only help you with our company’s listings. This is not correct. Most home purchasers involve other firms.

• Change banks or move money around
• Deposit cash
• Close credit card accounts
• Fail to disclose financial / credit information
• Calculate what your mortgage would be and apply for new credit
• Make any major purchases
• Change your job

• Choose a lender and get Pre-Approved. A good Real Estate Agent can help you find a reputable lender. Good lenders offer competitive rates, are accessible and responsive. Your lender will request many documents such as bank statements, tax returns and pay stubs.

  It is also important to understand what you qualify for, what you can afford and be sure to understand what you should and should not do before closing.

• Choose a Realtor
• Schedule showings
• Write the offer, negotiate terms, contract ratification.
• Review the purchase contract & addendums with me.
• There is more to a contract than price. We need to consider inspection and appraisal waivers if applicable.  Your EMD (Earnest Money Deposit) will be collected upon ratification.
• Loan Application
• Within 7 days of contract ratification, you will need to officially apply for credit with lender.

• Property Inspection unless waived.
• Within 14 days of ratification, the inspections take place.
• Inspection cost typically range from $350-$500 depending on the sq. footage.
• Appraisal
• The appraiser confirms you are not overpaying for the house.
• The cost is usually $500. Your lender can confirm cost.
• Prepare for closing.
• Be available for lender requests & updates. It is likely you will need to provide updated information to the lender.
• I will gather repair receipts for you if needed.
• Don’t forget to set up your utilities.
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• Final figure & final walk through
• You will receive the “CD” (Closing Disclosure) with your final cash to close number before closing.
• Don’t forget to set up wire transfer or get a cashiers check for settlement.
• We will walk through your home one final time before closing.
• Closing ( average 30 to 40 days after ratification.)
• Also referred to as settlement.
• You will sign final documents at the closing attorney’s office.
• Be sure to bring your ID’s and cashiers check to closing unless you have already wired the funds.
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Here are the five steps

1. 1. Pre-Qualification / Pre-Approval. This is completed during your first call with the lender. They will need to know, income, debts, credit, etc.
   2. Loan Application. Within 7 days of contract ratification, you will meet with your lender to officially apply for your loan. This is where your lender will gather information from you and structure the deal.
   3. Processing. The is the longest portion of your loan process. Processor reviews all of your paperwork and lets you know of any conditions that may need to be met or any “red flags” to underwriters.
   4. Underwriting. The underwriter formally approves the loan after a review of your paperwork. You can usually expect a “conditional approval”. There may be more documents needed before its sent to closing.
   5. Closing. The closing communicates with your settlement agent to prepare and finalize the closing disclosure (CD). The CD must be approved by you the borrower, THREE business days prior to closing.