Find Your Dream Home

Get Ready for Home Ownership

• Build a good credit history
• Get mortgage pre-approval
• Find out what type of mortgages you qualify for
• Consider hiring an attorney to review all contracts and agreements associated with the home buying process
• Save up for a down payment, even if you have a VA loan (typical down payment is 10-20% of property’s value, unless VA then you are typically paying closing costs)
• Consider closing costs which can include taxes, attorney’s fees, and transfer fees
• Consider utilities and monthly bills, such as homeowner's assessments & insurance

• Get a referral from friends, family, and work colleagues, or search realtor.com® and look for real estate yard signs and advertisements
• Ask the real estate professionals you interview about buyer's representation contracts and agreements; make sure you understand the terms
• Explain your needs and expectations to the real estate professional you choose to work with

• Determine what is important to you, such as particular schools, neighborhood amenities, monthly mortgage payment, public transportation, walkability, etc.
• Make sure you include home owner’s assessments, utilities, and taxes when calculating the monthly mortgage payment

• Contact your mortgage broker or lender
• The lender or attorney will run a title search to ensure there are no clouds on the title
• Make sure you understand the financing terms—ask the lender for clarification, if needed

• Ensure the property is inspected by a licensed home inspector
• Acquire title insurance
• Make sure the title is clear, or make your offer contingent upon title clearance
• Read all contracts before signing—make sure you understand all of the terms, ask questions
• Place a competitive bid and be prepared to make a counter-offer
• Keep your credit score stable and in-check by waiting to purchase any big-ticket items until long after the closing
• Only one offer will result in a sale, so be prepared to move on if your offer is not accepted

• Protect your new asset by obtaining insurance such as homeowner’s, flood, disaster, and fire
• Weatherproof your new home
• Maintain files—digital or print—for all warranties, insurance documents, contracts, etc.
• Keep original closing documents in a safe place, preferably outside the home (such as a safety deposit box)
• Set up utilities bills in your name, maintain files
• Implement desired aesthetic changes such as painting, minor construction, and re-flooring
• Set a move date and hire movers or plan a move party with your friends
• Get to know your neighbors and explore your new neighborhood
• If you're happy with the work of your real estate professional, be sure to recommend her/him to friends and family