Tips for Home Buyers

Get pre-qualified before you start touring homes — it tells you exactly what you can afford and shows sellers you're serious.

Factor in more than just the mortgage payment. Budget for property taxes, homeowner's insurance, HOA fees (if any), and routine maintenance.

A good rule of thumb: keep your total housing costs at or below 28% of your gross monthly income.

Don't forget closing costs — typically 2–5% of the loan amount. We'll walk you through every line item so there are no surprises.

Check your credit report before applying. You're entitled to a free report from each of the three bureaus annually at AnnualCreditReport.com.

Dispute any errors you find — even small inaccuracies can affect your rate.

Avoid opening new credit cards or taking on new debt in the months leading up to your application.

Don't close old accounts either — length of credit history matters.

A score of 620+ qualifies for most conventional loans; 580+ for FHA; VA loans are more flexible and often have no minimum.

Lenders will need: 2 years of tax returns, recent pay stubs (last 30 days), 2–3 months of bank statements, and a valid photo ID.

Self-employed? You'll also need profit & loss statements and possibly a CPA letter.

Keep digital copies organized in a folder — you'll be asked for these documents multiple times throughout the process.

Avoid large, unexplained deposits in your bank accounts before applying. Lenders will ask about them.

VA loan: If you're a veteran or active-duty military, this is almost always your best option — zero down, no PMI, competitive rates.

FHA loan: Great for first-time buyers or those with lower credit scores. Requires as little as 3.5% down.

Conventional loan: Best if you have strong credit and can put 10–20% down. Avoids FHA mortgage insurance.

Not sure which fits? That's exactly what we're here for — we'll compare your options side by side.

Your mortgage broker, real estate agent, and title company all need to work together smoothly. Communication is key.

Ask your broker questions — there's no such thing as a dumb question when it's the biggest purchase of your life.

Understand the difference between pre-qualification and pre-approval. Pre-approval carries more weight with sellers.

Read everything before you sign. Ask for explanations on anything you don't understand.

Don't make any major financial changes after pre-approval — no new car loans, job changes, or large purchases.

Always get a home inspection, even on new construction. It's a small cost that can save you thousands.

Understand your contingencies — financing, inspection, and appraisal contingencies protect you if something goes wrong.

Lock your interest rate once you're under contract. Rates can change daily.