What’s your number?
Mortgage approvals are largely based on your credit score. So, it’s good to make sure your credit is in order before you start the rest of the process. You need to verify two things: (1) your credit score is high enough to qualify for a loan and (2) your credit report is free of errors that could stop the mortgage process.
There are loan programs that allow down to a 500 FICO credit score, but we recommend having a 640+ credit score so you can have an easier time applying for loans. If your score isn’t there, you can use this credit score simulator software I recommend to help you add points to your score.
How much do you qualify to purchase?
Although it’s always a good idea to review your situation with a loan officer, you can get a general idea of how much you may qualify for and what to expect in terms of costs without one. We offer a calculator that can help you determine your maximum purchase price and monthly payments based on the same formulas that loan officers use. You can download our max purchase price calculator to get started.
Kickstart your home buying journey
If you’re gonna do this thing right, you gotta get pre-approved BEFORE you start drooling over dream homes online. Trust us, you don’t want to be that person falling head-over-heels for a home you can’t even afford — talk about a buzzkill!
So, what exactly is pre-approval? It’s when you fill out a loan application and send in financial docs (paystubs, tax returns, the whole nine yards) to your lender. Then, crunch, crunch, crunch, and viola! You’ll learn your maximum purchase price, along with juicy details of your loan options like down payment, interest rates, fees, and more. We’ve got a whole crew ready and waiting to help you out. Click that link and get your pre-approval party started!
Relocation Packet
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Agent provided copy if they have a relocation packet to offer clients for the area
Let the fun begin
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Yay, it’s time to get your home-buying party started! You’ve got your Pre-Approval in hand and your financing all squared away, so it’s time for the real fun to begin — this is where Best Agent really shines. Who better to help you navigate the exciting world of house hunting? Together, you’ll create a list of search criteria that perfectly fits your dream home. Then, it’s off to explore! Best Agent will set up showings for you to strut your stuff and strut through homes before you make an offer. And when you find the one you want, she’ll be there to help you negotiate with the seller and make that dream home a reality. Let’s do this!
You found it!
Alright, now we’re getting to the nitty-gritty of home buying – time to make an offer on that dream home! This is where things get real, with a purchase contract that’s chock-full of juicy details. It’s 10 pages of excitement. And guess what? You get to propose your own terms, like the purchase price, closing date, inspection details, and more. It’s like crafting your very own fairytale ending! Of course, the seller has their say too – they can accept, reject, or even counter with their own terms. But fear not, with a bit of back-and-forth and some expert guidance by Best Agent, you and the seller will soon be in perfect agreement. Get ready to pop that champagne, ’cause your dream home is just a few signatures away!
This makes it real
Most contracts require an earnest money deposit from the buyer. This means you’ll need to put a negotiated amount of money into an escrow account within a few days after both the buyer and the seller sign the contract.
Don’t worry, though – this deposit is actually a good thing! It shows the seller that you are serious about buying their home, and it adds an extra level of financial guarantee that you’ll follow through on the contract. Plus, it’s not an expense – the money is held by a neutral third party (usually a title company) and then credited toward your down payment at closing.
Poke and prod that house
No one wants to move into a home that ends up needing thousands of dollars of unexpected repairs!
A home inspection is not mandatory, but it’s hands down the best way for buyers to get a professional opinion on the condition of a home before committing to buying it. And here’s the good news: even after you’ve signed a contract with the seller, most agreements include an inspection contingency period (just double-check with your real estate agent!). During this time, you have the option to back out of the deal or request that the seller fix any costly issues found during the inspection. All so you can rest easy knowing you won’t be stuck with a lemon of a home.
Make it a stress-free transition
When it comes to moving from your current pad to your brand new dream home, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed — but don’t worry, we’ve got your back!
First things first: check your purchase contract to confirm your closing date (which you get to negotiate as part of submitting your offer – go, you!). But with all the other logistics to think about, like packing up your belongings, finding a moving truck, and setting up utilities, it can be tough to keep track of everything. That’s where our moving coordination service comes in — it’s a time saver, so you can focus on what’s important: making your new house a home!
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Oh, and one more thing: if you’re currently renting, make sure to give your landlord a heads-up well in advance!