Buy A House

So you’ve decided you are ready to buy a house. There are many reasons why, but you have decided it's time to get started. You want to buy your first home. Or you want to move to your next home. Or it is time to declutter and downsize. That’s great. But what’s next?

Or more importantly… what’s FIRST?

Start packing? Probably not. Make an offer on that house you just saw? Again, you might be ahead of yourself. Usually the first step is to determine exactly what you qualify for. If you are someone who is already confident in your price range, then it’s still time to decide upon the appropriate loan program and then have a mortgage professional document that price range. Most real estate professionals prefer that you meet with your mortgage advisor first, and then start the search. That makes the entire process flow. Think of it as the “FOUNDATION” to your process. Much like any good home needs a solid foundation, so too does the process to buy a house. And it starts with knowing what your situation looks like. And it helps to know what you qualify for, what lending choices you have, and ultimately what is the right Price Range for your goals. Well you’ve already checked off one task because you are here, reading this article. And you’re off to a great start. So where do we go from here? The process is not hard but it does have an order to it….

The Process

1

Get Pre-Approved

To get pre-approved, we need a completed loan application and some basic income/asset information. Remember, we will get all the official docs later, for right now let’s make it easy. All we need is basic income info…. A Paystub or a tax return, a recent bank statement and any info about income, assets, or debts that you feel we should know. It is simple and free. Actually it could cost you if you’re not Pre-APPROVED.

2

Find a realtor and find a house.

While there are instances where not having a realtor might work, we recommend that you have someone on your team that can be your advocate when it comes time to negotiate that deal. You rarely have to pay to have representation, but you likely will pay dearly if you don’t.

3

Be Educated.

We offer Mortgage consultations that treat you as a unique individual. Just like a Doctor prescribing a treatment, we will suggest a few different plans that appear to meet the goals you have. Don’t get caught up in the one phenomena that seems to be sweeping the country. “I want it quick, I want it now, and I want it all done on my notebook, ipad, smartphone or tablet.” Make no mistake, the depths of quality information available today is impressive, but there is absolutely no substitute for real, live, reach out and touch them, mortgage professionals. Do your research on the web, look around, but you are about to purchase possibly the largest single item you will ever own. Why would you want to do that without someone RIGHT HERE, on your team, in your corner? If it sounds too good to be true… it probably is.

4

Be Ready

Remember the above information is a GREAT starting point, it is not the finish line. We will guide you through the process. It is supposed to be fun. So enjoy it.

So What Do You Need?

Proof of Income

One FULL month’s paystubs. This may be one check stub, or it may be four, depending on how often you get paid. IF you are self-employed, ask us what you need. It will depend upon how your business is set up: sole proprietor, S Corp, C corp, LLC/LLP. No matter what it is, we’ll need a two year history documenting this style of income. (there may be exceptions- don’t assume you can not buy if your income doesn’t fit neatly here.

Proof of Down Payment

Two months ASSET accounts. This is where the underwriters will look to see your down payment funds. And remember, don’t move money between accounts before we discuss it.

Identification

Driver’s licenses are the most popular, but passports will some times work. It MUST BE a government issued, picture ID.

Tax Returns

Previous TWO years w-2’s, or if self-employed, FULLY executed tax returns with every schedule and addendum included. S Corps/C Corps/LLC’s will need to submit their personal and corporate returns with all schedules.

Purchase Cost

The purchase agreement on the particular property.

Other Costs

Information about your choices for ancillary services such as your home insurance provider and your closing attorney.

APPLY NOW