Preparing to Buy

Before we start the home search, there are a few key steps to set yourself up for success.

Get Your Financial Documents in Order

Lenders will need to review your financial picture before approving a mortgage, so it’s a good idea to gather:

• Recent pay stubs
• Tax returns (last two years)
• Bank and investment account statements
• Credit card and loan balances
• 401K and retirement account info
• Lease agreements (if you own investment properties)

Having these documents ready will help streamline the loan approval process once you find the right home.

Check Your Credit Score

Your credit score plays a huge role in your mortgage approval and interest rate. It’s worth checking in advance so there are no surprises. A lender will pull your scores from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion, but you can also check it yourself. If there’s anything that needs fixing, it’s better to address it before you start shopping. I can connect you with a trusted lender who can walk you through this process.

Avoid Major Financial Changes

Now is not the time to:

• Buy a new car
• Open new credit cards
• Make large purchases (furniture, appliances, etc.)
• Change jobs (if possible)

Lenders want to see financial stability, so keeping things steady will help ensure a smooth approval process.

I’ll guide you through each step so you’re ready when the perfect home comes along. Let’s get you set up for success!