So You’re Thinking About Buying a Home…
If buying a home is in your future, you have started in the right place. First, please take a moment to read a little more about me. Then, use my website to search for property and read my blog for helpful information. Please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions you may have. I’m in the business of making connections and establishing relationships, not simply opening doors, so I would love to hear from you!
What If I Don’t Intend To Buy For A Year Or More?
That’s OK! I find it beneficial for buyers to start familiarizing themselves with my services (and the local neighborhoods) early on in their search. That way, when you are ready, there’s no mad rush to find the perfect property…it’s all part of a process. Go ahead and call me at the beginning. I’ll show you around town, give you the tour and be here to answer any questions you may have. Trust me. I prefer it this way. If you decide that Henderson isn’t for you, that’s OK too. I trust that after working with me, you’ll be happy to refer my services to your friends and family in the future.
What If I Plan To Buy Within 6 To 12 Months?
This is a good time to start taking a closer look at your credit score, as this will give you time to dispute any errors you my find or clear up any deragatory items. Conventional mortgage lenders will typically want a FICO score of at least 720, or in some cases 740. Those with a score above 580 may still qualify for an FHA loan, but they typically want a score of at least 620. Here are some things to keep in mind when preparing your credit to buy a home:
- Older, more “seasoned” lines of credit help boost your credit score, so leave those credit cards open even if you don’t use them all the time. Try to use those credit cards every few months. Just never charge more than 30% of your allowed limit, and pay the balance in full every time you get your bill.
- Once you’re six months away from applying for a mortgage, stop opening new credit lines, as this can temporarily lower your score. The credit bureau doesn’t know how you’re going to handle that new credit so it’s a risk factor.
- In the excitement of buying a house, some people rush out to charge new appliances or furniture before closing. But even if you’re in escrow, having a debt utilization ratio above 30 percent right before closing could disqualify your loan. Also hold off on getting a new car to put in that new garage.
- When you apply for a mortgage, you’ll need to provide several months’ of bank statements for your checking and savings accounts. If you suddenly shut an account or have a large transfer from one account to another, then you’re going to have to paper-trail that whole account too. Leave your money and your accounts the same for at least three months.
What If I Will Be Ready To Buy In The Next 3 To 6 Months?
This is the time that you definitely want to contact me. We will want to meet in my office for an in-depth consultation to assess what you are looking for in your future home. We will want to find out what you absolutely must have, what would be nice to have, and also what you really wouldn’t like to have. Just as important as the number of bedrooms and bathrooms though, is taking into consideration how you live your life. Do you love to cook and entertain so a large kitchen open to the living area is a must? Or do you not know how to boil water and barely use the microwave so your kitchen could realistically be the size of a closet? Do you love to run or ride your bike? Do you want the ease of just walking out the door to be on your way? Do you need a ‘man cave’ to escape your wife, 5 daughters and the family cat? Do you need to be close to public transportation? Or your favorite coffee shop where you stop on your way to work each day? All of these things are important for me to know, since it will give me better idea of what to include when I actively start searching for properties for you to view. It’s not my job to just find you a house, it’s to find you a home. And I’m not happy until you’re happy.