Ignite FB Tracking PixelYour Pre-Home Search Checklist - Brenda Reuland
JPAR Cedar Hill
JPAR Cedar Hill
Brenda Reuland, JPAR Cedar HillPhone: (214) 616-6597
Email: [email protected]

Your Pre-Home Search Checklist

by Brenda Reuland 11/23/2022

Buying a house is a complicated financial and logistical process. The right preparation can make a huge difference in making the process go as smoothly as possible. Here is a list of the most important things to do before buying a home to help you prepare:

Check Your Financials

There are a few financials you should check on before working on finding a house. Your potential mortgage lender will look through every detail of your financial life, so the more you can address beforehand, the better. Things to consider include your credit score, debt-to-income ratio, emergency savings and regular cash flow.

Create a Budget

The simplest way to budget for buying a house is to make a list of your current expenses. First, tally up your personal monthly expenses like credit card payments, loan payments, car payments and any other recurring expenses specific to you. Then, create a list of the expenses related to your new house. This list should include mortgage, property taxes, homeowner’s insurance and mortgage insurance payments. Comparing the two will help you determine how much house you can afford and how much to budget for.

Get Pre-Approval

Shopping for the best mortgage lender before you begin your home search is a great way to stick to your budget and have a smoother buying process. Each lender has different terms, policies and practices, so finding the best fit is crucial. Once you decide on a lender, get a pre-approval letter from them as proof you are financially responsible for affording a mortgage up to a certain amount. This helps secure your place in competitive home sales and will make you a more attractive buyer overall.

Find an Agent

Working with a real estate professional during your home buying process will save you time and frustration. Find an agent or broker you want to work with first and rely on their expertise to find the perfect home. The knowledge and resources available to real estate professionals will make the search and purchase much smoother.

About the Author
Author

Brenda Reuland

Brenda brings her customers a unique combination of the traditional American business personal touch, along with what she fondly refers to as “all the stereotypical British vices” of punctuality, dedication and attention to detail – actively listening to customers’ likes/dislikes and taking her cues to adjust accordingly. When it comes to buying or selling your family’s home, you expect the highest standards of service and expertise, and Brenda will exceed your expectations with her honesty, integrity and professionalism while fiercely advocating on your behalf in every transaction.

Brenda currently resides in Cedar Hill with her two labradoodles, Lulu and Layla, and a host of friends and family who stop in to visit on a daily basis. Everyone knows the doors and the pool are always open and fine wine will likely be served!