2018 is right around the corner!  Have you thought of any resolutions? Here are a few ideas that can help make your home buying easier for the New Year! 

Get your Financial House in Order

     Research on what you can afford.  Think about the amount of money you have available for a down payment, closing costs and taxes.  You should start the mortgage process earlier than later.  Do it before making an offer on a house.

Get Your Pre-Approval Before House Hunting

     Getting a Pre-approval means that you have exchanged conversation with a loan officer regarding your credit files and they say that you can qualify for a given loan amount with one or more specific loan programs.

Understand your Mortgage Options

     You need to be educated when it comes to mortgage options and costs.  The best rates and terms come from those whom have solid credit.  In able to get the best option loan, credit cards, payments, rent, and mortgage bills need to be paid in full on time.   Some specific documentation needed will be recent pay stubs, rental checks, tax returns, K-1s, W-2s, and bank statements.

Make An Offer

     Once you have found the home that you want, make an offer.  There are three different type of options.  One is to accept the listed price and create a contract. You can also reject it and not make an offer. Lastly, you can suggest different terms and make a counter-offer.

Protect Yourself With Insurance

     You wouldn’t drive a car without insurance right?  It works the same thing when being a home owner!  Title insurance protects owners in the event that title to the property if found to be invalid.  This protects buyers up to the mortgage value of the property.    Homeowners insurance provides fire, theft, and liability coverage.  They are required by lenders and often cover an incredible number of items including personal items.  For example, wedding rings, furniture, and home office equipment.