Welcome to the first step of
Home Ownership
The first step to Home Ownership is contacting me. I will guide you through every step and explain what to expect so the process will be easy for you.
Contact me!
I will walk through each step. You are not alone!
2. Assess Your Finances:
Determine your budget and evaluate your financial readiness to buy a home. Consider factors such as your income, savings for a down payment and closing costs, credit score, and debt-to-income ratio.
3. Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage:
Work with a lender to get pre-approved for a mortgage. This process involves submitting financial documents for review, and it gives you a clear idea of how much you can borrow and what your potential monthly payments will be.
During this time you SHOULD NOT apply for a new credit card, buy a car, pay off a credit card, basically ANYTHING until you close escrow. Even the smallest credit inquiry could set you back.
4. Define Your Needs and Preferences:
Make a list of your must-haves and preferences for your future home, including location, size, amenities, and features. Consider factors such as proximity to work, schools, shopping, and public transportation.
5. Start House Hunting:
Begin your search for homes that meet your criteria. Your agent will show you available properties, schedule viewings, and provide guidance on evaluating each potential home.
6. Make an Offer:
Once you find a home you love, work with your agent to craft a competitive offer. Consider factors such as the home's condition, comparable sales in the area, and current market conditions when determining your offer price.
7. Negotiate Terms:
Be prepared to negotiate with the seller on price, contingencies, and other terms of the sale. Your agent will advocate for your interests and help you reach a mutually acceptable agreement.
8. Complete Due Diligence:
After your offer is accepted, conduct inspections and assessments of the property to uncover any potential issues. Review relevant documents and disclosures provided by the seller to ensure you have a comprehensive understanding of the property.
9. Secure Financing:
Finalize your mortgage financing by providing any additional documentation required by your lender. Work closely with your loan officer to meet deadlines and satisfy loan conditions.
10. Close Escrow: YAY!
Work with a title company or escrow agent to complete the closing process. Sign the necessary paperwork, pay closing costs, and officially take ownership of the property.
11. Move In:
Coordinate your move-in date and begin the process of transferring utilities, updating your address, and settling into your new home.
Buying a house can be a complex process, but with my guidance and careful planning, you can successfully navigate the journey to homeownership. If you have any specific questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask!
You don’t need a perfect credit score to buy a home
Source: CNBC
Nearly 1 in 4 Americans under 35 say that bad credit is preventing them from owning a home, according to CNBC's Your Money survey conducted by Survey Monkey. The minimum score needed can be as low as 500, but will ultimately depend on your lender and what type of mortgage you're applying for. Of course, the higher your score the better.
To qualify for a conventional loan, the most commonly used mortgage loan, you'll typically need at least a credit score of 620, Experian says. Some lenders may require you to have a score above 660. Credit scores range from 300 to 850 and measure how well you're managing your debt. Here are the credit score ranges that qualify as poor, fair, good, very good and exceptional, according to Experian.
Get pre-approved for a home loan.
Complete the form to get in contact with Kathy York & Kim Vigo with Prime Lending.
Search the local market
Sometimes the home of your dreams is just a click away.
Need down payment assistance?
Saving money while renting at the top of the market is sometimes hard to do. That's why California offers first time homebuyers down payment assistance. Complete the form to see if you qualify.
Why rent when you can buy?
In the vibrant landscape of California's real estate market, there's a compelling reason to transition from renting to homeownership now. The perpetual rise in rental costs can feel like a never-ending cycle, but by seizing the opportunity to invest in a home, you can break free from paying someone else's mortgage and secure your own financial future. With interest rates remaining relatively favorable and a diverse range of housing options available, owning a piece of California's captivating scenery is not only a statement of personal achievement but a strategic move to build equity and stability. Rather than continually facing escalating rents, channel your resources into an investment that aligns with your long-term goals, granting you the autonomy to shape your living space and your financial destiny. Now is the time to embrace the Californian dream of homeownership and steer a course towards a more prosperous future.