Deciding To
Buy
Preparing
To Buy
Real Estate
Agent
Go Shopping
Inspections &
Appraisals
Moving In
Before you start shopping for your property, it is a good idea to make some preparations.
Build Your Green File.
A green file contains all your important financial documents. You will need it to secure financing for your property. The typical green file should contain:
- Financial statements
- Bank accounts
- Investments
- Credit cards
- Auto loans
- Recent pay stubs
- Tax returns for two years
- Copies of leases for investment properties
- 401K statements, life insurance, stocks, bonds, and mutual account information.
Get Pre-approved
To be pre-approved, your lender will pull your credit and ask you for documentation (see above) to verify your finances. Before making an offer on a house, it is best to get pre-approved to show sellers your offer is serious and that a lender has already approved you for enough money to purchase the home. You will also know exactly how much you can or want to afford.
Be Careful With Your Finances.
Now is not a good time to make sudden career changes or large purchases. You want to approach your property purchase from a position of financial stability.
Home Buying Guide
If you would like to receive a copy of our complimentary guide to Buying a Home, please let us know below. We will be happy to send it electronically or mail it directly to you.