The time has come. You’ve mentally prepared yourself for the home buying journey. Your latest social media obsessions include dreamy homes with vaulted ceilings, antique white cabinets accented with stainless steel appliances, and if you’re me, a freestanding claw-foot bathtub in the master bathroom – #Goals. No matter what your home goals look like, knowing where to start is the first and most important step in securing the bag – or the home of your dreams.
Before you go insane trying to fix your credit score or wondering if you’ve saved enough for a down payment, this first tip in my series will help get you on the right track to buying your first home!
Meet the Mortgage Lender
The adage goes, “it’s not about what you know, it’s who you know,” and that saying is especially true when you’re getting started on the home buying journey for the first time. Aside from finding a skilled and experienced realtor (Hi!), your first stop should be visiting a mortgage lender. That house you’ve been eyeing on Realtor.com and/or Zillow? Your mortgage lender will confirm whether your finances are in order to make a serious offer. If for any reason, you’re not able to afford the home you want today, certain mortgage lenders provide a financial guide on how to get there.
Right now, you’re probably wondering, “How do I find a lender?” The answer is: Do your due diligence and research.
This means, shop lenders! Purchasing a home is a momentous milestone and a loan officer who empathizes with the newbie jitters, fully understand the process and values your time is needed for a seamless first-time buying experience. I encourage all my clients to thoroughly vet lender options before deciding to move forward with a lender. After all, your lender will be your ultimate financial guide.
If you’re currently leasing an apartment or house, I work with a group of amazing mortgage lenders who will pay off the remaining term of your lease so that you may get into your dream home sooner than later.
Contact me for lender recommendations!