1. Strengthen my credit.
2. Determine how much I can afford, and how much I’ll likely be able to borrow.
3. Find out what ratios lenders are using to determine if I qualify for a loan.
4. Calculate my expected housing expenses.
5. Get pre-approved (not pre-qualified) to get the actual amount I can pay.
6. Check out first-time buyers’ programs
7. Go house shopping.
8. Sign up for an MLS (Multiple Listing Service) alert service to search on properties in my area so I can get a feeling for what is on the market in my price range.
9. Find a good real estate agent to represent me in the search and negotiation process.
10. Define the area I’d like to live in.
11. Visit a few open houses to gauge what’s on the market and see firsthand what I want.
12. Make an offer.
13. Include earnest money with my offer
14. Close escrow.
15. Consider using a real-estate lawyer to review closing documents and represent me at closing.
spop has written 1 entry about this goal
My Plan
11 months ago
