Custom Homebuyer's Guide
Instructions:
Read the information and complete the fields on each page. Before proceeding to the next page (link), click the submit button and an email will be sent to you containing the text and completed forms.
Introduction
Every home purchase is different. It would be wise to find a trustworthy advisor to help you with some very important decisions.
This interactive program will help you understand your options and focus you toward good decision-making as you start your home search process.
You should be interested in what you can do (what a lender will approve you for) and what you should do (how much house you can truly afford.) Buying a home based on what a lender will approve you for is often a mistake that leads to financial stress, even ruin.
We will examine four key areas in the following exercises:
- Household Budget Analysis
- Down Payment
- Income and Qualifying Ratios
- Credit Score and History
Household Budget Analysis
Owning a home is a long term commitment. Moving is difficult and stressful. It's easy to get caught up in dream-home shopping. Driving around looking at model homes and open houses is a favorite pass-time among home shoppers. From the real estate side, builders and real estate agents know the value of making a house feel like "home." What is often not considered is how our own furniture will be able to recreate this feeling once we own it.
An important question to keep at the top of your mind as you look at each property is "How much money will it take to make this house my home?" Will you want new furniture, linens, dishes, artwork, kitchen utensils, or a different car to park in the driveway? Be realistic about whether your current possessions will complete your picture, and how much you will need to spend over a period of time to get you where you imagine.
Once I purchase my new home, I plan to purchase the following items:
New Home Buyer's Post Closing Purchase List Calculator