Get Prepped for Homebuying—Before the Weekend House Hunt! (I AM ALWAYS AVAILABLE TO HELP YOU GET READY)

Picture this: It’s Saturday afternoon, and you’ve just found the perfect home. You’re ready to make an offer, but there’s one big problem—you’re not prepared. Now, you’re scrambling to get pre-approved, gather documents, and submit an offer while other buyers are already ahead of you.

This is why getting ready before the weekend is crucial. Here’s what you should do before you start house hunting:

1. Get Pre-Approved, Not Just Pre-Qualified

A pre-approval is a must-have in today’s market. It tells sellers you’re serious and financially ready to buy. A pre-qualification is just an estimate, while a pre-approval involves verifying your income, credit, and assets, making your offer stronger.

2. Gather Your Financial Documents

Most lenders will need:

✔️ Recent pay stubs

✔️ Last two years' W-2s or tax returns

✔️ Bank statements (to show funds for down payment and closing costs)

✔️ Any other income or asset documentation

Having these ready before you find a house will make the loan process smoother and faster.

3. Know Your Budget (Beyond Just the Purchase Price)

It’s easy to focus on the home price, but remember:

• Monthly payment (including property taxes, insurance, and HOA fees if applicable)

• Closing costs (typically 2–5% of the loan amount)

• Cash reserves (lenders like to see that you have extra funds after closing)

4. Work With a Strong Realtor and Lender

The best real estate agents and lenders help you navigate the process quickly. A strong lender can give you an edge by providing a fully underwritten pre-approval, making your offer stand out against the competition.

5. Be Ready to Move Fast

If you find the house this weekend, you want to be in a position to make an offer immediately. In competitive markets, hesitation can mean missing out.

Bottom Line

Don’t wait until the weekend to get ready! A little prep work now can make all the difference when you find the perfect home. If you need a pre-approval or have any questions, reach out—I’d love to help you get ahead of the game!