First-Time Homebuyer
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- Are you better off buying your home, or resigning that lease?
Steps to Getting a Mortgage and Buying a Home
Preparing to Buy Your First Home
- Start saving for your down payment and closing costs. Make sure to check your credit score and your debt-to-income ratio, too.
- Decide what type of house (condo, duplex, single-family) is right for you and which features are a NEED vs. a WANT (neighborhood, location, etc.)
- Determine your budget by analyzing your expenses and working with a mortgage lender. Check out our mortgage calculators, too!
- Take into consideration the monthly costs for a home – loan principal, loan interest, private mortgage insurance, property tax, and homeowners’ insurance.
- Gather necessary paperwork for the loan-application process, including tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, and investment information.
Get Pre-Approved
Submit your online pre-approval application before placing an offer on a house to show you are a serious buyer. We will run a credit check, review your income and determine mortgage loan options that are right for you.
Now that you have initiated a home loan application, you will want to be careful about financial events that could impact our ability to approve your loan. Specifically, you should contact your lender concerning any of the following:
- Changes to your income.
- Acquiring additional debt.
- Shifting funds around.
Once pre-approved and it comes time to make an offer on a home you will be armed with a pre-approval letter that gets noticed. Your pre-approval will be from one of the most credible lenders in the area - Lake Ridge Bank - and that means something.
Finding Your Home
For the home inspection, make sure to follow up with your realtor on any unacceptable findings.
It's Time to Close on Your First Home
To close on your home, work with your lender to update your application as needed, and to provide any additional documentation required for your loan. Your lender will then schedule a home appraisal to determine the property's fair market value. Together, you both will confirm a closing date and finalize loan details, including private mortgage insurance, if applicable. Be prepared to pay fees associated with closing, such as attorney fees and lender fees. Once the closing is completed, your new loan request will be funded and it's time to enjoy your new home!