Before anything you must be pre-approved through a reputable lender.  You can use anyone that you want but know that approval letters from some lenders carry more weight than others.  If you do not have a lender and need suggestions, please look at the Preferred Partners page for  more information or click the button below.

VIP Step Two

Choosing your TOP properties to view is paramount.  If a house doesn't check a lot of the boxes, eliminate it.  While we are viewing homes, make sure you are still communicating with the lender, the pre-approval letter has an expiration date!  Part of the approval process with a lender is gathering your documents as quickly as possible.  This will speed up your loan process.  The longest part of buying a home is the loan process.  Faster document submission means faster approval and you can go home sooner!

VIP Step Three

Save as much money as you can, don't just shoot for what the lender tells your that your downpayment will be.  You have the option of buying your rate down and you will need up front money for the inspection, the appraisal and sending me on a cruise when it's all done!  No?  It was worth a shot!  In all seriousness, DO NOT go out and open new credit, close accounts, dispute ANYTHING on your credit, finance furniture, a car or absolutely anything without the lender's ok.  All of that can wait until after you close and is a serious pitfall that a lot of uninformed buyers fall victim to.

VIP Step Four

If your lender has approved you for a certain amount there may be a little wiggle room depending on taxes and insurance.  That does NOT mean if you are approved for $500,000 we can look at houses in the $750,000 range...  Falling in love with a house over budget is not going to end well.  Stay focused on the monthly payment on a house and remember, taxes and insurance can fluctuate so you don't want to be at the absolute top of your budget!

VIP Step Five

Should you choose me to represent you in a real estate transaction (you should), please be respectful.  I will never call you before 10am or after 7pm unless you ask me to.  You are welcome to call me anytime between 9am and 9pm but calling and texing at midnight, 3am, 6am, etc is unacceptable and will result in you having to find another Real Estate Agent to work with.  I will give you the same respect you give me.  I do not work FOR you, I work WITH you.  We are a team, along with your lender!

VIP Step Six

Enjoy the process.  It can be stressful but I try to make it as easy as possible for each of my customers.  If I see a pitfall looming, I deal with it immediately so it doesn't become a sinkhole.  Buying a home is an amazing experience and I love that I have touched so many lives over the years.  95% of my business is referrals and that speaks volumes for the kind of Real Estate Agent I am!