Before starting the home buying process, I’ll ask to sit down with you for a brief consultation at my office. This meeting is to first determine what it is you are looking for or need in a new home, establish an ideal timeline, and to make sure all buyers involved have a similar “wish list.” I’ll ask you a series of basic questions to help me focus on the criteria which is most important to you.
Second, the meeting is to determine if we are a “good match”; if we have chemistry. We are likely going to spend a fair amount of time together during this process and its always best to makes sure we are comfortable with one another. It’s important that you find the right match in a real estate broker and I may not be the right one for you.
I highly recommend before looking at homes (which I know is hard) to talk with a lender if you are planning on mortgaging your purchase. This isn't so much to determine a comfortable price range as it is to make sure there are no “red flags” on your credit report. Its much easier to take care of blemishes and errors now rather than when you are under contract trying to close your home purchase. Even minor issues can also have an effect on the interest rate you pay which adds up over time. Why pay more than you need to?
When talking to a loan originator remember its their job to loan money. They don’t get paid unless they can find a loan program that works for you. Loan originators will also show you how to improve your credit so that you qualify for a good loan.
If you don't have a preferred lender let me know. I’d be happy to recommend a few lenders that I’ve had outstanding experiences with in the past.
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