You want to buy a home. What is the first thing you should do? Number one is to find a good Realtor. The next step is to start with the money!

How much can you afford? You need to consider not just how much mortgage you can be qualified for, but can you afford the utilities, property taxes, on-going home repairs (there are always on-going home repairs!). Even consider commuting distances to employment and transportation costs!

Get your down payment together. This can include funds you have on hand and possible proceeds from the sale of an existing home.

Now get pre-approved by a lender or a reputable mortgage broker. This will “pre-qualify” you for a particular mortgage amount and is in the form of a document.

Remember that a good Realtor can point you in all the right directions to consider and accomplish the above! Now get shopping and find your next dream home!!

Thanks for reading!

By Patrick Murray