Decided to Buy Your Next Home? Here are 3 Steps to Start

STEP 1: Find and prepare financing options with a lender to match your desired budget.

After you've prepared the groundwork and decided you are ready to buy your next home, the first step is to get the 411 on your financing options.  I can connect you with my preferred lenders who will help explore loan products and homebuying programs that best fit your situation.  

• I recommend starting the conversation at least 30 to 60 days out to see what loan products and programs best fit your desired goal. 

• Chat with any OR ALL of my preferred lenders (or your own!) – I encourage you to speak with multiple. You’re interviewing them to see how they can serve YOU! 

• I will want to connect directly with your lender once you've decided on who will serve you best.  With your lender, I will work diligently to ensure you feel informed and comfortable - all the way to closing.

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STEP 2: Learn about available home purchase programs and benefits.

Just as important as Step 1 actions, Step 2 is to get awareness of the home-buying assistance programs from California’s Down Payment Resource Directory.  Lenders in Step 1 should help you determine your eligibility. Some programs in California:

• Golden State Financial Authority: California state programs for down payment assistance and tax credit back to homeowners.  

• FHA: Insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), issued by an FHA-approved lender. For low-to-moderate-income borrowers, require a lower minimum down payment and credit score of at least 580 

• Read Nerdwallet’s article explanation on FHA for easier digestion

• CalHFA: California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA) first-time home buyer (and non-first timers) programs that work with loans offered by partnered lenders  

• VA: A benefit for all qualified Veterans/Military members. VA guarantees the mortgage loan with no down payment, no mortgage insurance, has a one-time VA funding fee.  

• CalVet: For California Veterans; they have below market interest rates with low or no down payment requirements.

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STEP 3: Meet with Your #1 Phan and go house-hunting!

Finally, once you have lender’s preapproval of your financing and any program assistance, then we're ready to go house-hunting!

• Did you FILL OUT the Buyer Questionnaire earlier when we met? If you haven't, please take a moment to share your desired preferences and needs with me.  This way, I can help you find the best home that fits your needs AND complies with the programs you qualified for with the lender. 

• Start your home search online with the Homesnap website or app.

• Virtual and video tours are a great place to start.  I try to make it all accessible for my clients who are out of town (and right now, even in town).  Especially during the time of COVID-19 impact on our communities, I take all safety precautions for us when it's time to view homes.