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A pre-approval involves a lender reviewing your income, credit score and financial history to determine how much they’re willing to lend you. Once approved, you’ll receive a pre-approval letter to include with your offers.

A pre-approval is required prior to touring properties. Sellers prefer buyers who are pre-approved because it means the deal is less likely to fall through and shows that you are a serious buyer. It also helps you avoid falling in love with homes outside your price range.

You’ll need pay stubs, bank statements, tax returns and credit history when applying for pre-approval.

A pre-approval is typically valid for 60 to 90 days, after which you may need to update your financial information.

I have strong relationships with local lenders who understand the Northeast Ohio market. Contact me and I can connect you with a trusted lender to explore your financing options.

While your pre-approval amount gives you a top-end limit, it’s important to factor in additional costs like property taxes, insurance and maintenance. Work with your lender to understand your full financial picture.

Some loan programs allow for low down payments, as little as 3-5%. Programs like FHA loans are great for first-time buyers who may not have saved 20%.

It’s important to stay within a comfortable range, even if you qualify for more.

Consider factors like location, schools and future resale value. I’ll help you find homes in Northeast Ohio that fit your lifestyle and long-term goals.

When you make an offer, you’ll often need to put down earnest money, also known as a good faith deposit, which is a deposit that shows the seller you’re serious. This money is typically held in escrow and applied to your down payment or closing costs if the deal goes through. If the deal falls apart due to buyer fault, the seller may keep the earnest money, but if the seller backs out, the earnest money is returned to you.

I’ll guide you through available homes, schedule tours and provide valuable insights into each property based on market trends and your preferences.

When you find the perfect home, I’ll help you craft a strong, competitive offer that reflects both the market and your budget. I’ll handle submitting the offer on your behalf, ensuring it’s presented promptly and professionally to give you the best chance of success.

Your offer will include the price you’re willing to pay, the amount of earnest money, your financing details and contingencies like inspections and appraisals.

After inspections, you may need to negotiate repairs. Focus on major issues like safety concerns or structural problems. Asking for cosmetic fixes could turn the seller off, but items like a broken HVAC system or roof damage are reasonable to negotiate.

A general home inspection will cover the home’s structure, roof, plumbing and electrical systems. You may also want specialized inspections, like termite or radon inspections, depending on the property’s location.

An inspection identifies potential issues that may not be visible during a walkthrough. If the inspection uncovers serious problems, you can negotiate repairs or even walk away from the deal.

The lender will require an appraisal to ensure the home’s value matches the price you’re paying. If the home appraises for less than your offer, you may need to renegotiate or make up the difference.

At the closing, you’ll sign all necessary documents, including the mortgage agreement and pay closing costs if applicable. Your lender will transfer the funds to the seller and you’ll receive the keys to your new home.

Closing costs typically include fees for the loan, title insurance and other administrative services. Expect these costs to be around 2-5% of the home’s purchase price.

This is your chance to check the home right before closing to ensure it’s in the agreed-upon condition. We typically do the final walkthrough 1-3 days before closing.

Once the paperwork is signed and the transaction is complete, it’s time for the best part, getting the keys to your new home and celebrating this incredible milestone!

A credit score is a three-digit number that reflects your creditworthiness. It helps lenders determine how likely you are to repay a loan. The higher your score, the better your chances of getting approved for a mortgage with favorable terms.

Your credit score affects not only your ability to get a loan but also the interest rate you’re offered. A higher score can mean lower monthly payments and long-term savings on your mortgage.

While different lenders have varying requirements, most conventional loans require a credit score of at least 620. However, government-backed loans like FHA loans may accept lower scores.

Simple steps like paying down debt and avoiding new credit inquiries can help improve your score over time. Work with a lender to create a plan for boosting your credit.