THE BUYING PROCESS

STEP 1: First Things First

Besides affordability, your credit history is one of the primary factors considered by a mortgage lender. Before you begin your home search, you’ll want to check your credit reports. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires each of the nationwide credit reporting companies — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — to provide you with a free copy of your credit report, at your request, once every 12 months. You can do so online at annualcreditreport.com. By taking advantage of this, you will discover if there are errors that need cleaning up or glitches that might affect your ability to get a loan.

STEP 2: Get Finances in Order & Pre-Qualify for a Loan

If you find your dream home, you want to be prepared to make an offer. Armed with credit score information, your next step is deciding how much you can afford, which depends on your income, monthly expenses, funds available for a down payment, and current interest rates. Connecting with a mortgage lender to determine your buying and borrowing power, and getting pre-approved for a loan is the next step before beginning your home search. You’ll need to have filed your taxes and have documentation of any recent major financial transactions before you go.

STEP 3: Work with a BHGRE Gary Greene Professional

Our first discussion will cover all the wants and needs you have in mind. At BHGRE Gary Greene, our Realtors® are licensed full-time sales associates, with the expertise, experience and training essential to your buying success. They are bound by a strict Code of Ethics, well versed in the buying process and dedicated to making it as simple and hassle-free as possible. An added plus is that we have over 20 offices throughout the greater Houston area which means that your Gary Greene Realtor® Associate will know the market where you want to buy.

STEP 4: What to Look for in a Home

Make a list of wants and needs – just make sure that needs come first. Those are items you can’t live without – whether it’s the number of bedrooms or baths, living in a particular school district or some other critical feature. Next, some things you wish for but may opt to forego (a swimming pool, extra storage, etc.). This will narrow the field in the search for your home.

STEP 5: Where to Look

There are many considerations when choosing a neighborhood, not the least of which is location, location, location. Factors like price, school district, property taxes, deed restrictions, area amenities, and the commuting distance to and from work or schools all play a part. Thanks to our many locations, we’re equipped to provide first-hand, detailed information about all area neighborhoods, discuss their subtle differences, and show you what they have to offer.