10 Easy steps to buying your home

Who said the home buying process was easy? Because we realize that you can't quit your day job to go home loan shopping, we dedicated our day jobs to making the process easier for you!
Step 1
Determine How Much House You Can Afford

You've made the decision to buy a house, but before you start looking, you need to figure out how much you can afford. Based on your monthly income and debts, our calculator can help you determine how much you can afford.
Step 2
Start Looking For a House

This is the fun part, right? Now that you've determine how much you can roughly afford, go out there and do some serious shopping. This process might take a while, so in the meantime, you can proceed to the next step.
Step 3
Find a Lender

Look no further! We've got 20+ years experience helping our borrowers achieve the american dream of home ownership.
Step 4
Order and Verify Your Credit Reports - yes…"reports"

It could mean the difference between getting approved and getting denied. To check for accuracy, order a copy of your credit report from each of the major credit bureaus.
Step 5
Organize the Necessary Paperwork

In order to fully assist you, your lender is going to need to reference some important documents. Get a jump start on organizing them and remember to keep a copy of everything you hand over. You might want to start with your: W-2 forms and federal tax returns for the past 2 years, year-to-date pay stubs, documentation of additional income, investment records, debt/creditor records and cancelled mortgage/rent checks.
Step 6
Determine Which Type of Mortgage Works Best For You

With so many options things can get a bit cloudy, but our calculators will help you:
Choose the right loan, and determine which is better a 15- or 30-year term, and a fixed or adjustable rate mortgage.
Step 7
Get Pre-Approved

Everyone talks about pre-qualifying, but with pre-approval you will receive a letter stating that you have been pre-approved for a specified loan amount. Pre-approval is virtually the same as pre-qualification, but it can expedite your loan approval process.
Step 8
Order an Appraisal and an Inspection

In addition to the appraisal, it would be in your best interest to order general and applicable specialized home inspections as well.
Step 9
Lock In Your Rate Long Enough to Endure the Qualification Process

It's probably safe to say that you don't want any surprise rate hikes the week before closing…so make sure that you lock in your loan rate long enough to make it to the closing date. Don't forget to account for potential delays to your loan application or resulting from the findings of an inspection, talk to your lender, he'll be able to help you out.
Step 10
Closing Time

Almost there! You've made it this far, don't drop the ball now. Be sure to allow for additional closing costs and request a "good faith estimate" from your lender.