1. Financial Readiness
Buying a home is exciting, but before you start scrolling through listings and picturing your dream kitchen, you’ve got to get your finances in check. First, your credit score—while a higher score can get you better interest rates, there are loan options even if your credit isn’t perfect. Next, your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio is a biggie. Lenders want to see that your monthly debts (including your future mortgage) don’t take up too much of your income—typically, they like it below 43%. If you’ve got car loans, student loans, or credit card debt, paying some of it down can help you qualify for a better loan.
Now, let’s talk about the down payment. The old 20% rule? Not a thing anymore! Many loans allow much lower down payments, and some—like VA and USDA loans—even offer zero down options. Plus, here in Missouri, there are fantastic down payment assistance programs that can help cover part of the cost. Your lender will also review your employment history, income stability, and assets to make sure you’re financially ready for homeownership. The more prepared you are before applying, the smoother the process will be!
2. Get Pre-Approved
Getting pre-approved is one of the most important steps in buying a home, and who you choose as your lender can make a big difference. In our community, working with a trusted local lender carries a lot of weight—especially in a competitive market. Sellers and real estate agents know that local lenders provide reliable pre-approvals, smooth transactions, and personalized service, which can give you an edge when making an offer. Here in St. Joseph, we’re lucky to have some incredible mortgage lenders who are not only knowledgeable but also genuinely excited to help people become homeowners. They understand our market, local loan programs, and what it takes to get you to the closing table with as little stress as possible. If you’re ready to start the process, I’d be happy to connect you with a great lender who will walk you through every step!
3. Choose a Real Estate Agent
Buying a home is a huge milestone, and having a local buyer’s agent by your side makes all the difference. A great agent doesn’t just help you find the right house—they guide you through the entire process from start to finish. From connecting you with a trusted local lender to negotiating the best deal and making sure every detail is handled, your agent is there to make the journey as smooth as possible. Plus, when you work with someone who knows the St. Joseph market inside and out, you get valuable insight on neighborhoods, pricing, and what to expect in our community. And when closing day comes? Your agent is right there with you, making sure everything goes off without a hitch. Buying a home is exciting, but you don’t have to do it alone—I’d love to help make the process easy and stress-free!
4. Find Your Home
Once you’re pre-approved, the real fun begins—house hunting! But in today’s market, patience is key. With limited inventory, homes are selling quickly, and competition can be tough. It’s important to stay flexible and ready to act when the right opportunity comes along. That said, I’m not just here to help you find any house—I’m committed to helping you find the right home. That means one that fits your needs, is in the condition you’re comfortable with, and is a solid investment that will appreciate over time. Whether it takes a few weeks or a few months, I’ll be by your side, staying on top of new listings and making sure you don’t settle for less than what you deserve. The right home is out there, and I’m here to help you find it!
5. Make an Offer
Once we find the right home, it’s time to make an offer—but in a competitive market, it’s not just about the price. A strong offer considers multiple factors, including contingencies, closing timeline, and seller preferences. This is where having an experienced agent with strong negotiating skills makes all the difference. I know how to craft offers that stand out while protecting your best interests, whether that means adjusting terms to appeal to the seller or ensuring you’re not overpaying in the heat of the moment. My goal is to help you secure the home you love while making sure it’s a smart investment for your future. With the right strategy and guidance, you’ll be in the best possible position to get your offer accepted and move one step closer to homeownership!
6. Follow Steps Through the Escrow Process
Once your offer is accepted, you’ll enter the escrow period—an essential phase where we make sure the home is a solid investment and your loan moves toward final approval. This is when you’ll schedule home inspections to uncover any potential issues and have time to review all the details of the property. If anything concerning comes up, we can negotiate repairs or other solutions before moving forward. Meanwhile, your lender is working behind the scenes to finalize your mortgage, which means they may request additional documents or clarifications. It’s crucial to respond quickly and provide whatever they need to keep things on track. Delays in paperwork can slow down the entire process, so staying proactive is key! I’ll be right there with you through every step, making sure you understand your options and keeping everything moving smoothly toward closing day.
7. Close on your New Home
Closing day is the finish line, and it’s where everything comes together! We’ll meet at a local title company, where you’ll sign all the final paperwork to officially transfer ownership of the home to you. If you have a down payment or closing costs to pay, those will be due at this time—typically via a wire transfer or cashier’s check. The process itself is quick and straightforward, usually taking less than an hour. Once everything is signed, the funds are distributed, and the transaction is complete, you’ll get the keys to your new home! It’s an exciting moment, and I’ll be there to celebrate with you and make sure everything goes smoothly. Congratulations—you’re officially a homeowner!
8. Move In
You did it—welcome home! After all the hard work, it’s time to settle in, unpack, and enjoy your new space. This is the fun part—decorating, making memories, and truly making the house your own. But homeownership doesn’t stop at moving in—regular maintenance is key to keeping your home in great condition and protecting your investment. Simple tasks like changing air filters, cleaning gutters, and keeping up with seasonal maintenance can prevent bigger (and more expensive) issues down the road. Owning a home is a rewarding experience, and taking care of it ensures it stays a strong asset for years to come. Enjoy this new chapter—you’ve earned it!
