Before You Buy...

• Check your personal credit.  Contact a credit bureau and request an inexpensive or complimentary report.  Update and correct if necessary.
• Save as much as possible for your down payment and closing costs.  Sacrifice short-term luxuries for your long-term goal of home ownership.
• Avoid using credit at all costs.  This is not the time to assume another car payment, buy a boat, or apply for another credit card.
• If someone is donating a substantial sum of cash toward your purchase, deposit it in your savings account months before applying for a mortgage loan.   Ask an attorney or accountant about gifting rules.
• If you're a veteran, order your VA certificate of entitlement in preparation for choosing a VA mortgage.
• Call White House Company

First Time Buyers...

• Determine what you can afford up front.  Call a local lender and ask to be pre-approved.
• Stay committed and positive.  If you believe you can buy a home, you usually can.
• The larger the down payment, the easier it will be to find a mortgage, and your monthly payments will be smaller.
• If you're handy with tools, consider buying a home that needs work.
• Tell everyone you're looking for a house and then don't limit yourself to a single area.
• Try to define what you really want and need in both the house and neighborhood.
• Keep an open mind.
• Concentrate on reaching your objectives.
• Follow the instructions above for other buyers.
• Call White House Company.