Getting Ready To Buy Fort Worth Real Estate
Purchasing a property is one of the most significant financial decisions you'll make in your lifetime. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned investor, it's essential to make informed decisions throughout the buying process. Here are some key considerations before making your purchase.
Why Are You Buying?
Are you tired of paying high rent, or has your current home simply become too small? Are you looking to invest in a rental property? Understanding your underlying reason for purchasing will help you evaluate the right factors and find the property that best aligns with your goals.
Are You Ready to Invest?
Property ownership has long been one of the most reliable strategies for building wealth—and it continues to be. Whether you're buying your first home and creating your first asset or expanding your portfolio with a rental property, now is a great time to invest. Real estate remains one of the most stable forms of investment, offering more security than other types of assets like stocks or collectibles.
When you are ready to get started, call us at 817.768.9798 or complete this short form and one of our agents will be in touch.
Other Things To Consider
Get Your Financials in Order
Now is not a good time to make sudden career changes or large purchases. You want to approach your property purchase from a position of financial stability. Large purchases or loans can affect your credit and balance sheet in a way that can limit your buying options. Your credit score will hold a significant impact on the type of property you can buy, your interest rate and overall property price. We can work with one of our preferred lenders to get an updated credit to know exactly where it stands. The lender will research your credit ratings from the three credit reporting agencies Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. We are happy to recommend seasoned, knowledgeable lenders in the residential, construction, and commercial and investment real estate fields.
Organize Your Finances
When it’s time to make an offer, you’ll want to know you’re fully prepared to close the deal. In order to avoid delays, bidding wars, or conflicts, preparing your finances is crucial.
- Bank accounts
- Recent pay stubs
- Check Your Credit Rating
- Financial statements
- Investments
- Tax returns for two years
- Credit cards
- Auto and other loans
- Copies of leases for investment properties
- 401K statements, life insurance, stocks, bonds, and mutual account information
Prequalify
Pre-qualifying for a loan will help you with the following:
- Finding the ideal price range you can afford
- Determining what your monthly payment will be
- Understanding the different loans you qualify for
- Estimating the down payment and closing costs
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Tips For Buying
Don’t Max Out Your Budget
Just because you’ve been approved for a max amount, doesn't mean you should spend it all on the home's sale price. You will want to set some of that aside for closing costs, taxes and potential home repairs or remodeling.
Get To Know The Area
Make sure the neighborhood works for you and your family - are you close to schools and is shopping conveniently located?
Don’t Skip The Inspection
Inspections are worth their weight in gold and will draw attention to problems you may not otherwise see, giving you peace of mind and letting you make more informed decisions about your purchase.
Get Pre-Approved
Getting pre-approved by a lender lets the seller know you are serious and ready to purchase a home and that you are not just window shopping.
Make a List of Deal Breakers
Know what you can live with and what you cannot live without and also those things that can be taken care of with a simple remodel. If you need a 4 bedroom home, don't buy one with 2 that requires a massive addition which can break your budget.
Look At The Age Of Appliances & Other Systems
Some of the most expensive features of a home are Appliances, HVAC, Hot Water Heater, Septic/Well, and Roof. You should pay attention to their age and whether they have required service. You may even be able to get the seller to add a home warranty.
Check For HOA Requirements
Most neighborhoods have HOAs that govern what you can and can't do - be sure you know what the rules are for your neighborhood, and the fees associated with having an HOA. They are usually listed as annual fees.
What Price Range Can I Afford?
Resources For Fort Worth Home Buyers
The journey to homeownership starts by understanding how much you can afford. One major thing to consider is your down payment, if any. Many consumers believe it's impossible to buy a home without at least 20 percent down. But thanks to various government-sponsored programs, many people can now buy a house with as little as 3.5 percent toward a down payment. Veterans of the U.S. military have zero-down programs available.
Finding a knowledgeable Mortgage Loan Officer is key to receiving the most up-to-date information on available lending options. Feel free to check out our vetted list of preferred lenders below - or, if you just want to run some quick rough numbers, check out our free mortgage calculator.
Areas We Serve
- Fort Worth
- Burleson
- Cleburne
- Godley
- Granbury
- Weatherford
- Azle
- Keller
- Crowley
- Arlington