15 STEPS TO BUY A NEW HOME

1️⃣ Be Sure You’re Ready — Financially and Emotionally
Buying a home isn’t just a financial step — it’s a lifestyle one. Ask yourself if you’re ready to put down roots and take on the responsibility (and reward) of ownership.

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2️⃣ Get Your Finances in Shape
Know your numbers before you shop.
✅ Review your credit score — higher scores mean better rates.
✅ Build a realistic budget that includes homeownership costs like taxes, insurance, and maintenance.
Pro tip: Use my Buyer Checklist to calculate your comfort payment zone.

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3️⃣ Plan for Your Down Payment
You don’t need 20%! Most buyers put 3–5% down using FHA, Conventional, or DPA programs.

→ Check out current Down Payment Assistance options for DFW buyers:
TSAHC: Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation
TDHCA: The Texas Homebuyer Program

Fort Worth HAP: Fort Worth TX Homebuyer Assistance Program

Arlington HAP: Arlington TX  Homebuyer Assistance Program

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4️⃣ Build Your “Must-Haves” List
Think lifestyle, not just layout.
• Location vs. commute
• Move-in ready vs. fixer-upper
• Yard size, schools, HOA considerations
Remember: No home is perfect, but the right one will feel like your life fits inside it.

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5️⃣ Get Pre-Approved — Not Just Pre-Qualified
This is your golden ticket. A pre-approval letter from a trusted lender like Tony Byrne at Service First Mortgage shows sellers you’re serious and ready.

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6️⃣ Start the Search with a Plan
Your agent (👋 that’s me!) will help narrow neighborhoods and price points.
We’ll use your budget, wish list, and buying power to focus on homes that make financial and emotional sense.

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7️⃣ Tour Homes Like a Pro
Visit a few, take notes, and rate them based on priorities — not perfection. Pro tip: Bring your checklist! It’ll keep the details from blending together.

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8️⃣ Make a Smart Offer
We’ll review comparable sales and local trends before submitting your offer.
If the market’s competitive, we’ll use strategies like seller credits, buydowns, or flexible closing to make your offer shine without overpaying.

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9️⃣ Inspection + Appraisal = Confidence
Your inspector protects your investment, and your appraisal protects your wallet. If issues pop up, we’ll negotiate repairs or credits — no surprises allowed.

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🔟 Protect Your Home with Insurance
Homeowners insurance is required by lenders and smart for peace of mind.
Tip: Ask your lender if bundling with auto insurance saves you money.

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1️⃣1️⃣ Do the Final Walk-Through
Make sure agreed-upon repairs are done and the home is in the same (or better) condition as before. This is your last checkpoint before signing.

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1️⃣2️⃣ Closing Day 🎉
Review your Closing Disclosure carefully — it details all costs and loan terms.
At signing, the title transfers, keys are handed over, and the celebration begins.

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1️⃣3️⃣ Sign the Legal Docs
You’ll sign your Closing Disclosure, promissory note, deed of trust, and a certificate of occupancy (if required). Plus a lot of loan documents!

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1️⃣4️⃣ Pay Your Closing Costs
Typically 2–3% of the purchase price.
These include lender fees, appraisal, survey, title search, and your down payment — often reduced through seller or DPA credits.

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1️⃣5️⃣ Move In and Celebrate!
Welcome home. You just built equity, financial stability, and a foundation for your future.
And remember — when rates drop, most lenders (including Service First Mortgage) offer no-cost refinance programs, so you can “date the rate, marry the home.”

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💡 Next Step
Download your free Buyer Checklist at the top of this page and schedule your Buying Power Consult to see exactly what you can afford in today’s DFW market.

👉 Book Your Consult at https://meetings.hubspot.com/gigi-pendleton