1. Make sure your credit report looks good. Even the smallest blemishes on your credit report can prevent you from buying a home. Be prepared to explain anything that a lender may find questionable on your credit report. Even a collections notice on your report five years prior may cause a lender to hesitate.
2. Even if your credit is spotless, avoid any large purchases before you buy a house. The lender will be sure to check your debt to income ratio, and it's best to keep that to a minimum.
3. Don't switch jobs! The lender will also want to see that you have a steady job history. Jumping from job to job will probably hurt your chances to get approved for a home loan. The longer you are at your job, the better!
4. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Educate yourself on the house-buying process by interviewing realtors and bank loan officers. Read up on the subject.
5. Be prepared for bumps in the road. Buying a home is often not a smooth process, and can be a very stressful one. Don't let a bump in the road on the way to a new home get you down! Do your best to have any paperwork that is required, and get any unexpected paperwork as quickly as possible. Take a deep breath, and relax. You can do this!
6. Ask about the rules in the community you are looking to purchase in. Often neighborhoods have rules, such as no fencing allowed in the front of your home, or no garbage cans allowed to be visible to the neighborhood. Make sure that the neighborhood you want to move to suits you.
7. Don't forget the necessities! Lenders will want to see proof of insurance before closing on a home, and you'll need to transfer utilities into your name, as well. In all of the chaos, it's easy to forget to switch the phone over to your new home!
