Save time by taking steps to get pre-approved for a home loan.  This can help determine how much home you can afford and it can increase your negotiating power when working with the seller.  While pre-approval is not a guarantee of mortgage approval, it will give you a mortgage amount and the terms which you are qualified on. 

Select A Real Estate Specialist Who's Right For You

Having a qualified professional in your corner gives you the greatest opportunity to get the home you want at the price you wants.  I am trained to help you take advantage of industry-leading technology and I can give you the most up to date information about every home on the market.  I can provide professional guidance in negotiation, transaction details and finance options.

Search For A Home That Meets Your Needs

I have access to ALL properties listed on the market including HUD, VA and Bank repos.  I will help you find a home based upon your individual needs.  At johnlscott.com your search is just at your fingertips with multiple detailed search options.

Home Buying Checklist

Use the following checklist in the weeks leading up to home ownership.  If you have any questions at any point in the process fell free to call me with your questions.

Estimate Costs And Determine Your Budget

Determine how much money you have available for a down payment.  If your are selling your home to purchase your new home I can help you determine the amount of equity that will be available.

Get a rough estimate of your expected monthly mortgage payment by using the Mortgage Calculator on JohnLScott.com

Check out general interest rates for various loan terms (fixed rate, adjustable rate, FHA and VA.

Start gathering all of your financial paperwork. 

Get Pre-Approved

Get a pre approved loan from the lender of your choice

Organize your documents and information prior to applying for a mortgage

Obtain a mortgage commitment letter

Choose a real estate professional

Find The Right Home

Investigate neighborhoods and schools

If you are relocation conduct a cost-of-living comparison

Prioritize home features

Preview properties

Make an offer and negotiate a final price

Have the home inspected

Close The Purchase

Close the transaction and mortgage.  I will assist you in making sure the process goes as smoothly as possible.

Move in and celebrate!

Pre-Approval Checklist

When you are ready to apply for a pre-approval of a mortgage, use the following checklist to verify you are properly prepared.

1. Home addresses for the past 2 years

2. Your Social Security number(s).

3. Employment information for the past 2 years

4. Income information including 2 month of paystubs, bonuses, commissions, dividends, interest, retirement and any other source of ongoing income. (Excluding spousal and child support)  If self employed, two years of tax returns.

5. Two most recent month's statements of all liquid assets including, checking, savings, investment accounts, or other sources of down payment

6. Other assets including the value of bonds, stocks, life insurance, retirement funds, jewelry, autos, etc.

7. A mortgage lender will order and review your credit report to determine any financial liabilities.  This includes: creditor names and outstanding balances for al debts including notes payable, life insurance loans, stock pledges, spousal and child support, credit cars and auto loans, and other liabilities.

8. Real estate owned including: property address, market value, outstanding liens, rental income, mortgage payments, taxes, insurance and maintenance dues.

After completing your mortgage pre-approval application and submitting the necessary documents, you will receive a letter of pre-approval from your lender.  Now that you have your financial starting point you are ready to begin your search for your dream home.