Tammy Vertrees

Now that you've decided to purchase a new home, it's important to know what to expect throughout the loan process. With the right knowledge, the road to home ownership is just ahead.

Check Your Credit

Before you even think about applying for a mortgage, it's important to know where you stand from the lender's point of view. Checking your credit report is a good idea for many reasons, but it's an essential step in your journey toward buying a home.

Every 12 months, you can request a free copy of your credit file from each of the three major credit reporting agencies - Equifax, TransUnion and Experian. Look for inaccuracies, outdated information or anything that requires your attention. If you spot anything, file a dispute right away to get the information corrected. A free credit report does not include your FICO score, which is available from the credit bureaus for a small fee. Most lenders use this number in determining your interest rates and creditworthiness, so it may be a good idea to check it out for yourself first.

Gather Your Documentation

When you apply for a loan, you will be asked to provide certain documentation and/or information relating to your current financial status, employment, assets (including both real and personal property) and liabilities. Before meeting with your lender, make sure to have your current paystubs, bank statements, tax returns for the two years preceding your application and information relating to any debts that you currently owe. If you are self-employed, you will also be asked to provide a year-to-date profit/loss statement, which is also known as an income statement.

Choose A Lender

Most sellers will want to know that you are preapproved with a lender before entertaining your offer. Having a preapproval letter from your lender will make your offer stronger than a buyer who does not have preapproval. Therefore, the next step to obtaining a home is to select a lender. Most sellers will require you to provide an earnest money deposit with your offer and have the necessary inspections completed in order to finalize the purchase.

Meet With Your Lender

Now that you have your documentation together, it's time to meet with your lender. At this point, you will complete a mortgage application and submit it for approval. Depending on the lender, it may take anywhere from several hours to several days before learning whether or not you are approved. In most cases, however, a lender can provide you with an answer within 24 hours.

Last Minute Details

If your loan is approved, it's time to move forward to the next step in the mortgage process. Your lender will order an appraisal and inspection to be completed on the property you choose. This is just as much for your own protection as it is for the lender because it may reveal hidden problems within the home. The inspection and appraisal can take up to 30 days, at which point the results will be forwarded to the lender. If all goes well, you will close on the loan and get ready to move into your new home.

Staging a home is a great way to attract buyers!

Over the years, house staging, or the art of showing off the features of your home, has become a smart strategy for many savvy homeowners. Simply put, staging is the same as dressing up your home in its Sunday best!

Staging can range from adding little things here or there to hiring a decorating professional. But sometimes staging is as much about what not to do or what to correct.

I've included a list of the most common homebuyer turn-offs. They can really make difference in the length of time a house is listed on the market. As always, I'm available and happy to assist if you have any questions.

Home Staging: The Top Seven Sales Killers

That May Keep A Home From Selling!

1. An Unkempt Lawn

2. Chipping or Peeling Paint

3. Worn or Dirty Carpets and Flooring

4. Poor Housekeeping-Dust, Stains, and Dirt

5. Junk, Clutter, and Disorganization

6. Unpleasant Odors-Pets, Tobacco, and Garbage

7. Unusual or Odd Paint Colors

Moving can be a stressful time, however, there are several things that you can do to make your move a smooth one. If you know that you're moving ahead of time, it's a good idea to start packing as early as possible. Remember, Rome wasn't built in a day and, unless you have to be out in a hurry, it's better to take your time and remember every little detail now than to find yourself with the moving blues later.

A Little Goes A Long Way

If at all possible, pace yourself when packing. It's better to pack a little at a time and make sure that nothing is forgotten than to hurry and try to get everything done within a day or two. It's easy to forget to have your address changed, turn off your phone, internet, water and/or cable service, so take the time to make sure every little detail is ironed out now so that you can enjoy your new home later.

Have A Moving Sale

Get rid of everything that you don't need by having a moving sale. If you haven't used it within a year, sell it. Otherwise, you will just end up with the same clutter in your new house as you've had in the one you're leaving behind. Plus, the more you sell, the less you will have to pack and move. Not to mention, moving is expensive and there's nothing wrong with earning a few extra bucks whenever possible.

Create A Packing List

It will help you to remember things much easier by writing them down on paper as they come to mind. A packing list can act as a shopping list, which will remind you of the things that you need to remember.

Pack Lightly

Moving day is hard enough, so don't make it any worse by loading down your arms with too much weight. If you pack lightly, it may cost you a little more footwork, but your body will thank you at the end of the day.

Pack Smart

Because of their design, boxes are easier to carry and provide an effective way to keep everything stored safely in its place. Rather than just piling everything into the car or U-Haul and hoping for the best, take the time to pack everything carefully (especially breakables) inside of a box. What will not fit, such as furniture and other household essentials, should be tied down and placed in a moving truck. Furniture pads are also a good idea to prevent damage during the move. Make sure you label each box with the contents of each box along with the room it will go in at the new home. This will make unpacking more efficient and save you loads of time.