Ask the experts

Consult with more than one lender and real estate agent and ask them what their processes are and what's expected of you as a homebuyer. You can also refer to reputable online sources, such as real estate agent, lender, and government websites for HUD, FHA, USDA, and more.

Understand the process

Shop around for loans so you can evaluate and understand the choices available to you. Learn how much you can borrow and the rate you're likely to pay. You don't want to be caught off guard by the size of your payments, so take a moment to calculate your potential cost here: crosscountrymortgage.com/resource-center/mortgage-calculators

Strengthen your credit

You want to put your best foot forward when applying for a loan, so making sure your credit score is the best it can be is extremely important. Here are a few ways to help:

• Reduce your credit card balances
• Pay bills on time
• Pay any delinquent bills
• Track your credit score

Secure your down payment

When looking to put together the down payment on a home, you typically want 20% of the purchase price so you can avoid mortgage insurance. You can always pay a little more or less depending on:

• Your individual circumstances
• Credit history
• Loan type

Your down payment can be as low as 3% with certain loan types, or even 0% for qualified buyers. Take some time out of your day to discover what you may qualify for.

Find a good real estate agent

Start by comparing online reviews and seek references when you become more serious about selecting someone. You'll need proper documentation to show your new real estate agent, so make sure you gather your tax returns, your government-issued ID, W-2s and/or 1099s, and more.

Work with your lender

It's much easier to get your pre-qualification and pre-approval letter when you work one on one with your lender.

Find the right home

Finding your dream home is a process, so make sure you take the time to find exactly what you want. There are a lot of things to consider such as:

• Neighborhood
• House amenities
• Condition
• Cost
• Surrounding facilities
• Proximity to family and friends

Homebuying is a complex process, but we're here to simplify it. Arming yourself with information ahead of time helps make it easier. Your CCM loan officer will answer your questions clearly, help you understand your loan options, and walk with you through the loan process. Happy house hunting!