Preparing to Buy

Start Smart: Get Financially Ready to Buy

Before we dive into home tours and open houses, it’s important to lay the financial foundation. The more prepared you are, the smoother your home-buying journey will be.

Choose a Trusted Lender

One of the very first—and most important—steps in the buying process is connecting with a trusted lender. Our team works closely with a network of experienced local lenders who can help you run your credit, review your finances, and get you pre-approved for a home loan.

Why is pre-approval so important?

• It shows sellers you’re a serious buyer.
• It helps you understand exactly what you can afford.
• It gives you a competitive edge—especially in fast-moving Southern California markets.
• It can speed up the escrow process once you find the right property.

We’ll personally match you with one of our preferred lenders who will walk you through every step, from reviewing your credit to issuing your pre-approval letter. It’s all about helping you shop smart, with confidence and clarity.

Organize Your Financial Snapshot

Your lender may ask for what’s commonly called a “green file”—a collection of important financial documents that helps them assess your qualifications. Here’s what you may need:

• Recent pay stubs
• Bank statements
• Tax returns (last two years)
• Credit card and loan statements
• Investment and retirement account info (401k, stocks, etc.)
• Lease agreements if you own rental property
• Current mortgage statement

Don’t worry—we’ll walk you through what’s needed and help you stay organized.

Avoid Big Financial Moves

During this time, it’s best to maintain financial stability. Hold off on large purchases, job changes, or opening new credit lines. These kinds of changes can impact your loan approval and delay your ability to buy.

Buying a home should feel exciting—not overwhelming. Our team is here to connect you with the right professionals, help you understand the process, and make sure you’re set up for success from day one.