Found Your
Dream Home?
Stepping across the threshold of your dream home for the first time is a fairy-tale moment. Your first glance at the marble countertops, big bay windows, or hardwood floors is entrancing. The reading nook in the corner of the living room seems made for you. It feels like fate – but you can't let the emotions overcome you. After all, buying a home is a huge financial decision, and going into it with a healthy dose of logic is the only way to secure your happily ever after. Ask yourself these questions to decide if you're really ready to make an offer – or if it's just wishful thinking.
Do you have your mortgage
pre-approval and down payment funds ready to go?
Of course!
I'm still working on it.
I'm ready to negotiate.
It's such a great deal!
Nope, but this one seems perfect!
I've been house-hunting for a while.
Start Over
Congratulations! It seems like you've found your dream home – it was an epic treasure hunt, but you reached the proverbial pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Before you call your real estate agent, make sure you have all your ducks in a row. Confirm you have your pre-approval letter from the home loan experts at Rocket Mortgage ready to share with the seller, and double check that it hasn't expired. You'll also want to ensure you have the funds for your down payment ready to put down. The process can move quickly once the seller accepts your offer!
Go for it!
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Are you comfortable with the price?
2
Have you researched other homes in the area?
3
Who knows what I'll want in five years?
This might actually be my forever home.
Can you see yourself living there for at least five years?
4
Start Over
Mirror mirror on the wall, is this my dream home after all? If you have to ask, it's probably best to pause and consult with your real estate agent before rushing into an offer. Do some research into the neighborhood: Are there nearby amenities like green spaces, public transit, or good school districts? Looking into the prices of other similar homes can also help you decide whether or not this is a good investment. Even if you decide not to make an offer on this home, you can take this opportunity to double check you have everything ready when you do find your happily ever after. Make sure you have all the necessary documents on hand for your mortgage lender, including pay stubs, bank statements, and proof of funds. That way, when you find your dream home, Rocket Mortgage will have everything they need to prepare your loan.
Take a Beat.
Start Over
Sometimes you have to kiss a few frogs before you find your Prince Charming. Whether this property was more house than you can afford or you're just not sure about living in the neighborhood for the next five years or more, there's no shame in walking away. Take the opportunity to set yourself up for future success in your search. Apply for a mortgage pre-approval from Rocket Mortgage, so you'll be ready to make an offer when the right home comes along. If you're not already working with a real estate agent, set up meetings with agents in your area to find the right team for your search. Your happily ever after is right around the corner!
This Might Not Be the One.
Here's How to Decide If You're Ready to Make an Offer
Equal Housing Lender. NMLS 3030
Equal Housing Lender. NMLS 3030
Written by Annalise Mantz Illustrations by Sara Andreasson Design by Marissa Dickson
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Equal Housing Lender. NMLS 3030