Preparing to Buy

Before you start shopping for your property, it is a good idea to make some preparations.

Build Your Green File.

A green file contains all your important financial documents. You will need it to secure financing for your property. The typical green file should contain:

• Financial statements
• Bank accounts
• Investments
• Credit cards
• Auto loans
• Recent pay stubs
• Tax returns for two years
• Copies of leases for investment properties
• 401K statements, life insurance, stocks, bonds, and mutual account information.

Check Your Credit Rating.

Your credit score will have a huge impact on what type of property you can buy, and at what price. It is first recommended to check your credit rating with an experienced lending institution so that I can determine what you can afford. Your lender will research your credit ratings from the three credit reporting agencies Equifax, Experian and Trans Union. I will be happy to recommend experienced, knowledgeable lenders in the residential, construction, and commercial and investment real estate fields. Be sure you receive your pre-qualification letter from your lender, this is a key to the contract negotiation process.

Be Careful With Your Finances.

Now is not a good time to make sudden career changes or large purchases. You want to approach your property purchase from a position of financial stability.