Buying a home in North Texas

Look at the monthly payment, not just the price.

Two homes at the same price can cost very different amounts each month once taxes, insurance, HOA dues and any MUD or PID charges are added.

The number that matters is what the home costs each month, and the price alone doesn't tell you that.

Talk to a lender before you tour.

Then you know what you can comfortably spend and how much cash you need at closing.

Know your loan options, the cash you need at closing, and your priorities first. Then touring is a lot more useful.

Plan for cash beyond the down payment.

Closing costs, earnest money, the option fee and moving costs add up.

Don't skip the inspection.

It is your chance to learn what the home really needs before it is yours.

Ask questions early and often.

Nobody expects you to know this already.

Builders usually use their own contract.

Read it carefully before you sign, and I'll walk through it with you.

Many builders ask that your agent come with you on your first visit, so call me before you walk in.

Get your own inspection, even on a brand new home.

Ask about the full cost, including lot premiums, upgrades, the tax rate and any MUD or PID charges.

If the builder offers an incentive, ask exactly how it works and what you would need to do to qualify, such as using a particular lender.

You can compare before you decide.

Still get an inspection.

The home's condition matters whether or not a lender is involved.

Still review the title commitment and the survey with your title company.

Have proof of funds ready.

Sellers often ask for it with the offer.

Be ready to talk about timing.

A flexible closing date can help your offer.

VA loans often allow you to buy with no down payment.

Your lender confirms what you qualify for.

Ask your lender early about your Certificate of Eligibility.

VA loans have their own appraisal and property condition requirements, and a funding fee may apply.

Ask your lender how those affect your purchase.

If you're on a PCS timeline, tell me your report date at the start so we can plan around it, including virtual tours if you can't be here yet.

Know your equity and your timing before you shop.

Selling one home and buying another affect each other.

Ask about your options for lining up both closings, such as a contingency, a leaseback (rent-back) or closing on the same day.

Each has trade-offs, and I'll explain them.

Add up the costs of both moves, not just the new purchase.

If you're downsizing, compare HOA dues, taxes and upkeep, not just the square footage.

If you're 65 or older, ask the county appraisal district how your homestead tax limits would carry over to a new home.

Pre-qualified and pre-approved are not the same.

A pre-approval is based on verified documents, and it is what sellers take seriously.

Common loan types include conventional, FHA and VA.

Each has different down payment and mortgage insurance rules.

Compare at least two lenders using the official Loan Estimate form.

Ask how long a rate lock lasts and what it costs.

The buyer representation agreement:

Before any showing, I explain our agreement: what I do for you, what my fee is, and who pays it. My fee as a buyer's agent is also 3% to 4%, it's negotiable, and we put it in writing before we tour a home. In my transactions so far, sellers have agreed to cover my fee every time. I can't promise that for your purchase, and I'll explain how it works before you sign.

The residential contract covers the price, closing date, earnest money, the option period and who pays what.

The option period and option fee give you the right to terminate for any reason within the agreed number of days.

Most inspections happen during this time.

Depending on your purchase you may also sign a financing addendum, an HOA addendum and review the seller's disclosure.

Information About Brokerage Services (IABS)

Ask me to explain any form before you sign it.