07/14/2026
Here's the honest list I wish every first-time buyer got handed a year before they started shopping.
Down payment: Plan for more than the minimum 3–5%. Under 20% usually means mortgage insurance stacked onto your monthly payment.
Credit: Pull your report now, long before you plan to move. Score matters, but payment history and credit utilization matter more. I can connect you with a mortgage broker who can tell you the truth about where you stand.
Income: Two years of steady, documented pay. If you're self-employed, it gets tricky, but my team and I can help. Be prepared before you fall in love with a house.
New debt: Do not finance a car, a couch, or a ring during the process. I have watched deals die on closing day because of a new Best Buy card.
Cushion: Budget cash-on-hand for movers, a fridge, blinds, utility deposits. Houses eat cash.
Margin: Just because you qualify for a certain amount doesn’t mean you have to spend it. Choose a payment that still lets you enjoy life after you get the keys.
Location: A key to affordability is to think beyond the established neighborhoods. Thirty years ago, Kennesaw and Acworth weren’t the places everyone was chasing. Today they’re thriving communities because people saw the potential early.
Call me now: if you're 6 months or a year out from being "ready," NOW is the perfect time to call me. We take stock of where you are and what you need to do between now and then. I'm not just here to close a deal. I'm here to guide you through the entire process.
☎️ 404.455.1245
🖥️ [email protected]
Keller Williams Signature Partners
Anything here that's news to you?