Maybe your friends are all buying homes, and you’ve decided it’s time to try home ownership yourself. Or you believe you can beat your current mortgage rate by refinancing your loan. Before you get too far into the process, make sure to:

• Check your credit. Surprises on your credit report can put a halt to your plans. Know your history and score. If you’re buying with someone else, have them review their own report and share before you begin working with a lender.
• Say no to yourself (for now). Put plans for credit requests on hold until you’ve closed on your home. That car loan or large credit card charge might change your debt-to-income ratio to the point that a mortgage is out of reach. Remember your priorities and know that saying “no” for now isn’t “no” forever.
• Save, save and save some more. Sock away as much money as possible. Homeownership, especially for those experiencing it for the first time, requires a large initial investment that can be surprising. Even refinancing can sometimes have costs.

Homeownership has many plusses, from tax benefits to giving you a rent-free abode in retirement. If you need help with the process, leverage our trusted connections to help you get the home of your dreams.