The document provides tips for preparing for home ownership. It recommends starting the preparation process as soon as the desire to own a home arises. Key steps include staying motivated by focusing on home ownership goals, gathering financial information from a loan officer, conducting research on neighborhoods and costs, saving money for closing fees and repairs, and mentally preparing to take responsibility for home maintenance. The overall message is that careful planning and persistence can make the journey to home ownership smoother.

1. Get Ready for Home Ownership
by Real Estate Diva Brenda
Hooray! the weather is getting warmer and the season is changing. Naturally, you can't help but think about outdoor
adventures, barbeques and family gatherings. Yes, homeownership has its advantages! If you are not yet a homeowner, be
encouraged because with preparation and strategy, you too can own a home. In fact, in my Roadmap to Homeownership
workshop that I teach at local libraries and churches, I share ways that one can prepare for homeowner success.
Buying a home is a process that can take years for some and a short time for others. Either way, preparation should begin
the moment that the desire arises. The best thing that you can do for yourself and for your family is to make informed
decisions during the process, empower yourself with knowledge and choose to NEVER make an impulsive decision. Owning a
home is a 15-30 year investment unlike leasing an apartment where you can leave after the yearly agreement is over. So you
want to get ready now so that you can enjoy your long term investment.
If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. Here are some ways that you can prepare for homeownership:
A.) Stay motivated. It is easy to get discouraged when you are working to achieve any goal. Which is why you must define
your WHY or your purpose for wanting to become a homeowner and then keep the images of homes in front of you so that
you can stay motivated. Watch television shows that target prospective and current homeowners; visit open houses; keep
pictures of your family and of homes in front of you; create a home dream board; become a home buyer student (read
about the home buying process, join forums and attend seminars); visit websites so that you can view virtual tours; and walk
through home improvement stores.
Brenda Douglas, Diva Realty Group/Keller Williams Preferred Properties
www.facebook.com/realestatedivabrenda * www.facebook.com/creditrepo
www.divasgethomessold.com | realestatedivabrenda@gmail.com

2. B.) Gather information. Meet with a Loan Officer whether you think that you are ready now or not. If you don't know
of any loan officers, you can get referrals from a real estate agent, bank or credit union. The loan officer will take
down your salary information, etc.. and give you a ballpark figure in terms of the prequalified dollar amount or your
buying power. This amount will tell you in what price range to start your search but please be advised that you do not
have to purchase at the top of the quoted amount. Also keep in mind that the bank does not factor in your lifestyle or
future expenses/plans. If you are not ready to purchase because you need to do credit repair, know that some loan
officers can assist with credit repair and so can nonprofit organizations or private companies.
C.) Conduct Research. Whether you are ready to purchase a home now or not, you should begin doing your research
the moment that you desire to become a homeowner. Your research should include learning about communities,
schools, crime, neighborhoods, safety, and any other information that you deem pertinent. You should always be
responsible for your safety and for defining your needs and goals.
Get Ready for Home Ownership
by Real Estate Diva Brenda
Brenda Douglas, Diva Realty Group/Keller Williams Preferred Properties
www.facebook.com/realestatedivabrenda * www.facebook.com/creditrepo
www.divasgethomessold.com | realestatedivabrenda@gmail.com

3. D.) Save. Save. Save money. It would be nice if it were possible to purchase a home and not have to pay anything out of
pocket but that is just not realistic so you should start planning ways to save or pull money from resources. Because
unfortunately, there are many fees and costs associated with purchasing a home but as a rule of thumb, you should save at
least $7k-$15k. And NO a buyer does not pay the buyer's agents commission and YES you should always ask for closing help.
Ask your agent to complete an estimated net sheet of closing costs and be prepared. Honestly, you may not need all thst you
save but the money that doesn't go towards closing can be used to purchase new furniture or pay for a house warming party.
Either way, be prepared. For a list of creative ways to save money to purchase a home, contact
Brenda Douglas at realestatedivabrenda@gmail.com
E.) Mind conditioning. Being a homeowner means that there is no on-call maintenance team. You are responsible for the
maintenance and care of your home. You can get mentally prepared for homeownership by taking do it yourself classes;
developing the habit of saving money for unexpected repairs; becoming a problem solver; and by being determined,
resourceful and adamant about preserving through any trial.
In short, prepare for where you are headed. No one takes a trip without planning. The moment that you decide to be a
homeowner, you should begin planning your journey. Careful planning, patience, and persistence can make your journey to
home ownership a short pleasant trip around the block instead of a 40 year journey in the wilderness. I hope that this helps.
Don't forget to stay connected www.facebook.com/realestatedivabrenda
Get Ready for Home Ownership
by Real Estate Diva Brenda
Brenda Douglas, Diva Realty Group/Keller Williams Preferred Properties
www.facebook.com/realestatedivabrenda * www.facebook.com/creditrepo
www.divasgethomessold.com | realestatedivabrenda@gmail.com