Homeownership Education

Before you look at houses to buy, your first steps should be:

• Attending VHDA's free Homeownership class.
• Finding out what you need to know about your personal finances.
• Learning how to create a personal spending plan that works for you and your goals.

 Household Spending Plan

Role of the Lender

This is the second step in your goal to buy a home and includes:

• Choosing a lender to help you in applying for a mortgage loan.
• Understanding why pre-approval of your loan is a critical part of the process.

 Mortgage Loan Application

Working With Your Real Estate Agent

Your next step, choosing a real estate professional to help your home search, includes:

• Learning how to pick the right agent to work with you.
• Working with your agent to find the house that best fits your needs and price range.

 Housing Priorities Worksheet
 House Evaluation Worksheet

Getting a Home Inspection

It's difficult to stay objective and unemotional about the house you really want, and this can affect your judgement. A professional home inspection provides the most accurate information about the condition of a house, so you'll know if you still want to buy it.

• American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI)
• National Association of Home Inspectors (NAHI)
  

Closing Your Mortgage Loan

Your last step, the official signing of the papers that finalizes the deal, is:

• Understanding your options in choosing a professional to close your loan.
• Knowing what legal documents are involved in the closing.

 Deed of Trust
 Note
 Settlement Statement