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Learn about real estate agents, your home search, and more.

![Two People Excitedly Embracing with Keys in Hand](https://cdn.builder.io/api/v1/image/assets%2Fea37b90b89334a2ab1714e2159c75418%2Fd4dd9ce4a6314cc2969276ba2329bc26)

 <br>
  <div class="learn">
<p class="learnfont"><strong>What You’ll Learn</strong></p>

<p class="learnfont">The order of operations for first-time homebuyers</p>

<p class="learnfont">How to formalize your home buying budget</p>

  <p class="learnfont">What to know before you shop for homes</p>

  </div>
  <br><br>

So you’re ready to buy a home—or at least, you *think* you are. But sitting on your sofa and scrolling through online listings feels lightyears away from being handed a set of keys to your new home. In between, there are a bunch of steps that involve attorneys, appraisals, underwriting... it’s a lot to navigate, especially for first-time homebuyers. How do you know where to start?

Luckily, helping people with their mortgages is our happy place. Not only have we designed a digital lending process that’s simple and streamlined, we’ve also compiled some expert insights about homebuying along the way. Here’s how to wade through the uncharted waters of being a first-time homebuyer: 

## Tips for first time homebuyers

#### 1. Do some soul-searching before you dive in 

So you’ve saved a bit for your down payment, your credit score is decent, and you even have a dedicated interior design board on Pinterest. But you should also have a good grasp on what’s motivating your move. Why do you want to buy a home? To minimize your monthly housing costs? To start a family? Taking an honest look at  big-picture goals will help you stick to your priorities during the house hunt. For example, if you’re ready to start a family maybe you’ll want to focus on houses in certain school districts. We recommend writing out a list of must-haves and researching [the type of house you picture yourself living in](https://better.com/content/how-to-choose-between-different-types-of-houses/). Doing this work upfront will give you a strong jumping-off point and help filter your search for homes when the time comes. 

#### 2. Get pre-approved to start formalizing your budget

[Getting pre-approved](https://better.com/content/what-is-a-mortgage-pre-approval/) is an extremely useful tool in the budgeting process. While you can [use an affordability calculator](https://better.com/content/a-better-home-affordability-calculator/) to get a quick sense of monthly payments for different loan products based on current market rates, pre-approval delivers a more detailed and customized look at your loan options. It’s also the best way to show real estate agents and sellers that you’re serious about buying a home. By sharing some key financial details such as your credit score, income, savings, and debt, you’ll be able to see which rates you qualify for and the maximum amount of money you can borrow from a lender—if you’re working with Better Mortgage, the entire process takes as little as 3 minutes and doesn’t even require a hard credit check! 

However—and this is crucial—it doesn’t mean you should plan to borrow the max amount of your pre-approval. [Pre-approval tells you what’s possible](https://better.com/content/what-is-a-mortgage-pre-approval/), not what’s necessarily affordable or even advisable based on your financial priorities. In order to determine your true budget, you need to factor in upcoming planned expenses (say, having a kid or buying a new car) and known lifestyle preferences (if you like lavish vacations or exclusively buy cashmere sweaters, you need to realistically consider those ongoing costs as you plan for your mortgage.) Once you set up an account with Better, you'll also get a Home Advisor to guide you through every step of the process.

![Quote by Shaina, a Better Mortgage Customer](https://cdn.builder.io/api/v1/image/assets%2Fea37b90b89334a2ab1714e2159c75418%2Fd9db93fb943a467c89ac24c35ad9806c)

Check out more [customer stories here](https://better.com/b/finding-home-customer-stories "Finding Home customer stories").

#### 3. Shop for homes based on more than just listing price

If pre-approval is the first step in mapping out your general budget, the next part of the process is all about zeroing in on the nitty-gritty details of what you can afford and understanding [how much your mortgage will really cost you](https://better.com/content/hidden-costs-of-buying-a-home/). At this point, you know how much you can put toward your down payment (typically anywhere between 3%-20% of the loan) and what rate options are available to you. Now it’s time to think beyond just the principal and interest of your loan. 

While it’s not technically incorrect to think of homebuying as a singular purchase, it can set up some false expectations for first-time homebuyers. Certain expenses are non-recurring, upfront costs—a down payment, for example, will be due in a lump sum at closing. But homeownership is also an ongoing, recurring expense. And the listing price of a property is only one variable in this equation. A few other factors to consider are: 

- Private mortgage insurance (PMI): typically runs between 0.5%-1.5% of  the loan; you’ll probably be required to pay this every month if you put down less than 20% on a conventional loan
- Property taxes: goes toward funding schools, repairing roads, and other local community initiatives; can fluctuate based on property value and location
- Homeowner’s insurance: required for all mortgages, but can cost more if your home is older or in an area where natural disasters are more likely to occur.

These ancillary costs will vary from one property to the next and ultimately have a major impact on your monthly payment amount. As you start looking at listings, factor in an amortized breakdown of these expenses on top of your principal and interest costs to accurately evaluate the affordability of different properties. Let’s say you’re looking at 2 similar houses in different neighborhoods They’re both listed at the same price with similar PMI and homeowner’s insurance costs—but for one, the property taxes cost $4500 annually; for the other, $7000 annually. The first home adds $375 to each monthly mortgage payment, the other $583. Can you afford the extra $200+ per month? While it might be tempting to widen the search and consider more expensive homes, you don’t want to get saddled with a mortgage that causes financial strain. 

#### 4. Don’t let moving and closing costs sneak up on you 

In addition to the recurring costs that can impact a monthly mortgage payment, first-time homebuyers also need to account for one-time, up-front loan expenses—namely, closing costs and moving costs. [Closing costs cover](https://better.com/content/what-is-included-in-closing-costs/) things like attorney fees, appraisal fees, and title insurance; while there’s some wiggle room on what the total amount comes to (usually between 3-5% of the loan amount) this money is due in full at closing. Keep in mind that you can shop around for some services and [even avoid certain fees altogether](https://better.com/content/cost-and-lender-fees-in-mortgage-process/)—at Better Mortgage, for example, we don’t charge origination or commission fees like most traditional lenders do. 

On top of closing costs, moving into a new home can be expensive—there’s furnishing all the rooms, paying for movers, and budgeting for any immediate repairs/updates you might want to make in the short-term. Set aside cash for these needs to avoid unpleasant surprises at or after closing. 

#### 5. Work with an agent to optimize your search 

This is it! You have a rock-solid grasp of your priorities and a holistic understanding of your budget, not to mention your newly issued pre-approval letter in hand so sellers know you mean business. You’re aware of the details you need to look out for in listings, and how different expenses like property taxes and homeowner’s insurance can impact the monthly cost of your mortgage. You’ve taken a preliminary look at loan products that fit your needs and are seeing some properties in your price range. In other words, you’re ready to take the plunge and start touring homes! 

Working with a real estate agent can help you expedite the shopping process. [Better Real Estate agents](https://better.com/with/find-an-agent) bring tons of local expertise to the table and do the legwork to find homes that [fit your search criteria](https://better.com/content/how-to-know-if-a-house-is-right-for-you/)—they do everything from researching neighborhoods with no HOA fees or to finding properties that have the outdoor space you need, and then work around your availability to schedule tours. This translates to less wasted time across the board. When you’re ready to make a bid, they also work in-house with our underwriting teams to get your paperwork processed and your offer submitted. At Better Mortgage, our average closing time is 32 days—10 days faster than the industry average[*](https://better.com/with/claims). 
<br> <br>

 <div style="text-align: center">  
 <a class="bet-Button bet-Button--xl bet-Button--primary" href="https://better.com/with/find-an-agent">Find an agent</a>  
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#### 6. Stay focused yet flexible as you see homes

While some people only see a handful of homes before they [make an offer](https://better.com/content/how-to-make-an-offer-on-a-home), others spend months searching and take dozens of tours before they find the one. Shopping for a home is often a process of elimination. You can filter based on cost, neighborhoods, square footage, school districts, property value, whatever’s most important to you. The best approach is to stick to your big-picture goals and your budget. Having said that...leave a little room for flexibility. If you know where you’re willing to compromise, you might find the home of your dreams when you’re least expecting it. 

#### 7. Look for mortgage options that fit your financial plans

Once you’re ready to make an offer, choosing the [type of mortgage](https://better.com/content/types-of-mortgage-loans/) that fits your financial needs will require a bit of research and (unfortunately) some unavoidable math. Yes, it’s important to calculate your monthly mortgage payments and understand exactly how much cash-to-close you need. But beyond that, you also need to evaluate the long-term details of your financing options and understand how things like interest rates (fixed or adjustable?) and loan type (conventional or FHA?) impact costs in the long-run. Getting pre-approved will help you understand the types of loans available to you, and see the pros/cons of each mortgage option based on your financial situation. 

Consider your financial future and what you’re working toward. If the home you’re planning to buy is just a stepping stone toward something bigger in the next few years, you could save thousands with an adjustable-rate mortgage. If you’re planning to stay in a home for a long time, it may be smarter to lock in a fixed interest rate. Loan Estimates are the best way to compare different types of mortgages; instant [Loan Estimates](https://better.com/content/loan-estimate-101/) are available 24/7 online at Better Mortgage after you get pre-approved. They include all the details in a standardized format so it’s easy to cross-reference and see how fluctuations in interest rates and term lengths can change the total cost of a loan. 

## Become a first-time homebuyer with Better Mortgage
These tips should help you get organized and make the most of your first-time homebuying experience. Once you know how to break down all the costs that go into a monthly mortgage, you’ll be able to formalize your homebuying budget (beyond just the down payment and cash-to-close) and figure out what kind of houses are right for you. From there you can filter your search with a real estate agent and zero in on homes and mortgage options that help you achieve your personal wealth goals. Ready to start the journey home?  The first step is getting pre-approved and it takes as little as 3 minutes with Better Mortgage. 

<br> <br>

 <div style="text-align: center">  
 <a class="bet-Button bet-Button--xl bet-Button--primary" href="https://better.com/preapprovals/purchase">Get started</a>  
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Buying a home for the first time doesn’t have to be complicated. Formalize your budget, shop smart, and navigate the process with these pro tips. 

7 Must-Read First Time Homebuyer Tips

Blog post image for 7 must-read first time homebuyer tips

7 must-read first time homebuyer tips

![Outline of the United States of America with Arrow Moving Across States](https://cdn.builder.io/api/v1/image/assets%2Fea37b90b89334a2ab1714e2159c75418%2Fd70ccfa460524789807af2cbbd704233)

 <br>
  <div class="learn">
<p class="learnfont"><strong>What You’ll Learn</strong></p>

<p class="learnfont">Ways to get to know out-of-state real estate markets</p>

<p class="learnfont">The best online house hunting techniques</p>

  <p class="learnfont">How to get the most out of your local real estate agent</p>

  </div>
  <br><br>

## How to buy a house in another state

If you’re thinking of moving to another state, wouldn’t it be lovely to travel to your desired out-of-state location, lazily tour homes when it suits you, and [make an offer](https://better.com/content/how-to-make-an-offer-on-a-home) on a property while sipping cocktails? Few of us live that kind of HGTV life, and in reality most of us probably need to look at more than 3 homes before deciding which house to buy. Even if you’re able to do your out-of-state house hunt in person, with today’s ultra-competitive market (and any spare cash earmarked for the next bidding war), many are turning to digital solutions to complete their home purchase remotely. While calling the process “online shopping” may gloss over some of the more time consuming realities, the fact remains that [technology has made it easier than ever to buy a home sight unseen](https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2021/02/03/redfin-two-thirds-home-buyers-2020-made-offer-sight-unseen/ "external"). In February of 2021, almost 2 out of every 3 buyers bought a home without ever stepping foot in the property. You can too, if you follow these tips.

#### First, see how much house can you afford

Swiping through home pics on a real estate app can be a delicious pleasure, but when you’re looking to buy it’s good to have at least a rough idea of how high you should be setting those price filters. This [home affordability calculator](https://better.com/content/a-better-home-affordability-calculator/) will give you an idea of the price range you should be looking at. For a more accurate indication of how much you can borrow, [get a pre-approval letter](https://better.com/preapproval/091c5d3d-1c70-459d-88a1-70bc5584c429/start-purchase)—it takes as little as 3 minutes and will give you an edge over other homebuyers.

 <br>
 <div style="text-align: center">  
 <a class="bet-Button bet-Button--xl bet-Button--primary" href="https://better.com/content/a-better-home-affordability-calculator">Calculate how much house you can afford</a>  
 </div>

#### Then, see how far your money will go

If your job or living situation gives you the flexibility to live anywhere, it can be easy to get caught up in romantic notions of sunny waterfront living or a private mountain escape. But before you start packing your inflatables or hiking gear, it’s important to know how far your money will go in the state you’re looking to buy into. Check out this [cost of living calculator](https://www.nerdwallet.com/cost-of-living-calculator "external") to get a guide of how far your dollars will stretch in the most populous metro areas across the country. 

#### Next, get to know the local real estate market

The homebuying frenzy of 2020 demonstrated how dramatically different real estate markets can be—even within the same state. Some counties that were considered sleepy in normal times were red hot with buyers driving up prices. Other areas, that were usually crawling with buyers, had homes on the market for months. If it’s a seller’s market that means there are more buyers than there are homes for sale. So you may want to consider setting your initial housing budget a little lower than the maximum you could pay so you’ve got some money set aside to make competitive offers at or above a home’s list price. 

#### Psst: The right property taxes can get you more house

For many out of state homebuyers, nothing is certain except debt and taxes. However, a little digging into the local property tax ordinances can uncover some unique opportunities. As you know, property taxes vary by city, county, and state. What you may not realize is how this can impact your homebuying budget. For example, a $300,000 home in an area with a 3.5% tax rate may end up having the same monthly payment as a $350,000 home in an area with a 3% tax rate. To get a ballpark figure of the taxes in the neighborhoods you’re considering, look at the assessment and tax information on the real estate listings for comparable properties in different neighborhoods. Alternatively, you can go straight to the county website to find out the annual property tax.

[Some states offer property tax incentives](https://www.washingtonpost.com/realestate/historic-tax-credits-allow-homeowners-to-preserve-their-properties-and-communities/2019/09/26/7727eabc-d972-11e9-bfb1-849887369476_story.html "external") to encourage homeowners to preserve historic properties. Some cities, such as Los Angeles, offer condo owners in historic buildings [ongoing property tax discounts](https://planning.lacity.org/preservation-design/historic-resources/incentives-resources "external"). If you’d like a home with a little history, keep this hot tip in mind. 

To get an idea of the property taxes for specific homes, check your favorite real estate app—most include at least a rough estimate of the kinds of ongoing taxes you may have to pay. Some even include property tax history, which can be a great way to get an indication of how your property taxes may change over time. If you find a neighborhood you love, don’t let high property taxes scare you away: go into the house hunt with your eyes wide open. Higher property taxes usually indicate higher property values and more investment into schools and community services (all that tax revenue has to go somewhere). 

A good [real estate agent](https://better.com/with/find-an-agent) will be able to get you the inside info on the property taxes for the homes on your shortlist. Don’t forget to ask if they qualify for any tax discounts. 

#### Get to know the neighborhood

Now that you’ve narrowed down the areas that interest you, it’s time to take a deep dive into the neighborhood itself. After all, you’re not just buying a home, you’re buying a whole neighborhood lifestyle. And if you’re buying a condo, you’ll be in close quarters with the neighbors that come with it. 

Ask yourself: Do you want to live in a lively area or a sleepy town that’s family friendly? Do you want your own yard (and) or public parks and biking trails? How important are local amenities, good restaurants, and an art scene? Are you all about roads and freeways, or do you prefer high walk scores and good public transportation? Another thing to consider is school districts. Even if you don’t have school age children, [homes in a good school district can be a great investment](https://better.com/content/how-do-school-districts-affect-homebuying/) for when it comes time to sell—so [take a peek at the schools](https://www.schooldigger.com/ "external").

If you can, take a trip to walk the streets in the area you’re interested in. If you can’t, take a click through Google Maps Street view. While you’re there, search the top things to see and do in the area. The city website is often a great resource on the services, facilities, parks and recreation areas offered by the city. City laws and ordinances will also be there if you’re into that kind of thing.

#### Get the most out of real estate photos

We know you’ve been swiping through home listings this whole time, but have you been looking at them the right way? The photos you see in real estate apps are similar to photos in dating apps: Almost any photo can look good with the right lighting and angles. And almost any home can look spacious with a wide-angle lens. 

This is why room dimensions and floor plans are key. A lot of agents now use virtual staging to give you a better sense of scale in an empty room, but the size of virtual furniture they use is easily manipulated. If you can’t be there yourself, nothing beats getting a tape measure out and seeing if the furniture you own will actually fit in the space they’re selling. 

#### Find the right real estate agent to find the right home

When you’re buying a home out of state, a local real estate agent is especially important: they’re your boots on the ground, your eyes and ears, and when it comes to home inspections, your nose as well. [A good real estate agent](https://better.com/content/how-to-pick-a-real-estate-agent/) can give you all the deets on the neighborhood (and the neighbors), and the dirt on developers and HOAs. 

Make sure you [find an agent](https://better.com/with/find-an-agent) with experience working with out-of-state (or international) buyers. Ask how they stay in touch and how available they are as they’ll be attending open houses, negotiations and inspections on your behalf. Your local pro can also let you know what local developments could impact the area, insights into local buyer/seller behavior, and all the info you need on property taxes (and tax discounts). If you don’t have an agent yet, Better Real Estate can match you with an expert local agent. Plus, by working with a Better Real Estate agent and choosing to finance with Better Mortgage you can save $2,000 on closing costs.*

 <br>
 <div style="text-align: center">  
 <a class="bet-Button bet-Button--xl bet-Button--primary" href="https://better.com/with/find-an-agent">Find an agent</a>  
 </div>

#### Ask your agent for personalized virtual tours 

Spend enough time on a real estate app and you’ll come across a wide range of virtual home tours. 3D virtual tours are the gold standard because they give you one thing real estate photos don’t: a clear view of all 4 walls in a room. When you look at all real estate photos, you have to ask yourself, “What are they not showing me?” Is there a big crack in the wall behind the photographer? Perhaps a large hot water heater in the corner of a bedroom? Are those closed curtains hiding an ugly brick wall? This is where boots on the ground can give you all the intel you’re missing.

Ask your real estate agent to video call you from the properties on your shortlist. If your availability and time zones don’t sync up, ask them to record a walkthrough of the home and highlight any blind spots not shown in the home’s real estate listing. Direct them to focus on details like the finishes used in a renovation or the artistry of crown moldings: in short get them to capture the things that would normally catch your eye. Don’t be shy about asking them to visit a home you love at different times of the day—this is common for in-person showings. And once you’ve made an offer, don’t skimp on the property inspection. Your real estate agent can send you videos of the inspection process to supplement the report you’ll receive. 

## Learn the requirements for buying a house in another state

#### Depending on the state, you may need to lawyer up

Given that living costs, house prices, and home styles differ from state to state, it should come as no surprise to learn real estate laws also have their local flavors. Some states are very particular about who can and cannot be involved in real estate transactions. For example, many states near the east coast require an attorney to close a home purchase. Some require an attorney for the entire closing process, while others may only need an attorney to be involved in the preparation of specific documents. Real estate laws are constantly being revised, so ask your real estate agent which professionals you’ll need on your homebuying team. 

#### Got plans for your purchase? Make sure it’s in the zone 

Before you put money down on a home, make sure the zoning laws, building codes, and property lines will let you follow through on your dreams. Planning on starting a home business? Check to see if the home is zoned for live/work use. Parking restrictions could mean the boat or trailer you have your eye on may need to be parked elsewhere. Fancy freshly laid eggs every morning? You’ll want to see if local ordinances will prevent you from having a chicken coop in the backyard. Be open with your real estate agent about how you’d like to use your new home and the lifestyle you plan to lead. If they don’t know all the ins and outs off the top of their head, it’s their job to find out for you.

#### Pair your digital house hunt with a digital lender 

With smartphones, you’re able to do all your house hunting from the palm of your hand—and now your mortgage process can be just as easy. Our all-in-one digital platform makes your out-of-state home purchase as smooth as possible: from finding a local real estate agent, securing a mortgage, to shopping for homeowners insurance. As an online mortgage lender providing home loans across the US, Better Mortgage understands the lending nuances of where you are and the state where you want to be. With Better Mortgage you can [get a pre-approval letter](https://better.com/content/what-is-a-mortgage-pre-approval/) in as little as three minutes so you’ll be ready to begin your out-of-state house hunt today. 

<br> <br>

 <div style="text-align: center">  
 <a class="bet-Button bet-Button--xl bet-Button--primary" href="https://better.com/preapprovals/purchase">Get started</a>  
 </div>

<br>
<p class="legal">*See <a href="https://better.com/faq/rates/whats-the-fine-print-better-real-estate">Better Real Estate discount fine print</a>.</p>
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Buying a house out of state can be seamless with the right prep. Learn how to find an agent, compare homes, and close without setting foot in the state.

Buying a House Out of State

Blog post image for Buying a house out of state

Buying a house out of state

<p><em>Jennilee Bennett is a Better Real Estate Agent and lifelong resident of the Pacific Northwest. She specializes in the Seattle market and uses her firsthand knowledge of the area to help people find homes they love.</em></p>

<br>

![A Couple Sitting on a Window Sill in an Empty Home](https://cdn.builder.io/api/v1/image/assets%2Fea37b90b89334a2ab1714e2159c75418%2F33770e3660154125959c60123a325c6f)

 <br>
  <div class="learn">
<p class="learnfont"><strong>What You’ll Learn</strong></p>

<p class="learnfont">Tips for starting your home search on the right foot</p>

<p class="learnfont">What questions to ask before, during, and after a home tour</p>

  <p class="learnfont">How to utilize your real estate agent in the homebuying process</p>

  </div>
  <br><br>

Many of my clients have romantic notions about buying a home; they set out on a journey to find “the one,” and think they’ll know it when they see it. However, finding the right home requires more than a gut feeling. Before you start scheduling tours, it's worth taking the time to budget and plan and get the clearest understanding of what you're looking for in a home. Then you'll really know when you've found the one, and you can hit the offer stage with confidence.

In the current market, buyers are facing unique circumstances. Lower inventory is leading to prolonged house hunting and more competitive bidding. That doesn’t mean you can’t find your dream home, it just means you may need to adjust your considerations slightly. That way, when you do find a match, you won’t miss out on it. 

<h2>How to choose a house </h2>

<h4>Is it in your price range? </h4>

Understanding [how much home you can affor](https://better.com/content/a-better-home-affordability-calculator)d is a crucial first step in your shopping process. Without an accurate budget, you might be tempted to drag that maximum price slider higher as you comb through online listings. To avoid overextending yourself on a mortgage, remember that the asking price is just [one part of the cost equation](https://better.com/content/hidden-costs-of-buying-a-home/). The interest on your mortgage, along with homeowners insurance, property taxes, and HOA fees will impact the affordability of a home. Make sure you understand the associated costs of each property you visit and how those expenses will impact your monthly mortgage payment. If a home is going to put you over budget every month, it’s not the right fit for you. 

There’s a reason why many people choose to get [pre-approved](https://better.com/content/what-is-a-mortgage-pre-approval/) before they see any homes. Not only is this a great tool for budgeting, it also gives your agent a solid jumping off point as they search for homes in your price range. On top of that, a [pre-approval letter](https://better.com/faq/pre-approval-letters/what-is-a-pre-approval-letter) is the best way to show any seller or seller’s agent that you mean business. Getting pre-approved with Better Mortgage takes as little as 3 minutes and doesn’t require a hard credit check.

<h4>Does it meet all your needs? </h4>

Once you have a budget, you can decide what you’re looking for in a home. It all starts with a wish list. Are you looking to upgrade from a tiny apartment and finally get some outdoor space? Perhaps you want somewhere that's move-in ready and situated in a particular [school district](https://better.com/content/how-do-school-districts-affect-homebuying). A good strategy for separating the nice-to-haves from the need-to-haves is to ask yourself how easy (or even possible) it would be to change each feature after you move in. 

For example, let’s say you want a state-of-the-art kitchen and you’re looking at a home that has an outdated stove and dishwasher. In the long run, it’s relatively simple and inexpensive to update a few appliances, so it might be worthwhile to compromise if you love other aspects of the home. In this instance, “state-of-the-art kitchen” may fall into your list of nice-to-haves. 

On the other hand, you may have some items on your wish list that are more difficult—or downright impossible—to change after you move in. For example, privacy might qualify as a need-to-have since you can’t change the physical location of your home after you move in. Once you determine your top priorities, you can more efficiently evaluate whether or not a house suits your needs. 

<iframe width="100%" height="400" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fL3h6_TTo0c?rel=0&amp;modestbranding=1" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[See how more homebuyers found their perfect homes.](https://better.com/b/finding-home-customer-stories "See how more homebuyers found their perfect homes.")

<h4>Have you factored in location? </h4>

There’s a reason that [real estate agents](https://better.com/realestate) harp on location! It plays a major role in determining cost and finding a property that meets your need-to-have criteria. Once you know your budget, you’ll be able to zero in on neighborhoods with property values in your range. You’ll also be able to search based on lifestyle priorities that might be location-specific. For example, if you have children, you may want to narrow your search based on school districts. Alternatively, you may care more about access to public transportation.

It’s always a good idea to familiarize yourself with the areas you’re searching and understand the impact each neighborhood will have on your daily life—from grocery shopping to commuting. The surrounding area can help inform whether a home is right for you. Take notice of things like vacant buildings, commercial activity, and any signs of development that might affect property values in the future or determine how your investment appreciates over time.  

Keep in mind that your agent can be your advocate here—if you clearly communicate your homebuying goals, an agent will help filter your search and find options that fit your criteria. They can also provide valuable insight on specific neighborhoods and address any questions/concerns you might have.  
<br>Don't have an agent yet? [Find one here](https://better.com/with/find-an-agent).

<h4>Did you ask the right questions? </h4>

[As you tour different properties](https://better.com/content/what-to-look-for-when-touring-a-home/), try not to get distracted by the small stuff. As startling as bad wallpaper can be, it’s ultimately an easy change. Look beyond the stylistic detractors. If you stay focused on what’s really important to you—the outdoor space, the open floor plan, whatever it might be—you’ll have a more accurate understanding of whether a home fits your needs. Will a growing family feel comfortable here? Is there enough square footage to have a WFH space? What will it be like when your in-laws visit? These kinds of hypothetical questions can help you determine if a home is really a good fit for your goals and lifestyle. 

Pay attention to the condition of the homes you see and don’t be shy about digging into the nitty-gritty details. Quick tips: Run the faucets to test the plumbing, flick switches to make sure there are no electrical issues, open and close all windows and doors, give the garage door a test run, double check that every feature is in working order. All this can help you get an accurate sense of whether the home is move-in ready or requires renovations. A home tour is also when you can look for signs of damage or dated structural features. What condition is the roof in? Will the windows need to be replaced? The answers to these questions might not qualify as deal-breakers, but they can give you a clearer understanding of potential future costs (and ways to boost resale value). For example, an unfinished basement could really be an opportunity in disguise—converting it to a finished space will most likely deliver a return on your investment if you ever decide to move. 

Following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual tours have become far more commonplace in the real estate market. Pro tip: take advantage of these! Video walkthroughs are a practical way to screen properties without actually going on site, and they can provide an initial sense of whether something is or isn’t right for you. Visiting a property IRL can definitely give you a clearer grasp on certain details like size and layout, but it might not be necessary. In 2020, [63% of buyers made offers](https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2021/02/03/redfin-two-thirds-home-buyers-2020-made-offer-sight-unseen/ "external") on homes that they hadn’t actually visited in person. 

<h2>Get matched with a Better Real Estate Agent </h2>

A solid understanding of your priorities will help you stay laser-focused as you start viewing homes and (hopefully) not get distracted by the small stuff. From there, maintaining a clear budget and digging into the details of the property should give you a clear indication of whether a house meets your needs at the right price point. Lean on your real estate agent for support during your search, and be patient. Some people find their dream home immediately, while others need to see dozens of properties before they land on the right fit. 

However long it takes, having an agent helps when you do find the home you want: from putting in the offer and negotiating with the seller to sorting out your final closing details, agents are there to guide you through the process. And by working with a Better Real Estate agent you can save $2,000 on closing costs if you choose finance with Better Mortgage.*

<br> <br>

 <div style="text-align: center">  
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 </div>

 <br> <br>

 <p class="legal">*See <a href="https://better.com/faq/rates/whats-the-fine-print-better-real-estate">Better Real Estate discount fine print</a>.</p>

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Looking for a house that truly fits your needs? Don't rely on a gut feeling. Get tips from a Better Real Estate Agent on how to know if a house is right for you. 

A Realtor's Guide on Finding the Perfect Home

Blog post image for A realtor's guide on finding the perfect home

A realtor's guide on finding the perfect home

![Three Persons Inspecting Oven in Modern Kitchen](https://cdn.builder.io/api/v1/image/assets%2Fea37b90b89334a2ab1714e2159c75418%2F0257c9f33b414c668b12d911fde92e9e)

 <br>
  <div class="learn">
<p class="learnfont"><strong>What You’ll Learn</strong></p>

<p class="learnfont">Considerations for choosing a location</p>

<p class="learnfont">How knowing home styles can make your house hunt more efficient</p>

  <p class="learnfont">What to look for when you tour homes</p>

  </div>
  <br><br>

Let’s be honest—house hunting is the most exciting part of the [homebuying journey](https://better.com/content/home-buying-process-timeline/). Sure, it can be stressful and only some of the factors are within your control, but we’re here to help you focus on what you do have power over. 

Finding the right home is a balancing act between your wants, your needs, and what’s available. If you’ve bought a home before, you may already have some idea of what things you can have flexibility with and how moving can reshape your lifestyle. But whether you’re a first time homebuyer or you’ve been around the block before, there are always [tips to help you find the home](https://better.com/content/first-time-homebuyer-tips) you’re looking for.  

<h2>Before you start touring: house hunting tips</h2>

<h4>First, figure out where you want to live</h4>

This is the big one. It may seem like an obvious first step, but deciding where to live involves a lot of details that can be easily glossed over. If you’re looking to buy in the area where you currently live, you have the benefit of familiarity. But, if you’re moving to a new area, your choice of state, city—even neighborhood, can significantly impact your lifestyle. 

The U.S. News annual [Best Places to Live](https://realestate.usnews.com/places/rankings/best-places-to-live "external") report lists cost of living, job availability, desirability, crime, quality of education, commute, and access to healthcare as the most important factors for [choosing a place to live](https://realestate.usnews.com/real-estate/articles/how-to-decide-where-to-live "external"). While some of these things will be more important than others in your immediate future, consider your larger picture. You may not have kids now, but are you buying a home with the intention of starting a family? If so, you may want to keep [school districts in mind](https://better.com/content/how-do-school-districts-affect-homebuying/).

Once you have some of the broad strokes down for your needs, start thinking about your wants (or nice-to-haves). For example, how important is it to have grocery stores or restaurants within walking distance? Or maybe you’re into biking and you want to look at places near parks or biking trails. Jot down some criteria that might help you narrow down your search.

<h4>Think about your transit needs</h4>

If you don’t like driving—or don’t have a car, you’ll want to look into the accessibility and schedules for public transportation. If you do have a car, ask questions about what the driveway or parking situations look like when you browse listings. In more densely populated or urban areas, parking can be hard to come by or expensive. Access to public transportation can vary widely even within a city, especially if you’re going to depend on it for your commute. If you work from home you’ll probably have a bit more flexibility on this front, but for a daily commuter this can be an important factor to consider. In 2018, the [Washington Post](https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2019/10/07/nine-days-road-average-commute-time-reached-new-record-last-year/ "external") found that the average commute was about 27 minutes one-way. 

Remember to think about what you like to do outside of work and what’s important to have nearby on those fronts, too. 

<h4>Get familiar with different home styles</h4>

In the United States, there are more than 40 styles of homes, and getting a basic understanding of their prominent features can help you quickly narrow down your search. For example, if a property listing is described as a ranch house, you can bet that it’s a fairly large, single-story home with an open-concept living area. A townhouse, on the other hand, will have a smaller footprint and multiple stories. Picking up on this shorthand can save you a ton of time when you’re picking apart listings. And if you’re working with a real estate agent, you’ll be able to speak their language and focus their search on the exact kinds of homes that meet your needs.

<h4>Figure out your budget and get pre-approved</h4>

Of course, the biggest determining factor in your house hunt is [what you can afford](https://better.com/content/a-better-home-affordability-calculator). There’s nothing worse than falling in love with a home only to find out that it’s outside of your budget. Fortunately, you can get a [pre-approval letter](https://better.com/content/what-is-a-mortgage-pre-approval/) from a lender saying how much you’re able to borrow. With Better Mortgage, pre-approval takes as little as 3 minutes and your letter is valid for 90 days. 

<br>

 <div style="text-align: center">  
 <a class="bet-Button bet-Button--xl bet-Button--primary" href="https://better.com/preapprovals/purchase">Get pre-approved in as little as 3 minutes</a>  
 </div>
<br> 

In addition to giving you a clearer budget to work with, pre-approval letters show agents and sellers that you’re serious about making an offer. When you’re ready to make your offer, having a pre-approval can give you a competitive edge over other potential buyers. 

<h4>Schedule tours and attend open houses</h4>

No matter how detailed or well-photographed a real estate listing is, there’s no substitute for [touring a home](https://better.com/content/what-to-look-for-when-touring-a-home/) in person. If possible, schedule time to get a tour with a real estate agent. If you’re not sure where to begin with setting up tours or you don’t have a real estate agent, that’s okay—Better Real Estate can [connect you with top-rated agents](https://better.com/realestate) with local expertise. 
<br> 

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 </div>
<br> 

Once you start touring, expect things to move quickly. Strong demand and limited inventory has led to a very competitive market that looks to be holding steady. In 2020, [homes spent an average of 25 days on the market](https://www.zillow.com/sellers-guide/average-time-to-sell-a-house/ "external") before the sellers accepted an offer, with some areas averaging just 8 days. With all that said, it’s important to take a deep breath and carefully consider each potential home. 

<h2>Get our house hunting checklist</h2>

There’s a lot to keep in mind when you begin your house hunt. On top of comparing every potential home against your list of wants and needs, you also have to consider the condition. Does this home look like it may need repairs or renovations? Knowing what to look out for can help you catch things that may be used as leverage to negotiate price with the seller, or that the seller will need to fix before closing. While home inspections are a mandatory part of the homebuying process, taking note of those repairs during the tour will help you determine if the home is worth the work.

We’ve put together a house [house hunting checklist](https://media.better.com/pdfs/househuntingchecklist.pdf) for you to help you focus on the most important details to help narrow your list. Be sure to take it with you on your home tours for easy note taking! Here’s a rundown of some of the things you should always keep in mind with a little context for why they matter:

<strong>Consider the layout of each room</strong>

- Homes are often staged for showings, so pay attention to how your things would fit. Take measurements and consider the cost of any furniture you might need to buy or replace. 

<strong>Run the faucets and test plumbing</strong>

- Scouting out the water pressure and plumbing condition can tip you off about potential expenses for renovating to replace dated hardware, saving you time and money down the road.

<strong>Flick light switches and be on the lookout for any odd electrical issues</strong>

- Like plumbing, electrical work can get expensive quickly. Be on the lookout for signs of DIY electrical, such as flickering lights or buzzing receptacles and switches. Electrical work is both temperamental and dangerous when it’s not done correctly.   

<strong>Look around door frames for cracks or signs of stress that might indicate a shift in the foundation</strong>

- It’s not uncommon for the foundation to settle in a home, but if there are obvious signs of a shifting foundation it’s important to have it inspected immediately. Foundation issues can be expensive to fix, and they can also be a major safety issue.

<strong>Be on the lookout for any signs of water damage, especially around windows and skylights </strong>

- Water damage and leaks can be very expensive to fix down the line and may lead to mold or mildew problems, which can pose a health risk. 

<strong>Ask about appliances such as the water heater or HVAC system to see how old they are</strong>

- Appliances wear out and need to be replaced periodically. Simply asking how old an appliance is or when it was last serviced can let you know if you should be expecting to replace it anytime soon. 

<strong>Open and close all windows and doors</strong>

- Checking windows and doors to ensure they can be opened, closed, and locked is crucial to the security and safety of a home. This can also help you catch drafts which can drive up your electricity bill when you’re heating or cooling the home. 

<strong>Give the garage door a test run</strong>

- You’ll want to make sure it opens and closes properly—and locks. Like your other doors and windows, you’ll want to check for security and potential drafts. 

<strong>Take note of any off smells</strong>

- Don’t be fooled by a fresh coat of paint—lingering smells from pet urine or smoke can be difficult to remove without costly renovation. Musty smells, especially in basements or garages, can indicate water damage, which can also be expensive to fix. 

<strong>Ask about any additions or remodeling that may have been done and ensure it was done to code (permits are public record and you can get a hold of them, if you need to)</strong>

- When it comes time for the home inspection, any renovations or additions will be put under the magnifying glass, so it’s better to be up front and ask if everything was done by the book. If there is work that was done that isn’t up to code or doesn’t have permits, that can be grounds for a lender to deny the loan.

<strong>Walk and/or drive around the neighborhood during the daytime and evening</strong>

- Neighborhoods can feel completely different based on the time of day, depending on what types of businesses are nearby or if it’s close to major roadways that have heavy commuter traffic. Things like sidewalks and street lights can make a big difference for safety in high-traffic areas. 

<strong>Give your commute a test run</strong>

- Stress test the accessibility of a home by giving your commute a dry run and timing it. Take note of grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants, and other amenities that may be on your route. 

<h2>Get pre-approved and start your home search</h2>

A bit of careful planning and consideration can take the pressure off of the house hunt and let you focus more on daydreaming about what can be. Once you have a better picture and, if you’re ready to get out there and fall in love with the home of your dreams, we can get you pre-approved in as little as 3 minutes to help you search with confidence.

<br> <br>

 <div style="text-align: center">  
 <a class="bet-Button bet-Button--xl bet-Button--primary" href="https://better.com/preapprovals/purchase">Get started</a>  
 </div>

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Get ahead of your house hunt with considerations for choosing your location and our house hunting checklist. 

5 Tips to House Hunt Without the Stress

Blog post image for 5 tips to house hunt without the stress

5 tips to house hunt without the stress

Go from planning to closing with the complete home buying checklist—most of which can now be completed online with the help of Better. 

The Definitive Home Buying Checklist

Blog post image for The Definitive Home Buying Checklist

<p><em>Getting ready to buy your dream home? Whether you’ve already started doing your research or aren’t quite sure where to begin, we’re here to help you get home. We’ve taken our best homebuying guidance and broken it up into bite-size to-dos.</em></p>

<p>
[![ Four Small Children Playing in Sprinklers in Front Yard of Large Home with Grey Wood Panels](https://media.better.com/content/prod/2018/09/May_to_dos-headerimage.jpg)](https://better.com/preapprovals/purchase)

Given today’s hot housing markets, having the right team in place is just as important as getting your finances in order. This post is all about <strong>assembling your homebuying team</strong>, so you’ll be fully prepared to make a winning offer.</p>

<h3><span style="color: #00c397">Your to-do list:</span></h3>

<p><img src="https://media.better.com/content/prod/2018/02/ruled-line@2x.png"></a></p>

<ul>
<li><h3>Compare lenders</h3></li>
<li><h3>Interview real estate agents</h3></li>
<li><h3>Research real estate attorneys</h3></li>
<li><h3>Research home inspectors</h3></li>
<li><h3>Research home insurance providers</h3></li>
</ul>

<p><img src="https://media.better.com/content/prod/2018/02/ruled-line@2x.png"></a> <br />
<br>  </p>

<div style="text-align: center">  
<a class="bet-Button bet-Button--lg bet-Button--primary" href="https://better.com/preapprovals/purchase">Get Pre-Approved</a>  
</div>  

<p><br>  </p>

<h4 id="comparelenders">Compare lenders</h4>

<p>The first step is to find the best lender for your needs. For example, a lender who provides guidance and advice may be important to you. Or one who is easily available through text or email. If you’re [house hunting](https://better.com/content/house-hunt) in a competitive market, look for lenders that provide <a href="https://better.com/start/shopping-for-a-home">a pre-approval letter</a> that you can use to strengthen your offer. Or if you’re interested in affordable lending discounts, ask any potential lenders if they offer savings based on your location or through programs like <a href="https://better.com/content/fha-homeready/">HomeReady and FHA</a>. Regardless of your personal needs, make sure you take note of each lender’s pre-approval process -- if your experience with a certain lender is frustrating and difficult at this early stage, it may be time to find a new lender. </p>

<p>Before moving forward with any lender, you should get an official Loan Estimate (LE), which is a standard document that provides a clear and concise summary of all the features, costs, and risks associated with your new mortgage. Beyond the rate, look out for any origination or lender fees, as well as how much the lender is charging you for any points. <a href="https://better.com/content/a-quick-guide-to-your-loan-estimate/">This post explains exactly how to compare the LEs you get from different lenders</a>.</p>

<h4 id="interviewrealestateagents">Interview real estate agents</h4>

<p>Seven out of every ten homebuyers don’t interview their agent before deciding to work with them. And not all agents are created are equal -- as the industry saying goes, 20 percent of the agents do 80 percent of the business. So the [real estate agent you choose](https://better.com/content/how-to-pick-a-real-estate-agent/) could make the difference between landing your dream home in a few weeks or losing bids on houses that aren’t a great fit. Ultimately, you want an agent with a proven track record of winning bids in both the areas and price range you’re looking in. 

Better Mortgage can help you save time and energy with our affiliate Better Real Estate whose agents have been thoroughly vetted. And while there is no obligation to use [Better Real Estate agents](https://better.com/with/find-an-agent), Better Real Estate agents have a strong track record of success in their area. Plus, by working with a Better Real Estate Agent and funding with Better Mortgage, you can save $2,000 on closing costs.* </p>

<br> 

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</div>

<h4 id="researchrealestateattorneys">Research real estate attorneys</h4>

<p>A real estate attorney will help draw up, review, and negotiate the terms of your contract, including contingencies, clauses regarding timelines and deadlines, and repair agreements. Real estate attorneys are there to protect your rights, review all closing documents and disclosures, and help resolve issues that could arise related to title insurance or environmental law. </p>

<p>Attorneys are required by law in some states. Those include Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia.</p>

<p>Keep in mind that there may be more people involved in the home buying transaction, including people from the title or escrow companies. However, they are generally chosen by the sellers, so you won’t have a say in who you’re working with. Roles and responsibilities will vary by the transaction (for example, some title companies also handle escrow, while others don’t). <br />
<br>  </p>

<div style="text-align: center">  
<a class="bet-Button bet-Button--lg bet-Button--primary" href="https://better.com/preapprovals/purchase">Learn How Much You Can Afford</a>  
</div>  

<p><br>  </p>

<h4 id="researchhomeinspectors">Research home inspectors</h4>

<p>Unlike an appraiser, who is a third party typically contracted by your mortgage lender to estimate the value of the property, a home inspector works for you. Their job is to give you a detailed assessment of the condition of the home before you close. A home inspector will look for code violations, water or structural damage, and major systems that may need repairs or replacement, like electrical, plumbing, heating, air conditioning, insulation, and ventilation. They’ll also look at the home’s foundation, exterior, roof, walls, ceilings, floors, and windows. A typical inspection will take 2-3 hours and cost a few hundred dollars. There is a wide range of services that home inspectors offer, so it’s important to ask what they include in their inspection report (and how much they charge). You may need to hire a specialist for things like an energy audit and pest control. </p>

<p>Since you’ll likely need to do an inspection soon after your offer is accepted, it’s good to research inspectors before you’re ready to make an offer. To find a licensed, certified home inspector, consider searching the <a href="http://www.homeinspector.org/">American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI)</a>.</p>

<p>What you do with the results of your home inspection will likely vary depending on how competitive your market is. Small repairs or upgrades generally are costs a buyer is expected to take on. However, if there are major repairs required, it may be time to renegotiate – or walk away from – the purchase agreement. </p>

<h4 id="researchhomeownersinsuranceproviders">Research homeowner’s insurance providers</h4>

<p>Homeowner’s insurance protects you (and your lender) if your home is damaged or destroyed. Your lender will likely require you to provide an estimate of your home insurance cost as part of your application, followed by confirmation of your insurance payment before the loan is finalized. Home insurance costs can depend on your home’s value, location, and the type of construction, as well as the value of your personal belongings. Make sure to get a few quotes and carefully review what’s covered in different policies. <br />
<br>  </p>

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<p><br></p>

<p><strong>See your next to-dos:</strong></p>

<ul>
<li><a href="https://better.com/content/home-by-summer-june-to-dos-make-a-competitive-offer/">Making a competitive offer</a></li>
</ul>

<p><strong>See your past to-dos:</strong></p>

<ul>
<li><p><a href="https://better.com/content/january-to-do/">Knowing your mortgage numbers</a></p></li>
<li><p><a href="https://better.com/content/home-by-summer-february-to-dos-understand-financing-options/">Understanding your home financing options</a></p></li>
<li><p><a href="https://better.com/content/home-by-summer-march-to-dos-mortgage-rates-and-costs-101/">Breaking down mortgage rates and costs</a></p></li>
<li><p><a href="https://better.com/content/home-by-summer-april-to-dos-get-your-docs-in-a-row/">Getting your docs in a row</a></p></li>
</ul>

<p><br></p>

<br><br>

<p class="legal">*See <a href="https://better.com/faq/rates/whats-the-fine-print-better-real-estate">The Better Real Estate discount fine print</a>.</p>

Your homebuying team is crucial in helping you make a winning offer on your dream home. Here's how to assemble the right homebuying team.

Dream Homebuying Team For Closing

Blog post image for The dream homebuying team to get you to closing

The dream homebuying team to get you to closing

<p><em>Kurtis Rhee, Real Estate Partnerships Manager at Better Mortgage, explains how you can make your offer stand out in a seller’s market.</em></p>

<p><a href="https://better.com/start-purchase"><img src="https://media.better.com/content/prod/2017/10/blog_7waysoffer_headerimg.png" alt="Image of a Row of Six Multi-colored Homes Against Blue Sky That Reads Stand Out in a Competitive Market"></a></p>

<p>I talk to people every day who are wondering just how they’ll get their dream home in competitive markets like San Francisco, Denver, and Seattle. In these areas, sellers don’t just have multiple offers. They have offers from cash buyers – people who have enough funds to pay for the home outright. Cash offers are seen as less risky to sellers because they know the money is in the bank. Other offers are contingent on the buyer securing a loan from a lender, which could theoretically fall through. The key is finding a lender that removes that risk.</p>

<p>When you’re competing with cash buyers, making your offer stand out may seem impossible. But at Better Mortgage, we’re helping our customers do just that by adding as much certainty as possible before they even put an offer on their dream home. </p>

<p>Here’s how you can prepare to make the best offer possible (including one that might be even as competitive as cash). <br />
<br>  </p>

<h2 id="1doyourresearch">1. Do your research.</h2>

<p>Determine what’s important to you (and your partner, if you’re buying a home with someone else) before you start looking. In a competitive market, there may not be time to investigate school districts or debate how many bedrooms you need once you’ve found a home you’re interested in. Having your criteria established early on, including what you’re willing to be flexible on, can help give you clarity and reduce stress when you go shopping and start making offers.</p>

<p><br></p>

<div style="text-align: center">  
<a class="bet-Button bet-Button--xl bet-Button--primary" href="https://better.com/start-purchase">Discover how much house you can afford</a>  
</div>

<p><br></p>

<h2 id="2findagreatrealestateagent">2. Find a great real estate agent.</h2>

<p>A good real estate agent should have a solid understanding of the market (including how much homes like the ones you’re interested in are generally selling for), be proactive, and communicate well. Don’t just go with the first recommendation you get –  vet a few agents to make sure you’re comfortable with who you’re going with. <br />
<br>  </p>

<h2 id="3createcertaintyforthesellersagentandyou">3. Create certainty for the seller’s agent – and you.</h2>

<p>Of course, before you go shopping, you need to know how much you can get financing for. In a hot market, sellers won’t take your word for it – they’ll need proof from a lender. At Better Mortgage, we offer our customers a <a href="https://better.com/start-purchase">Verified Pre-Approval Letter</a>. It involves both you and us putting in a bit of extra effort up front to verify your financial details and documents so that we can tell you exactly how much you’re approved to borrow. You can also easily change the approval amount on the letter if you don’t want to share your full amount with sellers.

<p>Essentially, our Verified Pre-Approval Letter can give you the certainty and confidence of a cash buyer because it means that we’ve already underwritten your finances. Some of our customers even waive the financing contingency in their offer once they have their Verified Pre-Approval from us. Talk to your Better Mortgage Loan Consultant and your agent to understand if this may be a good course of action for your situation. <br />
<br>  </p>

<h2 id="4bringyourlendertothetable">4. Bring your lender to the table.</h2>

<p>Even with a pre-approval letter in hand, sometimes a seller needs to hear it from the horse’s mouth. If you can tell Better about a property before you make an offer, your dedicated Loan Consultant is more than happy to call the seller’s agent on your behalf to confirm that you’ve been fully underwritten and to eliminate fears that you will run into financing issues as a result of your income, assets, and debt. And because we fund and originate all of our loans in-house, our loan consultants, underwriters, and closing agents are always available to answer any questions and make sure the closing process goes smoothly. <br />
<br>  </p>

<h2 id="5getbackup">5. Get back up.</h2>

<p>In certain situations, your property might also qualify for a Better Mortgage Commitment Letter, which gives you the opportunity, if you choose, to waive both the financing and the appraisal contingency. The Better Mortgage Commitment Letter ensures that Better Mortgage will cover up to $50,000 (or 7% of the purchase price) of your escrow deposit should something prevent us from funding your loan through no fault of your own.<sup id="fnref:1"><a href="#fn:1" rel="footnote">1</a></sup> Eligibility is based on the property type and details of the loan – we can let you know if you qualify once you let us know the address of the property you’re interested in. <br />
<br>  </p>

<h2 id="6offeraquickclosing">6. Offer a quick closing.</h2>

<p>The best part about having a Verified Pre-Approval letter is that once your offer is accepted and you’re ready to apply for a loan, our underwriters have already done most of the work verifying your financial details. That means we can usually close your loan weeks faster than the industry average, many times within 21 days from locking your rate.(The industry average is as much as 50 days.<sup id="fnref:2"><a href="#fn:2" rel="footnote">2</a></sup>) <br />
<br>  </p>

<h2 id="7makeitpersonal">7. Make it personal.</h2>

<p>Selling a home can be just as big of a decision as buying one, and many sellers want to know that they’re leaving their home in good hands. It never hurts to write a sincere letter to the owners, letting them know why you love their home and assuring them that you’ll treat it well. If a seller is choosing between a few offers, your personal touch could be the deciding factor.</p>

<p><br> <br />
<a href="https://better.com/content/the-guide"><img src="https://media.better.com/content/prod/2017/10/FTHB_adforblogA.png" width="1200" border="0" align="middle" alt="Image of a Row of Six Multi-colored Homes Against Blue Sky That Reads Stand Out in a Competitive Market"></a> <br />
<br></p>

<p>Buying a home can be daunting, but we’re here to help make the process as smooth as possible. <a href="https://better.com/start/shopping-for-a-home">Apply for your pre-approval</a> today and <a href="https://better.com/schedule-call?loanType=purchase&amp;TRACKINGLOCATION=7wtmyoso&amp;TRACKINGBRANDING=purchase">schedule a call</a> with a non-commissioned Loan Consultant like me to talk about how we can help make your offer stand out.</p>

<p><br></p>

<div style="text-align: center">  
<a class="bet-Button bet-Button--xl bet-Button--primary" href="https://better.com/schedule-call?loanType=purchase&TRACKINGLOCATION=7wtmyoso&TRACKINGBRANDING=purchase">Schedule a call</a>  
</div>

<p><br></p>

<div class="footnotes"><ol><li class="footnote" id="fn:1"><p>We are committed to closing all single family/detached unit loans that have Verified Pre-Approval in 21 days or less. Our commitment for condos, attached units, and loans without Verified Pre-Approval is 25 days, and our commitment for jumbo loans is 30 days. <a href="#fnref:1" title="return to article">↩</a></p></li>
<li class="footnote" id="fn:2"><p>As of January 2017. <a href="https://www.housingwire.com/articles/36305-the-trid-ripples-time-to-close-mortgage-loans-continues-to-rise">https://www.housingwire.com/articles/36305-the-trid-ripples-time-to-close-mortgage-loans-continues-to-rise</a> <a href="#fnref:3" title="return to article">↩</a></p></li></ol></div>

Struggling to get your dream home in a competitive market? These tips can help you make an offer that truly stands out to sellers.

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