Redfin

JULY 31, 2025

Look into first-time homebuyer benefits Many programs are designed to make homeownership more accessible for first-time buyers by reducing upfront costs, lowering monthly payments, and helping with mortgage qualification. Pay down debts: Lower balances can improve your credit utilization ratio.

Purchase and sale agreement

HomeLight

NOVEMBER 16, 2021

Through the Home Partners program, prospective rent-to-own homebuyers start by filling out a pre-qualification application. This step includes a credit and background check, income verification documents, and requires an application fee. They must be traditional sales or for sale by owner (FSBO) homes.

Purchase and sale agreement

HomeLight

JULY 30, 2021

We’ve researched the ins and outs of rent-to-own homes , as well as talking to experienced real estate agents about how a renter and landlord can enter into such an agreement, the pros and cons of doing so, and just what it means for you as a buyer if you decide to rent-to-own. Lease-option agreements. Lease-purchase agreements.

Purchase and sale agreement

BAM Media

JULY 2, 2024

It’s an acronym that provides a framework for conversations around buyer qualification. But you’re more likely to be chosen as their listing agent when you’ve done a great job on the purchase side. I’m not a big fan of asking, “ Hey, are you pre-approved ? They’re able to purchase a home.

Pre-approval

Redfin

AUGUST 29, 2024

Debt-to-income ratio (DTI) Another major factor that a lender will consider when approving your mortgage loan is your debt-to-income ratio (DTI). DTI is calculated by dividing total monthly debts by gross monthly income. The number is then multiplied by 100 to get the final percentage.

Earnest money deposit

HomeLight

MARCH 17, 2021

The planning stage (1 to 3 years before purchase). While you’ll find lots of ways to ballpark your housing budget, the real determiner will be your debt-to-income ratio , or DTI. The lender wants to be sure you can pay back the mortgage plus any other debts you owe, so the bank will calculate your DTI.

Pre-approval

The Close

DECEMBER 29, 2022

This tool, also known as a like-kind exchange, allows investors to defer paying capital gains taxes on a sale. ” If a property is active contingent, a buyer has submitted an offer to purchase a property, but the sale won’t be finalized until certain conditions, or contingencies, are met. Active contingent. Call option.

Purchase and sale agreement