The first step is getting pre-approved for a mortgage. This tells you how much you can afford and strengthens your offer when you find the right home. Pre-approval shows sellers you’re a serious buyer.
Affordability depends on your income, credit score, down payment, and debt-to-income ratio. A lender can help determine a comfortable monthly payment and loan amount.
Pre-qualification is an estimate of what you can afford based on self-reported info. Pre-approval involves lender verification of income, assets, and credit — much stronger in the eyes of sellers.
Closing costs are fees tied to finalizing a home purchase (title fees, lender fees, taxes). They usually total 2%–5% of the home price and vary by location and loan type.
Higher interest rates increase monthly payments and reduce affordability. Monitoring current rates helps you decide when to buy and lock in a mortgage.
Yes! A Realtor helps you find the right home, negotiate the best deal, and handle all the paperwork—usually at no cost to you. With Alexander Kasten, you get a dedicated advocate who makes the process smooth, informed, and stress‑free.