You think you might want to buy a house. Here's where to actually start.
A real estate agent is an important resource for finding and negotiating the right property — but financing clarity should come first, before you start seriously shopping. Here's the framework.
Understand your financial starting point.
Get a real read on your credit, your available cash, and your income and debt picture. This isn't about judgment — it's about knowing what you're working with before you make any decisions.
Join the free webinar →Determine a comfortable housing payment.
Instead of starting with “what can I qualify for,” start with “what payment actually fits my life.” That number should account for more than just principal and interest.
Try the Buying Power Calculator →Determine financing options and purchasing power.
With your numbers in hand, we can talk through which loan programs are realistic and what purchase price range actually makes sense.
Explore Loan Options →Get preapproved when appropriate.
Preapproval isn't the first step — it's what happens once your numbers and goals are actually aligned. When you're ready, it's a straightforward conversation.
Talk With Chad →Begin shopping with a real estate agent.
A good agent is essential for finding and negotiating the right property. Shopping with financing clarity already in place changes how that whole process feels — less guessing, more confidence.
Structure and close the transaction.
From offer to closing table, financing details matter — earnest money, appraisal contingencies, timelines, and final numbers. This is where preparation in the earlier steps pays off.
Why financing clarity comes before shopping
It's easy to fall for a house before you know what it actually costs to own it — payment, taxes, insurance, maintenance, all of it. Understanding your numbers first means you shop with confidence instead of anxiety, and you don't waste time looking at homes that were never realistic.
Where your real estate agent fits in
Once your financing picture is clear, a great agent becomes enormously valuable — for finding the right properties, understanding neighborhoods, and negotiating on your behalf. Financing and representation are two different jobs, and both matter.
Start with your numbers.
The readiness assessment walks through steps 1 and 2 above in about five minutes.