1. Start with Trusted Referrals Word of mouth is still king. Ask friends, family, coworkers, or neighbors if they’ve worked with someone they’d recommend. The best agents leave a lasting impression—and chances are, someone in your circle has already found a gem. Pro tip: ask why they recommend that agent (Was it communication? Expertise? Hustle? […]
1. A Home Inspector Examines the Entire Property When you’re under contract, you’ll schedule a licensed home inspector to visit the property. During the inspection, they’ll review: Structural components like the foundation, roof, walls, attic, and basement Systems like electrical, HVAC, and plumbing Windows, doors, appliances, water heater, and more It typically takes 2–3 hours, and you’re encouraged to attend
1. Expect Rules on What You Can (and Can’t) Change When you buy in a designated historic district, your home’s exterior is often protected by preservation guidelines. That means: No major exterior changes without approval from a local historic commission You may need permits for things like window replacements, paint colors, roofing, or fencing Modernizing interiors? Usually allowed—but still check
Before you start scrolling Zillow or touring open houses, stop and ask yourself one crucial question: “Am I buying a home to live in — or a property to build wealth with?” That one shift in mindset can completely change what you look for, how you budget, and the kind of future you’re building. At
It’s one of the most common questions we hear: “Should I buy now… or wait?” Maybe you’re worried about interest rates. Maybe you’re unsure if prices will drop. Or maybe you’re just not sure if it’s your time yet. At Stairway Mortgage, we believe good decisions come from clarity, not pressure. Here’s how we help
Buying your first home is exciting — but it can also feel overwhelming. There’s no shortage of advice out there, and unfortunately, not all of it is accurate or helpful. At Stairway Mortgage, we’ve helped hundreds of first-time buyers navigate the process with clarity and confidence. Here are the top mistakes we see — and
DTI Measures How Much of Your Income Goes to Debt Your debt-to-income ratio is the percentage of your gross monthly income (before taxes) that goes toward paying your debts. That includes: So if you earn $5,000 a month and $2,000 goes to debt, your DTI is 40%. The lower your DTI, the stronger your financial
1. Schedule the Home Inspection ASAP Your first priority is the home inspection. This is your opportunity to make sure the house is in good condition—roof to foundation. Hire a trusted, licensed inspector who can uncover any issues, big or small. If problems come up, you’ll have the chance to renegotiate or request repairs before
1. House Hunting: The Search Begins The first stage is finding the right home—and this part depends entirely on you. Some buyers fall in love with the first house they tour. Others might take a few months to find “the one.” Your timeline will depend on your budget, your wishlist, and how competitive the local
1. Pre-Qualification Is Just an Estimate Getting pre-qualified is like a financial snapshot. You tell the lender about your income, debt, and basic financial situation, and they give you a ballpark number for how much home you could afford. It’s quick, easy, and useful for planning — but it’s not based on verified information, so
First-Time Buyer Guide to Single-Family Homes, Condos, and Townhomes 💡 Buying your first home? One of the first questions to ask is: what kind of home actually fits your lifestyle?From low-maintenance condos to spacious single-family homes, understanding your options helps you shop smarter and avoid surprises down the road. 1. Single-Family Homes Offer Space and