"Renting is safer until I have it all figured out."
Nobody has it all figured out. Buyers who win just know the next step, and take it.
See all 6 stepsFor first-time buyers in Dallas-Fort Worth
Can I actually buy a house?
Maybe sooner than you think. Answer 4 quick questions and we'll tell you where you stand, what to fix first, and what to ignore. In plain English.
Free. No login. We won't ask for your email to see your answer.
The 60-second readiness check
Ballpark answers are fine. Nothing here touches your credit.
Question 1 of 4
Sent. Check your inbox (and the promotions tab).
Buying a home is 6 steps. Not 60.
Everybody makes this sound like a maze. It's a trail. Do them in order and you'll never feel lost. Take the check above and we'll pin where you are.
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You are here
Can I do this?
What buying really costs in DFW, and whether now makes sense for you.
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Get your money ready
Credit, savings, debt. The three numbers a lender looks at first.
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Get pre-approved
A lender puts your budget in writing. Then you pick your agent.
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Find your home
Touring smart, spotting red flags, and picking the right part of town.
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Make an offer
How much to offer, what to ask for, and how to win without overpaying.
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You are here
Contract to keys
Inspection, appraisal, closing day. Usually 30 to 45 days, then keys.
Start
Already moved in? Your first week as a homeowner
The questions you're a little embarrassed to ask.
Everyone has them. Here are the real answers, no textbook required.
- Do I really need 20% down? No. Plenty of loans start at 3% to 3.5%, and Texas has down payment help most people never hear about.
- My credit is bad. Is it over? Not even close. Some loans work with scores in the 500s, and a few fixes can move your score in 60 to 90 days.
- What else do I pay besides the down payment? Closing costs, usually 2% to 5% of the price. Here's every line item, and which ones the seller can cover.
- Should I wait for rates to drop? Maybe. Here's how to tell if waiting saves you money or just costs you another year of rent.
- Do I even need an agent? Short answer: yes, but not just any agent. Don't hire your cousin unless she's a shark.
- Why are Texas property taxes so high? No state income tax, so homes carry the load. Here's what you'll really pay and how the homestead exemption cuts it.
Stuff people get wrong about buying.
"Pre-approval takes weeks."
With your documents ready, it's often a day or two.
How it works"Every lender offers about the same deal."
Quotes vary. Compare at least 3 in the same week.
How to compare"Checking my credit will hurt my score."
Checking your own score never does.
Credit basics"The inspection is a pass or fail test."
It's a to-do list. And it's your best shot to negotiate.
Inspection guideTools that do the math for you.
No sign-up. Punch in your numbers and see them.
What can I afford?
Payment, down payment and closing cost calculators.
Lender document checklist
Everything a lender will ask for, so you only gather it once.
Must-haves worksheet
Sort needs from wants before you fall for the wrong house.
Words you'll hear
Escrow, option period, PMI. Look up any term in plain English.
Not ready for a lender? Come to the free class.
One hour, live, online. We walk through the whole thing start to finish and answer your questions. Camera off is totally fine.
Next class
Last Friday of the month
12:00 PM Central, online
Save my seat
Hosted by Bradley Patterson, founder of Just Home Leads
Hosted by Bradley Patterson, founder of Just Home Leads
Rather talk to a real person?
When you're ready, we'll connect you with one local lender or agent we trust. You text them when you want. Nobody calls you at dinner.