Purchasing a property is a significant milestone, and having a clear roadmap can make the process more manageable and less overwhelming. This guide will walk you through each step of the home-buying journey, ensuring you are well-prepared for every stage.

1. Evaluate Your Finances

   • Obtain your credit report and check your credit score. Higher scores increase the likelihood of qualifying for a better rate, so it is recommend to aim for a score of at least 620. Lenders typically require stable employment and income and will ask for your employment history.

   • Gather recent pay stubs, tax returns, and other documentation that verifies your financial stability. Calculate your DTI by dividing your monthly debt payments by your gross monthly income. Lenders generally prefer a DTI below 43%.

2. Determine Your Budget

   • Establish how much you can afford to spend on a home. It is encouraged to begin saving for a down payment at least six months or longer in advance of purchasing your property. A down payment on a property can range from 3% to 20% of the purchase price. A larger down payment can lower your monthly payments and may improve your loan terms.

   • Use a mortgage calculator to estimate your monthly payments, including principal, interest, taxes, and insurance (PITI). Consider other expenses such as closing costs, maintenance, and utilities.

3. Get Pre-Approved

   • Getting pre-approved can give you a better idea of how much you can borrow and show sellers you're a serious buyer. Research and select a lender that offers favorable terms and interest rates.

   • Provide necessary documents such as income statements, tax returns, credit information, and identification. Once pre-approved, you'll receive a letter stating the loan amount you're eligible for, which can strengthen your offer on a property.

4. Establish Your Preferences

   • After you have determined your budget and chosen real estate agent, begin your search by setting priorities. Determine your must-haves and deal-breakers for your new property while keeping your pre-approval amount in mind.

   • Once you start to visit properties, you will begin to get a feel for different neighborhoods and housing styles that suit your needs. Remember, you can always refine your search. Narrow down your options based on your preferences and feedback from showings.

5. Make an Offer

   • Once you find your ideal property, it's time to make an offer as soon as possible. Waiting too long to make an official offer can decrease the chances of your offer being accepted, so it is recommended to submit your offer in writing along with your pre-approval letter.

   • Work closely with your broker to determine a competitive offer price. When necessary, include contingencies to protect yourself, such as financing and inspection clauses. Be prepared to negotiate terms and conditions with the seller.

6. Finalize Your Mortgage

   • Once your offer is accepted, conduct inspections and appraisals to ensure you are making a sound investment. Once the results are satisfactory, finalize your mortgage by submitting final documents.

   • Provide any additional information requested by the lender and secure your interest rate if you haven't already. Remember to thoroughly review your loan terms. Careful review should bring even more understanding of the loan terms to ensure they meet your expectations.

PREPARATION FOR BUYING PROPERTY

The closing process will include reviewing the close disclosure, attending the closing meeting, and covering the closing fees finalizes the purchase and solidifies you as a homeowner. By following this roadmap, you can navigate the home-buying process with confidence and clarity, ensuring a successful transition to homeownership.

Authorized and Unauthorized Notarial Acts included:

• Financial Documents (Bank account authorizations, investment account transfers)

• Legal Documents (Powers of attorney, wills, trusts, estate planning, deeds, title transfers, affidavits, depositions, conservatorship forms)

• Business Documents (Commercial agreements and contracts, business formation paperwork, vehicle title and motor transfer forms)

• Other Common Notarial Acts (Healthcare forms, oaths, acknowledgments, jurats, certifying copies of original documents, verifying signatures)

Loan Signing Documents

MOBILE NOTARY SERVICES

General Notary Documents

Pricing for Services:

$5 per signature as mandated by Illinois state law

Travel Fees for Notary Services:

$25+ travel fee per every 5 miles

0-5 miles: $25

5-10 miles: $50

10-15 miles: $75

A valid ID (state issued driver's license, state issued non-driver's license identification, U.S. military identification card, passport or passport card) must be present with unsigned paperwork at time of all appointments.

Type of loan signings included:

• Refinance

• Purchase

• Seller Package

• Reverse Mortgage

• Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)

• Commercial Mortgage

Please allow 60-90 minutes for duration of appointment.

Pricing for Services:

$100 per loan signing package

Additional Fees for Loan Signing Services (If Applicable):

$25 for each additional set of documents

$25 per signer for documents exceeding two signers

Travel Fees for Loan Signing Services:

$25+ travel fee per every 5 miles

0-5 miles: $25

5-10 miles: $50

10-15 miles: $75