Home Buying Steps

A step-by-step educational series guiding homebuyers through the entire process—from credit readiness and budgeting to touring homes, making offers, inspections, and closing.

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Home Buying Steps Start Here: A Practical Home Buying Guide That Follows the Real Process Start Here: A Practical Home Buying Guide That Follows the Real Process This page is the best place to begin if you’re thinking about buying a home and want a clear, realistic understanding of how the process actually works — not just the highlights, and not just the sales pitch. This Home Buying Series was […]
Home Buying Steps Life After Closing — Practical Ownership in Your First Year (Home Buying Step 13) Life After Closing — Practical Ownership in Your First Year (Home Buying Step 13) Life after closing is part of my practical, experience-based Home Buying Series. Step 13 assumes you’ve already closed, taken possession, and lived in the home long enough to realize the truth: owning is different than buying. The goal here is to […]
Home Buying Steps Closing Day in Texas — Signing, Funding, and Your First 30 Days |Home Buying Step 12 Closing Day in Texas — Signing, Funding, and Your First 30 Days (Home Buying Step 12) This article is part of my practical, experience-based Home Buying Series. Step 12 assumes you’re past the negotiation phase, your lender and title company are working toward final approval, and you’re preparing for closing day, funding, and taking possession. […]
Home Buying Steps Closing on a House in Texas — Home Buying Step 11 Closing on a House in Texas — Home Buying Step 11 Closing on a House in Texas — The Final Stretch Before Funding (Home Buying Step 11) This article is part of my practical, experience-based Home Buying Series. Step 11 assumes your option period is either complete or close to complete, inspections are underway or […]
Home Buying Steps Offer Accepted in Texas: What Happens Next — Home Buying Step 10 Offer Accepted in Texas: What Happens Next — Home Buying Step 10 Your Offer Is Accepted — What Happens Next in Texas This article is part of my practical, experience-based Home Buying Series. Step 10 assumes you’ve already made an offer and that offer has been accepted. Step 1: Know Your Credit Step 2: Build […]
Home Buying Steps How to Make an Offer on a House in Texas — Home Buying Step 9 How to Make an Offer on a House in Texas What Really Matters Before You Sign — Home Buying Step 9 This article is part of my practical, experience-based Home Buying Series. Step 9 assumes you’ve already narrowed the field and are focusing on homes you could realistically move forward on. Step 1: Know Your […]
Home Buying Steps Narrowing the Field — Home Buying Step 8 Narrowing the Field — Home Buying Step 8 How to Evaluate Homes Objectively in West Texas Before You Make an Offer Narrowing the field is the step where home buyers move from looking at houses to deciding which ones actually make sense. This article is part of my practical, experience-based Home Buying Series. If you’re […]
Home Buying Steps Start Looking at Houses — Home Buying Step 7 Start Looking at Houses — Home Buying Step 7 How to Start Looking at Houses in the Real World Welcome to Step 7 of my practical, experience-based Home Buying Series. If you’ve jumped in here, I strongly recommend going back to Step 1 (credit), Step 2 (budget), and Step 3 (choosing a lender). Much of […]
Home Buying Steps Mortgage Types Explained for Buyers | Home Buying Step 6 Let’s Talk Mortgage Types: Conventional, VA, FHA, USDA and More. Step 6 in my practical, experience-based Home Buying Series is all about mortgage types–so this is where you finally get Mortgage Types Explained in a real-world way. By now, you’ve done more work than most first-time buyers ever do: you’ve checked your credit, built a […]
Home Buying Steps How to Choose a Realtor Who Works for You — Home Buying Step 5 How to Choose a Realtor Who Works for You — Home Buying Step 5 How to Choose a Realtor is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in the home-buying process, and it belongs later in the journey than most people think. By now, you’ve done more work than most first-time buyers ever do: you’ve […]
Home Buying Steps Fixing Underwriting Issues — Home Buying Step 4 Fixing Underwriting Issues — Home Buying Step 4 Step 4 of my practical, experience-based Home Buying Series covers something most buyers eventually face: fixing underwriting issues uncovered by the lender or underwriter. In the real world, the first response isn’t always “yes.” More often, it’s “not yet.” If you missed the earlier steps, find them […]
Home Buying Steps How to Choose a Mortgage Lender — Home Buying Step 3 How to Choose a Mortgage Lender — Home Buying Step 3 How to Apply for a Mortgage Without Accidentally Sabotaging Yourself Before anything else, you must understand how to choose a mortgage lender who will guide you through the process instead of just selling you a product. Most buyers begin their home search online, and […]
Home Buying Steps Home Buying Budget – Step 2 of Doug Berry’s Buying Series Home Buying Budget – Step 2 of Doug Berry’s Buying Series A real home buying budget is the foundation of every successful purchase. Home Buying Series by Doug Berry, MBA — Realtor® Step 2 of the Home Buying Series is all about building a real home buying budget—one that matches the way lenders think and […]
Home Buying Steps Step 1: Know Your Credit — Home Buying Series Step 1: Know Your Credit — Home Buying Series Welcome to Step 1 of my practical, experience-based Home Buying Series. I’ve spent years on both sides of the table — helping buyers qualify for USDA mortgages and guiding families through the real-world process of purchasing a home in today’s market. Most online guides are generic […]
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Home Buying Steps Life After Closing — Practical Ownership in Your First Year (Home Buying Step 13) Life After Closing — Practical Ownership in Your First Year (Home Buying Step 13) Life after closing is part of my practical, experience-based Home Buying Series. Step 13 assumes you’ve already closed, taken possession, and lived in the home long enough to realize the truth: owning is different than buying. The goal here is to […]
Home Buying Steps Closing Day in Texas — Signing, Funding, and Your First 30 Days |Home Buying Step 12 Closing Day in Texas — Signing, Funding, and Your First 30 Days (Home Buying Step 12) This article is part of my practical, experience-based Home Buying Series. Step 12 assumes you’re past the negotiation phase, your lender and title company are working toward final approval, and you’re preparing for closing day, funding, and taking possession. […]
Home Buying Steps Closing on a House in Texas — Home Buying Step 11 Closing on a House in Texas — Home Buying Step 11 Closing on a House in Texas — The Final Stretch Before Funding (Home Buying Step 11) This article is part of my practical, experience-based Home Buying Series. Step 11 assumes your option period is either complete or close to complete, inspections are underway or […]
Home Buying Steps Offer Accepted in Texas: What Happens Next — Home Buying Step 10 Offer Accepted in Texas: What Happens Next — Home Buying Step 10 Your Offer Is Accepted — What Happens Next in Texas This article is part of my practical, experience-based Home Buying Series. Step 10 assumes you’ve already made an offer and that offer has been accepted. Step 1: Know Your Credit Step 2: Build […]
Home Buying Steps How to Make an Offer on a House in Texas — Home Buying Step 9 How to Make an Offer on a House in Texas What Really Matters Before You Sign — Home Buying Step 9 This article is part of my practical, experience-based Home Buying Series. Step 9 assumes you’ve already narrowed the field and are focusing on homes you could realistically move forward on. Step 1: Know Your […]
Home Buying Steps Narrowing the Field — Home Buying Step 8 Narrowing the Field — Home Buying Step 8 How to Evaluate Homes Objectively in West Texas Before You Make an Offer Narrowing the field is the step where home buyers move from looking at houses to deciding which ones actually make sense. This article is part of my practical, experience-based Home Buying Series. If you’re […]
Home Buying Steps Start Looking at Houses — Home Buying Step 7 Start Looking at Houses — Home Buying Step 7 How to Start Looking at Houses in the Real World Welcome to Step 7 of my practical, experience-based Home Buying Series. If you’ve jumped in here, I strongly recommend going back to Step 1 (credit), Step 2 (budget), and Step 3 (choosing a lender). Much of […]
Home Buying Steps Mortgage Types Explained for Buyers | Home Buying Step 6 Let’s Talk Mortgage Types: Conventional, VA, FHA, USDA and More. Step 6 in my practical, experience-based Home Buying Series is all about mortgage types–so this is where you finally get Mortgage Types Explained in a real-world way. By now, you’ve done more work than most first-time buyers ever do: you’ve checked your credit, built a […]
Home Buying Steps How to Choose a Realtor Who Works for You — Home Buying Step 5 How to Choose a Realtor Who Works for You — Home Buying Step 5 How to Choose a Realtor is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in the home-buying process, and it belongs later in the journey than most people think. By now, you’ve done more work than most first-time buyers ever do: you’ve […]
Home Buying Steps Fixing Underwriting Issues — Home Buying Step 4 Fixing Underwriting Issues — Home Buying Step 4 Step 4 of my practical, experience-based Home Buying Series covers something most buyers eventually face: fixing underwriting issues uncovered by the lender or underwriter. In the real world, the first response isn’t always “yes.” More often, it’s “not yet.” If you missed the earlier steps, find them […]
Home Buying Steps How to Choose a Mortgage Lender — Home Buying Step 3 How to Choose a Mortgage Lender — Home Buying Step 3 How to Apply for a Mortgage Without Accidentally Sabotaging Yourself Before anything else, you must understand how to choose a mortgage lender who will guide you through the process instead of just selling you a product. Most buyers begin their home search online, and […]
Home Buying Steps Home Buying Budget – Step 2 of Doug Berry’s Buying Series Home Buying Budget – Step 2 of Doug Berry’s Buying Series A real home buying budget is the foundation of every successful purchase. Home Buying Series by Doug Berry, MBA — Realtor® Step 2 of the Home Buying Series is all about building a real home buying budget—one that matches the way lenders think and […]
Home Buying Steps Step 1: Know Your Credit — Home Buying Series Step 1: Know Your Credit — Home Buying Series Welcome to Step 1 of my practical, experience-based Home Buying Series. I’ve spent years on both sides of the table — helping buyers qualify for USDA mortgages and guiding families through the real-world process of purchasing a home in today’s market. Most online guides are generic […]
#HomeBuyerEducation
Home Buying Steps Life After Closing — Practical Ownership in Your First Year (Home Buying Step 13) Life After Closing — Practical Ownership in Your First Year (Home Buying Step 13) Life after closing is part of my practical, experience-based Home Buying Series. Step 13 assumes you’ve already closed, taken possession, and lived in the home long enough to realize the truth: owning is different than buying. The goal here is to […]
Home Buying Steps Closing Day in Texas — Signing, Funding, and Your First 30 Days |Home Buying Step 12 Closing Day in Texas — Signing, Funding, and Your First 30 Days (Home Buying Step 12) This article is part of my practical, experience-based Home Buying Series. Step 12 assumes you’re past the negotiation phase, your lender and title company are working toward final approval, and you’re preparing for closing day, funding, and taking possession. […]
Home Buying Steps Closing on a House in Texas — Home Buying Step 11 Closing on a House in Texas — Home Buying Step 11 Closing on a House in Texas — The Final Stretch Before Funding (Home Buying Step 11) This article is part of my practical, experience-based Home Buying Series. Step 11 assumes your option period is either complete or close to complete, inspections are underway or […]
Home Buying Steps Offer Accepted in Texas: What Happens Next — Home Buying Step 10 Offer Accepted in Texas: What Happens Next — Home Buying Step 10 Your Offer Is Accepted — What Happens Next in Texas This article is part of my practical, experience-based Home Buying Series. Step 10 assumes you’ve already made an offer and that offer has been accepted. Step 1: Know Your Credit Step 2: Build […]
Home Buying Steps How to Make an Offer on a House in Texas — Home Buying Step 9 How to Make an Offer on a House in Texas What Really Matters Before You Sign — Home Buying Step 9 This article is part of my practical, experience-based Home Buying Series. Step 9 assumes you’ve already narrowed the field and are focusing on homes you could realistically move forward on. Step 1: Know Your […]
Home Buying Steps Narrowing the Field — Home Buying Step 8 Narrowing the Field — Home Buying Step 8 How to Evaluate Homes Objectively in West Texas Before You Make an Offer Narrowing the field is the step where home buyers move from looking at houses to deciding which ones actually make sense. This article is part of my practical, experience-based Home Buying Series. If you’re […]
Home Buying Steps Start Looking at Houses — Home Buying Step 7 Start Looking at Houses — Home Buying Step 7 How to Start Looking at Houses in the Real World Welcome to Step 7 of my practical, experience-based Home Buying Series. If you’ve jumped in here, I strongly recommend going back to Step 1 (credit), Step 2 (budget), and Step 3 (choosing a lender). Much of […]
Home Buying Steps Mortgage Types Explained for Buyers | Home Buying Step 6 Let’s Talk Mortgage Types: Conventional, VA, FHA, USDA and More. Step 6 in my practical, experience-based Home Buying Series is all about mortgage types–so this is where you finally get Mortgage Types Explained in a real-world way. By now, you’ve done more work than most first-time buyers ever do: you’ve checked your credit, built a […]
Home Buying Steps How to Choose a Realtor Who Works for You — Home Buying Step 5 How to Choose a Realtor Who Works for You — Home Buying Step 5 How to Choose a Realtor is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in the home-buying process, and it belongs later in the journey than most people think. By now, you’ve done more work than most first-time buyers ever do: you’ve […]
Home Buying Steps Fixing Underwriting Issues — Home Buying Step 4 Fixing Underwriting Issues — Home Buying Step 4 Step 4 of my practical, experience-based Home Buying Series covers something most buyers eventually face: fixing underwriting issues uncovered by the lender or underwriter. In the real world, the first response isn’t always “yes.” More often, it’s “not yet.” If you missed the earlier steps, find them […]
Home Buying Steps How to Choose a Mortgage Lender — Home Buying Step 3 How to Choose a Mortgage Lender — Home Buying Step 3 How to Apply for a Mortgage Without Accidentally Sabotaging Yourself Before anything else, you must understand how to choose a mortgage lender who will guide you through the process instead of just selling you a product. Most buyers begin their home search online, and […]
Home Buying Steps Home Buying Budget – Step 2 of Doug Berry’s Buying Series Home Buying Budget – Step 2 of Doug Berry’s Buying Series A real home buying budget is the foundation of every successful purchase. Home Buying Series by Doug Berry, MBA — Realtor® Step 2 of the Home Buying Series is all about building a real home buying budget—one that matches the way lenders think and […]
#AbileneTX
Home Buying Steps Life After Closing — Practical Ownership in Your First Year (Home Buying Step 13) Life After Closing — Practical Ownership in Your First Year (Home Buying Step 13) Life after closing is part of my practical, experience-based Home Buying Series. Step 13 assumes you’ve already closed, taken possession, and lived in the home long enough to realize the truth: owning is different than buying. The goal here is to […]
Home Buying Steps Closing Day in Texas — Signing, Funding, and Your First 30 Days |Home Buying Step 12 Closing Day in Texas — Signing, Funding, and Your First 30 Days (Home Buying Step 12) This article is part of my practical, experience-based Home Buying Series. Step 12 assumes you’re past the negotiation phase, your lender and title company are working toward final approval, and you’re preparing for closing day, funding, and taking possession. […]
Home Buying Steps Closing on a House in Texas — Home Buying Step 11 Closing on a House in Texas — Home Buying Step 11 Closing on a House in Texas — The Final Stretch Before Funding (Home Buying Step 11) This article is part of my practical, experience-based Home Buying Series. Step 11 assumes your option period is either complete or close to complete, inspections are underway or […]
Home Buying Steps Offer Accepted in Texas: What Happens Next — Home Buying Step 10 Offer Accepted in Texas: What Happens Next — Home Buying Step 10 Your Offer Is Accepted — What Happens Next in Texas This article is part of my practical, experience-based Home Buying Series. Step 10 assumes you’ve already made an offer and that offer has been accepted. Step 1: Know Your Credit Step 2: Build […]
Home Buying Steps How to Make an Offer on a House in Texas — Home Buying Step 9 How to Make an Offer on a House in Texas What Really Matters Before You Sign — Home Buying Step 9 This article is part of my practical, experience-based Home Buying Series. Step 9 assumes you’ve already narrowed the field and are focusing on homes you could realistically move forward on. Step 1: Know Your […]
Home Buying Steps Narrowing the Field — Home Buying Step 8 Narrowing the Field — Home Buying Step 8 How to Evaluate Homes Objectively in West Texas Before You Make an Offer Narrowing the field is the step where home buyers move from looking at houses to deciding which ones actually make sense. This article is part of my practical, experience-based Home Buying Series. If you’re […]
Home Buying Steps Start Looking at Houses — Home Buying Step 7 Start Looking at Houses — Home Buying Step 7 How to Start Looking at Houses in the Real World Welcome to Step 7 of my practical, experience-based Home Buying Series. If you’ve jumped in here, I strongly recommend going back to Step 1 (credit), Step 2 (budget), and Step 3 (choosing a lender). Much of […]
Home Buying Steps Mortgage Types Explained for Buyers | Home Buying Step 6 Let’s Talk Mortgage Types: Conventional, VA, FHA, USDA and More. Step 6 in my practical, experience-based Home Buying Series is all about mortgage types–so this is where you finally get Mortgage Types Explained in a real-world way. By now, you’ve done more work than most first-time buyers ever do: you’ve checked your credit, built a […]
Home Buying Steps How to Choose a Realtor Who Works for You — Home Buying Step 5 How to Choose a Realtor Who Works for You — Home Buying Step 5 How to Choose a Realtor is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in the home-buying process, and it belongs later in the journey than most people think. By now, you’ve done more work than most first-time buyers ever do: you’ve […]
Home Buying Steps Fixing Underwriting Issues — Home Buying Step 4 Fixing Underwriting Issues — Home Buying Step 4 Step 4 of my practical, experience-based Home Buying Series covers something most buyers eventually face: fixing underwriting issues uncovered by the lender or underwriter. In the real world, the first response isn’t always “yes.” More often, it’s “not yet.” If you missed the earlier steps, find them […]
Home Buying Steps How to Choose a Mortgage Lender — Home Buying Step 3 How to Choose a Mortgage Lender — Home Buying Step 3 How to Apply for a Mortgage Without Accidentally Sabotaging Yourself Before anything else, you must understand how to choose a mortgage lender who will guide you through the process instead of just selling you a product. Most buyers begin their home search online, and […]
#WestTexasLiving
Home Buying Steps Life After Closing — Practical Ownership in Your First Year (Home Buying Step 13) Life After Closing — Practical Ownership in Your First Year (Home Buying Step 13) Life after closing is part of my practical, experience-based Home Buying Series. Step 13 assumes you’ve already closed, taken possession, and lived in the home long enough to realize the truth: owning is different than buying. The goal here is to […]
Home Buying Steps Closing Day in Texas — Signing, Funding, and Your First 30 Days |Home Buying Step 12 Closing Day in Texas — Signing, Funding, and Your First 30 Days (Home Buying Step 12) This article is part of my practical, experience-based Home Buying Series. Step 12 assumes you’re past the negotiation phase, your lender and title company are working toward final approval, and you’re preparing for closing day, funding, and taking possession. […]
Home Buying Steps Offer Accepted in Texas: What Happens Next — Home Buying Step 10 Offer Accepted in Texas: What Happens Next — Home Buying Step 10 Your Offer Is Accepted — What Happens Next in Texas This article is part of my practical, experience-based Home Buying Series. Step 10 assumes you’ve already made an offer and that offer has been accepted. Step 1: Know Your Credit Step 2: Build […]
Home Buying Steps Narrowing the Field — Home Buying Step 8 Narrowing the Field — Home Buying Step 8 How to Evaluate Homes Objectively in West Texas Before You Make an Offer Narrowing the field is the step where home buyers move from looking at houses to deciding which ones actually make sense. This article is part of my practical, experience-based Home Buying Series. If you’re […]
Home Buying Steps Start Looking at Houses — Home Buying Step 7 Start Looking at Houses — Home Buying Step 7 How to Start Looking at Houses in the Real World Welcome to Step 7 of my practical, experience-based Home Buying Series. If you’ve jumped in here, I strongly recommend going back to Step 1 (credit), Step 2 (budget), and Step 3 (choosing a lender). Much of […]
Home Buying Steps Mortgage Types Explained for Buyers | Home Buying Step 6 Let’s Talk Mortgage Types: Conventional, VA, FHA, USDA and More. Step 6 in my practical, experience-based Home Buying Series is all about mortgage types–so this is where you finally get Mortgage Types Explained in a real-world way. By now, you’ve done more work than most first-time buyers ever do: you’ve checked your credit, built a […]
Home Buying Steps How to Choose a Realtor Who Works for You — Home Buying Step 5 How to Choose a Realtor Who Works for You — Home Buying Step 5 How to Choose a Realtor is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in the home-buying process, and it belongs later in the journey than most people think. By now, you’ve done more work than most first-time buyers ever do: you’ve […]
Home Buying Steps Fixing Underwriting Issues — Home Buying Step 4 Fixing Underwriting Issues — Home Buying Step 4 Step 4 of my practical, experience-based Home Buying Series covers something most buyers eventually face: fixing underwriting issues uncovered by the lender or underwriter. In the real world, the first response isn’t always “yes.” More often, it’s “not yet.” If you missed the earlier steps, find them […]
Home Buying Steps How to Choose a Mortgage Lender — Home Buying Step 3 How to Choose a Mortgage Lender — Home Buying Step 3 How to Apply for a Mortgage Without Accidentally Sabotaging Yourself Before anything else, you must understand how to choose a mortgage lender who will guide you through the process instead of just selling you a product. Most buyers begin their home search online, and […]
#HomeBuyingSteps
Home Buying Steps Life After Closing — Practical Ownership in Your First Year (Home Buying Step 13) Life After Closing — Practical Ownership in Your First Year (Home Buying Step 13) Life after closing is part of my practical, experience-based Home Buying Series. Step 13 assumes you’ve already closed, taken possession, and lived in the home long enough to realize the truth: owning is different than buying. The goal here is to […]
Home Buying Steps Closing Day in Texas — Signing, Funding, and Your First 30 Days |Home Buying Step 12 Closing Day in Texas — Signing, Funding, and Your First 30 Days (Home Buying Step 12) This article is part of my practical, experience-based Home Buying Series. Step 12 assumes you’re past the negotiation phase, your lender and title company are working toward final approval, and you’re preparing for closing day, funding, and taking possession. […]
Home Buying Steps Closing on a House in Texas — Home Buying Step 11 Closing on a House in Texas — Home Buying Step 11 Closing on a House in Texas — The Final Stretch Before Funding (Home Buying Step 11) This article is part of my practical, experience-based Home Buying Series. Step 11 assumes your option period is either complete or close to complete, inspections are underway or […]
Home Buying Steps Offer Accepted in Texas: What Happens Next — Home Buying Step 10 Offer Accepted in Texas: What Happens Next — Home Buying Step 10 Your Offer Is Accepted — What Happens Next in Texas This article is part of my practical, experience-based Home Buying Series. Step 10 assumes you’ve already made an offer and that offer has been accepted. Step 1: Know Your Credit Step 2: Build […]
Home Buying Steps How to Make an Offer on a House in Texas — Home Buying Step 9 How to Make an Offer on a House in Texas What Really Matters Before You Sign — Home Buying Step 9 This article is part of my practical, experience-based Home Buying Series. Step 9 assumes you’ve already narrowed the field and are focusing on homes you could realistically move forward on. Step 1: Know Your […]
Home Buying Steps Narrowing the Field — Home Buying Step 8 Narrowing the Field — Home Buying Step 8 How to Evaluate Homes Objectively in West Texas Before You Make an Offer Narrowing the field is the step where home buyers move from looking at houses to deciding which ones actually make sense. This article is part of my practical, experience-based Home Buying Series. If you’re […]
Home Buying Steps Start Looking at Houses — Home Buying Step 7 Start Looking at Houses — Home Buying Step 7 How to Start Looking at Houses in the Real World Welcome to Step 7 of my practical, experience-based Home Buying Series. If you’ve jumped in here, I strongly recommend going back to Step 1 (credit), Step 2 (budget), and Step 3 (choosing a lender). Much of […]
Home Buying Steps Mortgage Types Explained for Buyers | Home Buying Step 6 Let’s Talk Mortgage Types: Conventional, VA, FHA, USDA and More. Step 6 in my practical, experience-based Home Buying Series is all about mortgage types–so this is where you finally get Mortgage Types Explained in a real-world way. By now, you’ve done more work than most first-time buyers ever do: you’ve checked your credit, built a […]
Home Buying Steps How to Choose a Realtor Who Works for You — Home Buying Step 5 How to Choose a Realtor Who Works for You — Home Buying Step 5 How to Choose a Realtor is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in the home-buying process, and it belongs later in the journey than most people think. By now, you’ve done more work than most first-time buyers ever do: you’ve […]
#RealEstateAdvice
Home Buying Steps Life After Closing — Practical Ownership in Your First Year (Home Buying Step 13) Life After Closing — Practical Ownership in Your First Year (Home Buying Step 13) Life after closing is part of my practical, experience-based Home Buying Series. Step 13 assumes you’ve already closed, taken possession, and lived in the home long enough to realize the truth: owning is different than buying. The goal here is to […]
Home Buying Steps Closing Day in Texas — Signing, Funding, and Your First 30 Days |Home Buying Step 12 Closing Day in Texas — Signing, Funding, and Your First 30 Days (Home Buying Step 12) This article is part of my practical, experience-based Home Buying Series. Step 12 assumes you’re past the negotiation phase, your lender and title company are working toward final approval, and you’re preparing for closing day, funding, and taking possession. […]
Home Buying Steps Closing on a House in Texas — Home Buying Step 11 Closing on a House in Texas — Home Buying Step 11 Closing on a House in Texas — The Final Stretch Before Funding (Home Buying Step 11) This article is part of my practical, experience-based Home Buying Series. Step 11 assumes your option period is either complete or close to complete, inspections are underway or […]
Home Buying Steps Offer Accepted in Texas: What Happens Next — Home Buying Step 10 Offer Accepted in Texas: What Happens Next — Home Buying Step 10 Your Offer Is Accepted — What Happens Next in Texas This article is part of my practical, experience-based Home Buying Series. Step 10 assumes you’ve already made an offer and that offer has been accepted. Step 1: Know Your Credit Step 2: Build […]
Home Buying Steps How to Make an Offer on a House in Texas — Home Buying Step 9 How to Make an Offer on a House in Texas What Really Matters Before You Sign — Home Buying Step 9 This article is part of my practical, experience-based Home Buying Series. Step 9 assumes you’ve already narrowed the field and are focusing on homes you could realistically move forward on. Step 1: Know Your […]
Home Buying Steps Narrowing the Field — Home Buying Step 8 Narrowing the Field — Home Buying Step 8 How to Evaluate Homes Objectively in West Texas Before You Make an Offer Narrowing the field is the step where home buyers move from looking at houses to deciding which ones actually make sense. This article is part of my practical, experience-based Home Buying Series. If you’re […]
Home Buying Steps Start Looking at Houses — Home Buying Step 7 Start Looking at Houses — Home Buying Step 7 How to Start Looking at Houses in the Real World Welcome to Step 7 of my practical, experience-based Home Buying Series. If you’ve jumped in here, I strongly recommend going back to Step 1 (credit), Step 2 (budget), and Step 3 (choosing a lender). Much of […]
Home Buying Steps How to Choose a Realtor Who Works for You — Home Buying Step 5 How to Choose a Realtor Who Works for You — Home Buying Step 5 How to Choose a Realtor is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in the home-buying process, and it belongs later in the journey than most people think. By now, you’ve done more work than most first-time buyers ever do: you’ve […]
#FirstTimeHomebuyer
Home Buying Steps Start Here: A Practical Home Buying Guide That Follows the Real Process Start Here: A Practical Home Buying Guide That Follows the Real Process This page is the best place to begin if you’re thinking about buying a home and want a clear, realistic understanding of how the process actually works — not just the highlights, and not just the sales pitch. This Home Buying Series was […]
Home Buying Steps Closing Day in Texas — Signing, Funding, and Your First 30 Days |Home Buying Step 12 Closing Day in Texas — Signing, Funding, and Your First 30 Days (Home Buying Step 12) This article is part of my practical, experience-based Home Buying Series. Step 12 assumes you’re past the negotiation phase, your lender and title company are working toward final approval, and you’re preparing for closing day, funding, and taking possession. […]
Home Buying Steps Closing on a House in Texas — Home Buying Step 11 Closing on a House in Texas — Home Buying Step 11 Closing on a House in Texas — The Final Stretch Before Funding (Home Buying Step 11) This article is part of my practical, experience-based Home Buying Series. Step 11 assumes your option period is either complete or close to complete, inspections are underway or […]
Home Buying Steps How to Make an Offer on a House in Texas — Home Buying Step 9 How to Make an Offer on a House in Texas What Really Matters Before You Sign — Home Buying Step 9 This article is part of my practical, experience-based Home Buying Series. Step 9 assumes you’ve already narrowed the field and are focusing on homes you could realistically move forward on. Step 1: Know Your […]
Home Buying Steps Narrowing the Field — Home Buying Step 8 Narrowing the Field — Home Buying Step 8 How to Evaluate Homes Objectively in West Texas Before You Make an Offer Narrowing the field is the step where home buyers move from looking at houses to deciding which ones actually make sense. This article is part of my practical, experience-based Home Buying Series. If you’re […]
Home Buying Steps Home Buying Budget – Step 2 of Doug Berry’s Buying Series Home Buying Budget – Step 2 of Doug Berry’s Buying Series A real home buying budget is the foundation of every successful purchase. Home Buying Series by Doug Berry, MBA — Realtor® Step 2 of the Home Buying Series is all about building a real home buying budget—one that matches the way lenders think and […]
Home Buying Steps Step 1: Know Your Credit — Home Buying Series Step 1: Know Your Credit — Home Buying Series Welcome to Step 1 of my practical, experience-based Home Buying Series. I’ve spent years on both sides of the table — helping buyers qualify for USDA mortgages and guiding families through the real-world process of purchasing a home in today’s market. Most online guides are generic […]
#HomeBuyingSeries
Home Buying Steps Start Here: A Practical Home Buying Guide That Follows the Real Process Start Here: A Practical Home Buying Guide That Follows the Real Process This page is the best place to begin if you’re thinking about buying a home and want a clear, realistic understanding of how the process actually works — not just the highlights, and not just the sales pitch. This Home Buying Series was […]
Home Buying Steps Mortgage Types Explained for Buyers | Home Buying Step 6 Let’s Talk Mortgage Types: Conventional, VA, FHA, USDA and More. Step 6 in my practical, experience-based Home Buying Series is all about mortgage types–so this is where you finally get Mortgage Types Explained in a real-world way. By now, you’ve done more work than most first-time buyers ever do: you’ve checked your credit, built a […]
Home Buying Steps How to Choose a Realtor Who Works for You — Home Buying Step 5 How to Choose a Realtor Who Works for You — Home Buying Step 5 How to Choose a Realtor is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in the home-buying process, and it belongs later in the journey than most people think. By now, you’ve done more work than most first-time buyers ever do: you’ve […]
Home Buying Steps Fixing Underwriting Issues — Home Buying Step 4 Fixing Underwriting Issues — Home Buying Step 4 Step 4 of my practical, experience-based Home Buying Series covers something most buyers eventually face: fixing underwriting issues uncovered by the lender or underwriter. In the real world, the first response isn’t always “yes.” More often, it’s “not yet.” If you missed the earlier steps, find them […]
Home Buying Steps How to Choose a Mortgage Lender — Home Buying Step 3 How to Choose a Mortgage Lender — Home Buying Step 3 How to Apply for a Mortgage Without Accidentally Sabotaging Yourself Before anything else, you must understand how to choose a mortgage lender who will guide you through the process instead of just selling you a product. Most buyers begin their home search online, and […]
Home Buying Steps Home Buying Budget – Step 2 of Doug Berry’s Buying Series Home Buying Budget – Step 2 of Doug Berry’s Buying Series A real home buying budget is the foundation of every successful purchase. Home Buying Series by Doug Berry, MBA — Realtor® Step 2 of the Home Buying Series is all about building a real home buying budget—one that matches the way lenders think and […]
Home Buying Steps Step 1: Know Your Credit — Home Buying Series Step 1: Know Your Credit — Home Buying Series Welcome to Step 1 of my practical, experience-based Home Buying Series. I’ve spent years on both sides of the table — helping buyers qualify for USDA mortgages and guiding families through the real-world process of purchasing a home in today’s market. Most online guides are generic […]
#HomeBuyingJourney
Home Buying Steps Life After Closing — Practical Ownership in Your First Year (Home Buying Step 13) Life After Closing — Practical Ownership in Your First Year (Home Buying Step 13) Life after closing is part of my practical, experience-based Home Buying Series. Step 13 assumes you’ve already closed, taken possession, and lived in the home long enough to realize the truth: owning is different than buying. The goal here is to […]
Home Buying Steps Closing Day in Texas — Signing, Funding, and Your First 30 Days |Home Buying Step 12 Closing Day in Texas — Signing, Funding, and Your First 30 Days (Home Buying Step 12) This article is part of my practical, experience-based Home Buying Series. Step 12 assumes you’re past the negotiation phase, your lender and title company are working toward final approval, and you’re preparing for closing day, funding, and taking possession. […]
Home Buying Steps Closing on a House in Texas — Home Buying Step 11 Closing on a House in Texas — Home Buying Step 11 Closing on a House in Texas — The Final Stretch Before Funding (Home Buying Step 11) This article is part of my practical, experience-based Home Buying Series. Step 11 assumes your option period is either complete or close to complete, inspections are underway or […]
Home Buying Steps Offer Accepted in Texas: What Happens Next — Home Buying Step 10 Offer Accepted in Texas: What Happens Next — Home Buying Step 10 Your Offer Is Accepted — What Happens Next in Texas This article is part of my practical, experience-based Home Buying Series. Step 10 assumes you’ve already made an offer and that offer has been accepted. Step 1: Know Your Credit Step 2: Build […]
Home Buying Steps How to Make an Offer on a House in Texas — Home Buying Step 9 How to Make an Offer on a House in Texas What Really Matters Before You Sign — Home Buying Step 9 This article is part of my practical, experience-based Home Buying Series. Step 9 assumes you’ve already narrowed the field and are focusing on homes you could realistically move forward on. Step 1: Know Your […]
Home Buying Steps Narrowing the Field — Home Buying Step 8 Narrowing the Field — Home Buying Step 8 How to Evaluate Homes Objectively in West Texas Before You Make an Offer Narrowing the field is the step where home buyers move from looking at houses to deciding which ones actually make sense. This article is part of my practical, experience-based Home Buying Series. If you’re […]
Home Buying Steps Start Looking at Houses — Home Buying Step 7 Start Looking at Houses — Home Buying Step 7 How to Start Looking at Houses in the Real World Welcome to Step 7 of my practical, experience-based Home Buying Series. If you’ve jumped in here, I strongly recommend going back to Step 1 (credit), Step 2 (budget), and Step 3 (choosing a lender). Much of […]
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Home Buying Steps Start Here: A Practical Home Buying Guide That Follows the Real Process Start Here: A Practical Home Buying Guide That Follows the Real Process This page is the best place to begin if you’re thinking about buying a home and want a clear, realistic understanding of how the process actually works — not just the highlights, and not just the sales pitch. This Home Buying Series was […]
Home Buying Steps Closing Day in Texas — Signing, Funding, and Your First 30 Days |Home Buying Step 12 Closing Day in Texas — Signing, Funding, and Your First 30 Days (Home Buying Step 12) This article is part of my practical, experience-based Home Buying Series. Step 12 assumes you’re past the negotiation phase, your lender and title company are working toward final approval, and you’re preparing for closing day, funding, and taking possession. […]
Home Buying Steps Closing on a House in Texas — Home Buying Step 11 Closing on a House in Texas — Home Buying Step 11 Closing on a House in Texas — The Final Stretch Before Funding (Home Buying Step 11) This article is part of my practical, experience-based Home Buying Series. Step 11 assumes your option period is either complete or close to complete, inspections are underway or […]
Home Buying Steps Offer Accepted in Texas: What Happens Next — Home Buying Step 10 Offer Accepted in Texas: What Happens Next — Home Buying Step 10 Your Offer Is Accepted — What Happens Next in Texas This article is part of my practical, experience-based Home Buying Series. Step 10 assumes you’ve already made an offer and that offer has been accepted. Step 1: Know Your Credit Step 2: Build […]
Home Buying Steps How to Make an Offer on a House in Texas — Home Buying Step 9 How to Make an Offer on a House in Texas What Really Matters Before You Sign — Home Buying Step 9 This article is part of my practical, experience-based Home Buying Series. Step 9 assumes you’ve already narrowed the field and are focusing on homes you could realistically move forward on. Step 1: Know Your […]
Home Buying Steps Start Looking at Houses — Home Buying Step 7 Start Looking at Houses — Home Buying Step 7 How to Start Looking at Houses in the Real World Welcome to Step 7 of my practical, experience-based Home Buying Series. If you’ve jumped in here, I strongly recommend going back to Step 1 (credit), Step 2 (budget), and Step 3 (choosing a lender). Much of […]
Home Buying Steps How to Choose a Realtor Who Works for You — Home Buying Step 5 How to Choose a Realtor Who Works for You — Home Buying Step 5 How to Choose a Realtor is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in the home-buying process, and it belongs later in the journey than most people think. By now, you’ve done more work than most first-time buyers ever do: you’ve […]
#TexasRealEstate
Home Buying Steps Start Here: A Practical Home Buying Guide That Follows the Real Process Start Here: A Practical Home Buying Guide That Follows the Real Process This page is the best place to begin if you’re thinking about buying a home and want a clear, realistic understanding of how the process actually works — not just the highlights, and not just the sales pitch. This Home Buying Series was […]
Home Buying Steps Life After Closing — Practical Ownership in Your First Year (Home Buying Step 13) Life After Closing — Practical Ownership in Your First Year (Home Buying Step 13) Life after closing is part of my practical, experience-based Home Buying Series. Step 13 assumes you’ve already closed, taken possession, and lived in the home long enough to realize the truth: owning is different than buying. The goal here is to […]
Home Buying Steps Closing Day in Texas — Signing, Funding, and Your First 30 Days |Home Buying Step 12 Closing Day in Texas — Signing, Funding, and Your First 30 Days (Home Buying Step 12) This article is part of my practical, experience-based Home Buying Series. Step 12 assumes you’re past the negotiation phase, your lender and title company are working toward final approval, and you’re preparing for closing day, funding, and taking possession. […]
Home Buying Steps Closing on a House in Texas — Home Buying Step 11 Closing on a House in Texas — Home Buying Step 11 Closing on a House in Texas — The Final Stretch Before Funding (Home Buying Step 11) This article is part of my practical, experience-based Home Buying Series. Step 11 assumes your option period is either complete or close to complete, inspections are underway or […]
Home Buying Steps Offer Accepted in Texas: What Happens Next — Home Buying Step 10 Offer Accepted in Texas: What Happens Next — Home Buying Step 10 Your Offer Is Accepted — What Happens Next in Texas This article is part of my practical, experience-based Home Buying Series. Step 10 assumes you’ve already made an offer and that offer has been accepted. Step 1: Know Your Credit Step 2: Build […]
Home Buying Steps How to Make an Offer on a House in Texas — Home Buying Step 9 How to Make an Offer on a House in Texas What Really Matters Before You Sign — Home Buying Step 9 This article is part of my practical, experience-based Home Buying Series. Step 9 assumes you’ve already narrowed the field and are focusing on homes you could realistically move forward on. Step 1: Know Your […]
Home Buying Steps Narrowing the Field — Home Buying Step 8 Narrowing the Field — Home Buying Step 8 How to Evaluate Homes Objectively in West Texas Before You Make an Offer Narrowing the field is the step where home buyers move from looking at houses to deciding which ones actually make sense. This article is part of my practical, experience-based Home Buying Series. If you’re […]
#FirstTimeHomebuyers
Home Buying Steps Offer Accepted in Texas: What Happens Next — Home Buying Step 10 Offer Accepted in Texas: What Happens Next — Home Buying Step 10 Your Offer Is Accepted — What Happens Next in Texas This article is part of my practical, experience-based Home Buying Series. Step 10 assumes you’ve already made an offer and that offer has been accepted. Step 1: Know Your Credit Step 2: Build […]
Home Buying Steps Start Looking at Houses — Home Buying Step 7 Start Looking at Houses — Home Buying Step 7 How to Start Looking at Houses in the Real World Welcome to Step 7 of my practical, experience-based Home Buying Series. If you’ve jumped in here, I strongly recommend going back to Step 1 (credit), Step 2 (budget), and Step 3 (choosing a lender). Much of […]
Home Buying Steps Mortgage Types Explained for Buyers | Home Buying Step 6 Let’s Talk Mortgage Types: Conventional, VA, FHA, USDA and More. Step 6 in my practical, experience-based Home Buying Series is all about mortgage types–so this is where you finally get Mortgage Types Explained in a real-world way. By now, you’ve done more work than most first-time buyers ever do: you’ve checked your credit, built a […]
Home Buying Steps How to Choose a Realtor Who Works for You — Home Buying Step 5 How to Choose a Realtor Who Works for You — Home Buying Step 5 How to Choose a Realtor is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in the home-buying process, and it belongs later in the journey than most people think. By now, you’ve done more work than most first-time buyers ever do: you’ve […]
Home Buying Steps Fixing Underwriting Issues — Home Buying Step 4 Fixing Underwriting Issues — Home Buying Step 4 Step 4 of my practical, experience-based Home Buying Series covers something most buyers eventually face: fixing underwriting issues uncovered by the lender or underwriter. In the real world, the first response isn’t always “yes.” More often, it’s “not yet.” If you missed the earlier steps, find them […]
Home Buying Steps How to Choose a Mortgage Lender — Home Buying Step 3 How to Choose a Mortgage Lender — Home Buying Step 3 How to Apply for a Mortgage Without Accidentally Sabotaging Yourself Before anything else, you must understand how to choose a mortgage lender who will guide you through the process instead of just selling you a product. Most buyers begin their home search online, and […]
#BigCountryRealEstate
Home Buying Steps Life After Closing — Practical Ownership in Your First Year (Home Buying Step 13) Life After Closing — Practical Ownership in Your First Year (Home Buying Step 13) Life after closing is part of my practical, experience-based Home Buying Series. Step 13 assumes you’ve already closed, taken possession, and lived in the home long enough to realize the truth: owning is different than buying. The goal here is to […]
Home Buying Steps Closing Day in Texas — Signing, Funding, and Your First 30 Days |Home Buying Step 12 Closing Day in Texas — Signing, Funding, and Your First 30 Days (Home Buying Step 12) This article is part of my practical, experience-based Home Buying Series. Step 12 assumes you’re past the negotiation phase, your lender and title company are working toward final approval, and you’re preparing for closing day, funding, and taking possession. […]
Home Buying Steps Closing on a House in Texas — Home Buying Step 11 Closing on a House in Texas — Home Buying Step 11 Closing on a House in Texas — The Final Stretch Before Funding (Home Buying Step 11) This article is part of my practical, experience-based Home Buying Series. Step 11 assumes your option period is either complete or close to complete, inspections are underway or […]
Home Buying Steps Offer Accepted in Texas: What Happens Next — Home Buying Step 10 Offer Accepted in Texas: What Happens Next — Home Buying Step 10 Your Offer Is Accepted — What Happens Next in Texas This article is part of my practical, experience-based Home Buying Series. Step 10 assumes you’ve already made an offer and that offer has been accepted. Step 1: Know Your Credit Step 2: Build […]
Home Buying Steps How to Make an Offer on a House in Texas — Home Buying Step 9 How to Make an Offer on a House in Texas What Really Matters Before You Sign — Home Buying Step 9 This article is part of my practical, experience-based Home Buying Series. Step 9 assumes you’ve already narrowed the field and are focusing on homes you could realistically move forward on. Step 1: Know Your […]
Home Buying Steps Narrowing the Field — Home Buying Step 8 Narrowing the Field — Home Buying Step 8 How to Evaluate Homes Objectively in West Texas Before You Make an Offer Narrowing the field is the step where home buyers move from looking at houses to deciding which ones actually make sense. This article is part of my practical, experience-based Home Buying Series. If you’re […]
#BuyingAHome
Home Buying Steps Start Here: A Practical Home Buying Guide That Follows the Real Process Start Here: A Practical Home Buying Guide That Follows the Real Process This page is the best place to begin if you’re thinking about buying a home and want a clear, realistic understanding of how the process actually works — not just the highlights, and not just the sales pitch. This Home Buying Series was […]
Home Buying Steps Closing on a House in Texas — Home Buying Step 11 Closing on a House in Texas — Home Buying Step 11 Closing on a House in Texas — The Final Stretch Before Funding (Home Buying Step 11) This article is part of my practical, experience-based Home Buying Series. Step 11 assumes your option period is either complete or close to complete, inspections are underway or […]
Home Buying Steps Offer Accepted in Texas: What Happens Next — Home Buying Step 10 Offer Accepted in Texas: What Happens Next — Home Buying Step 10 Your Offer Is Accepted — What Happens Next in Texas This article is part of my practical, experience-based Home Buying Series. Step 10 assumes you’ve already made an offer and that offer has been accepted. Step 1: Know Your Credit Step 2: Build […]
Home Buying Steps How to Make an Offer on a House in Texas — Home Buying Step 9 How to Make an Offer on a House in Texas What Really Matters Before You Sign — Home Buying Step 9 This article is part of my practical, experience-based Home Buying Series. Step 9 assumes you’ve already narrowed the field and are focusing on homes you could realistically move forward on. Step 1: Know Your […]
Home Buying Steps Narrowing the Field — Home Buying Step 8 Narrowing the Field — Home Buying Step 8 How to Evaluate Homes Objectively in West Texas Before You Make an Offer Narrowing the field is the step where home buyers move from looking at houses to deciding which ones actually make sense. This article is part of my practical, experience-based Home Buying Series. If you’re […]
Home Buying Steps Start Looking at Houses — Home Buying Step 7 Start Looking at Houses — Home Buying Step 7 How to Start Looking at Houses in the Real World Welcome to Step 7 of my practical, experience-based Home Buying Series. If you’ve jumped in here, I strongly recommend going back to Step 1 (credit), Step 2 (budget), and Step 3 (choosing a lender). Much of […]