Before You Get Started 

Take a look at your credit score and see where you stand. Your credit score will have a massive impact on your ability to obtain financing, so it's important to know where you stand before even starting the process. 

 

 

Pay Stubs 

Proof of Employment 

Employer Contact Information 

Tax Documents (Usually 2 Years) 

Bank Statements 

Business Documents 

Debt Information 

Residential History 

Proof of Additional Income 

Stocks, Bonds, and Savings Statements 

Earnest Money Source 

 

 

Getting your pre-approval letter is one of the first steps in the home-buying process. The pre-approval letter provides you with preliminary approval for a set amount of financing for your home. 

 

 

Agency 

Exclusive Right to Represent Buyer Agreement 

Buyer Disclosure 

Buyer Release Form 

Purchase Agreement 

Buyer Compensation Disclosure 

Wire Fraud Advisory Form 

Seller Property Disclosure 

Lead-Based Paint Disclosure (If the home was built in 1978 or before) 

Well & Subsurface Disclosures (Usually rural or lake homes) 

Contingency Addendum (If you have a home, you have to sell before you buy) 

 

 

The title company is hard at work behind the scenes. While your lender is securing your financing and your REALTOR® is working through all other contingencies in your purchase agreement, the title company has its own attorneys reviewing your abstract to ensure you get a free and clear title. 

 

On your closing day, you will meet your closing agent from the title company, who will walk you through a substantial pile of paperwork. You will be signing your deed, mortgage, closing disclosure, note, and several other documents. After you finish signing this mountain of paperwork, you get the keys to your new home, making it all worth it! 

 

The good news is that buyers don't need to worry about every single document. Your REALTOR® will handle most of it for you. 

 

 

Amber Carlton

President Elect, FM Realtors®

Berkshire Hathaway Home Services