Kristin Croak Payson AZ Home Buyer ChecklistBefore you visit Kristin Croak in Payson, AZ, here’s a guide to getting all your ducks in a row so that you’re ready to make a winning offer.

Be Ready and get pre-qualified. Homeownership is a big commitment.

•Gather documents including Proof of employment, pay stubs, and minimum 2 years tax returns.

•Thoroughly research the Payson and RimCountry areas •Pride of Ownership, Make it yours.

•Get prequalified before you visit a single house this is part of the purchase contract and we will have better purchasing power having everything ready to go. The pre-qualification process is relatively quick and easy — you’ll simply provide information about your income and debts.

Create a list of “musts”. Few folks find a home that’s 100 percent ideal. It’s important to know which issues you’re willing to compromise on and which are deal breakers. Does location matter? Is Square footage important? Are you willing to tackle a fixer-upper if you can see the potential of an imperfect property?

Figure out what you can afford

Your mortgage payments aren’t the only cost you’ll need to consider. First, you’ll need a down payment. If you are a first time Buyer there may be USDA grants available. Ideally, you’ll want to put down at least 20 percent of a home’s purchase price to avoid paying private mortgage insurance (PMI), an additional charge tacked onto your mortgage payment. As a rule, you should set aside 1 percent of the purchase price of the home, each year, in your “house emergency fund.” That’s $83 per month for every $100,000 of home value.

You’ll need the right people on your side to help you navigate the buying process. You want a real estate agent you trust and communicate well with. As your realtor I can guide you through these steps, make lender recommendations, and help with the home buying process.

I am committed with results!