Preparing to Buy a Home

Heather’s Guide to Smart Homebuying in 2025

Start With the Right Questions

Before you start viewing homes, get clear on what really matters to your lifestyle. Ask yourself:

  • How far am I willing to commute to work or school?

  • Do I need to be near family, an airport, or major roads?

  • If I have kids or pets, what are the local options for childcare, schools, and pet services?

These are important decisions that realtors legally cannot advise on, but there are trusted websites that can help:

Know Your Finances

Before making an offer, you need to know what you can afford—and more importantly, what a lender will approve you for.

Heather’s Top Tips:

  • Pay down credit cards where you can.

  • Understand what can’t be paid down quickly—like car loans, student loans, or childcare. These all factor into your debt-to-income ratio (DTI).

  • Lenders today also include childcare payments and other monthly obligations when calculating what you can afford.

Get Pre-Approved—Not Just Pre-Qualified

A pre-approval letter is essential to make an offer. It shows sellers that you’re financially ready to buy and can move quickly.

I recommend working with:
Josh Turner – Intercoastal Mortgage
He’s thorough, responsive, and will walk you through the full process.

Once you’re pre-approved, stay responsive and provide any documents your loan officer requests. With full approval, you could close on a home in as little as two weeks, which is a major advantage in a competitive market.

Research the Market and Stats

Take the time to look up:

  • Local property tax rates: SmartAsset Property Tax Tool

  • Neighborhood crime data: CityProtect.com

  • Commute times and public transit: Google Maps with commute filters

Bottom Line

Buying a home isn’t just about liking the house. It’s about knowing your numbers, preparing ahead of time, and working with a team that has your back. When you’re ready, I’ll help guide your search, coordinate showings, and write strong, clean offers that stand out.

Have questions or ready to start? I’m here to help.

 

Heather Ward
Licensed Realtor | MaD-H Management
mad-hmanagement.com | heather@mad-hmanagement.com

Heather Ward

United Real Estate Premier


Office:
12225 Amos Lane, Ste. 303, Fredericksburg, VA, 22407
www.UnitedRealEstatePremier.com
(540) 374-1111
Agent:
hward6@gmail.com
(915) 209-2104

"Licensed in the Commonwealth of Virginia"
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Home Contact Heather Preparing To Buy Your Home Finding A Property Making An Offer Finding a Home Loan Closing the Deal Preparing To Sell your House Pricing Your Home Closing The Deal Purchase Offers Want to Sell?

This content last updated on Saturday, August 2, 2025 5:36 AM from BRIGHT.

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