When should we start the home buying process?

posted your question in March 2013 & with your lease expired in July 2013, it is always best to start the process as soon as possible. If your credit is in good shape, you would not need to work on getting it repaired/in proper order to secure a mortgage. If it needs improvement, you would need to pay off accounts and correct information on your credit report if necessary. Once that is done, the next step would be to select a Realtor and a Mortgage/Loan Consultant. Your Loan Consultant will begin gathering the necessary documentation required to begin the loan process. Once you are pre-approved, the next step is to start viewing properties with your Realtor. Most listing agents require that a pre-approval letter be included with an offer to purchase a property. This is also to prevent a buyer from spending earnest money, paying for inspections, the option fee, and then experiencing a problem getting approved for a loan. You want to have "all of your ducks in a row" when you start the home-buying process. Being prepared saves time and money.

How did everything go?

As you noticed each one of the people who answered your question suggested starting now and they are all right. Select a good lender for your pre-approval, credit check, etc. And select a Realtor that you feel you can work well with, and one that has a good knowledge base and experience. It is your purchase and your home, so it is equally important to have a comfortable relationship with your Realtor to make sure your needs are met. The same goes for the lender. Good luck with your home search.

You should start the process now. Finding the right home can take time and you don't want to be rushed. I would also recommend getting pre- approved before you start looking so you know what you can afford and shop around for a loan.

Start the proscess now with seeking out a reputable lender and an agent that is familiar with the area you plan to live. Take the time to have your credit checked and work on getting a pre-approval amount for your purchase. The market is starting to move quickly so be prepared and don't delay.

Good question. Any Realtor can up to receive a weekly report on your area of interest. That way you can get a good understanding of the market place. You will want to start talking to a loan officer 1 to 2 months prior, so that you can be fully approved for your new loan.

I would suggest you srt now by first checking your credit to see if there are any issues that need to be addressed. Now is a good time to be in a house by July. Please feel free to call with any questions.
Thanks,

Velinda Shirley
Alliance Mortgage Group
281-893-3124 phone
281-587-8877 fax

You should start soon make sure your credit is good so that you can get pre approval letter for making offer. Most of the area in Houston the inventory is about 2 months and the market is really competative. Pick yourself a realtor who knows the area well and close on the house atleast a few days before your lease expires so you have enough time to move. Goodluck!!!

You should start now so you are not rushed. You first should start shopping for a mortgage and start finding a Realtor that works in the area you are considering. If you find a Realtor, they can direct you to financing. If you have any incorrect information on your credit report, you will have time to correct it. You can have your Realtor create seaches for you so you can get a good idea of what realistically you can expect to buy in the areas you are considering. You may want to drive by some of the properties and decide on an area or a few areas. You will want to be no more than a couple of months out from your closing date before you start making offers. You could find something right away that works out or you could spend weeks or even longer finding a home and successfully negotiating your offer. Once accepted, most contracts are closing in 30-45 days. Generally, that's the amount of time it takes to process the loan.

we ar in begining of march 2013 i think you should start working if you are intrested to buy the house first you need to pre approved
once you pre approved which dosent take very long and after that you start looking for the house
need any help please call me at 8326301258 for any qts
email me at nfrkhan@yahoo.com
i will be happy to help you and i can refer you a lander whith whom i work
have a wonderfull day
thanks
neelofer
champions real estate gp

Now is a good time to start. July 1 will be here before you know it. Select a good Realtor and lender and you are on your way to being a homeowner. Good luck to you!

You can begin now by selecting a Realtor, and selecting a lender. You should make these first two selections no later than the end of April though to meet your deadline.
So you do have some time right now to do your due diligence about selecting someone to work with.
You must coordinate the terms of your lease as to how much advance notice you are required to give your landlord with the escrow period of the home you ultimately purchase. Ultimately it is the skill of your Realtor and lender working closely together to keep up with the tight timelines involved with coordinating the ending of your lease and the closing of your purchase, so that you have the best experience possible.
Vacating a rental property on time, buying a home,closing the transaction, and moving are a long stressful event(s).
Choose who you partner with wisely.

First thing you want to do is find a Realtor to help you. You have come to the right place for that. Secondly it's going to depend on where you're looking at, and what you want. the first thing you want to do is get your pre-approval done as soon as possible. I have a great guy that can help if you need someone. The Houston market is so hot right now that as soon as you identify the property you want you need to jump on it without any delays. The closing process should not take more than 30 days though. If you need any help give me a call or shoot me a text I would be happy to help.
832-226-8671
arthurconfait@gmail.com