Getting Ready To Buy
Buy With Purpose. Win With Strategy.
Buying property isn’t just a milestone — it’s a move with long-term impact. Whether it’s your first home or your fifth asset, clarity and execution are everything.
Start with Your Why.
Escaping rent? Upgrading lifestyle? Building passive income? Know your motive, and you’ll know what matters — from location and layout to cash flow and cap rates.
At HR & Fox we help you cut through noise and buy with intention. Every deal should build equity — in your life and your portfolio.
SO COULD THIS BE YOUR WINDOW?
Now might be the time to strike — click here to see CURRENT INTEREST RATES.
Want to crunch the numbers yourself? Try our MORTGAGE CALCULATOR.
When you are ready to get started, call us at (443) 420-3230 or complete this short form and one of our agents will be in touch.
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Other Things To Consider
Get Your Financials in Order
Now is not a good time to make sudden career changes or large purchases. You want to approach your property purchase from a position of financial stability. Large purchases or loans can affect your credit and balance sheet in a way that can limit your buying options. Your credit score will hold a significant impact on the type of property you can buy, your interest rate and overall property price. We can work with one of our preferred lenders to get an updated credit to know exactly where it stands. The lender will research your credit ratings from the three credit reporting agencies Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. We are happy to recommend seasoned, knowledgeable lenders in the residential, construction, and commercial and investment real estate fields.
POSITIONED TO CLOSE
Winning the deal starts before the offer. Serious buyers come prepared. Whether it’s your dream home or a cash-flow asset, your financials need to be tight, verified, and ready to move.
Here’s what to have on deck:
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Bank statements & recent pay stubs
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Credit score check
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Tax returns (2 years)
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Investment & retirement accounts (401K, stocks, bonds, etc.)
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Existing debts: credit cards, auto loans, etc.
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Current leases (for investment properties)
No surprises. No slowdowns. Just clean numbers that clear paths to closing.
Pre-Qualified Vs. Pre-Approved
The difference is the verification process lenders use to determine how much you qualify for. With a pre-qualification, lenders rely on self-reported information to offer you a quote. It doesn’t typically require them to verify your credit, employment, or financial documentation. On the other hand, pre-approval involves verifications to approve you for a mortgage loan. Lenders review your credit, verify your employment, and look at financial documentation, like pay stubs, bank statements, and tax returns.
A pre-approval is a stronger indication to the seller that the offer is solid and will close.
Tips For Buying The Perfect Home
Stay Within Your Budget
Just because you’ve been approved for a max amount, doesn't mean you should spend it all on the home's sale price. You will want to set some of that aside for closing costs, taxes and potential home repairs or remodeling.
Know Your Turf
You can renovate a property — you can’t relocate it. Whether it’s schools, commute, walkability, or future development, the right neighborhood isn’t optional — it’s foundational.
Know the area. Study the comps. Walk the block.
Smart buyers invest in more than a structure — they invest in positioning.
Don’t Skip The Inspection
Inspections are worth their weight in gold and will draw attention to problems you may not otherwise see, giving you peace of mind and letting you make more informed decisions about your purchase.
Get Pre-Approved
Getting pre-approved by a lender lets the seller know you are serious and ready to purchase a home and that you are not just window shopping. Check out our list of recommended lenders here.
Draw Your Line
Every property has trade-offs — your job is to know which ones matter. Define your non-negotiables, spot what’s fixable, and avoid budget-killers disguised as “potential.”
Don’t compromise where it counts. Don’t overspend trying to force a fit. Buy what works — not what needs saving.
Look At The Age Of Appliances & Other Systems
Some of the most expensive features of a home are Appliances, HVAC, Hot Water Heater, Septic/Well, and Roof. You should pay attention to their age and whether they have required service. You may even be able to get the seller to add a home warranty.
Check For HOA Requirements
HOAs can shape everything — from your landscaping to your leasing options. Know the regulations, restrictions, and annual fees before you buy.
Freedom has fine print. Read it. Understand it. Then decide if it fits your playbook.
know your buying power
The path to ownership starts with clarity. You don’t always need 20% down — FHA, VA, and other programs can get you in the game with as little as 0–3.5%.
Talk to a mortgage pro to map your options. Need a starting point? We’ll connect you — or use our mortgage calculator to run the numbers fast.
Financing isn’t one-size-fits-all. Strategy wins here too.
