Are You Owner-Material? Use the 3 C’s to Find Out.
Buying a home is a big move. The fastest way to know if you’re ready is to stop overthinking and get clear on three things that drive every successful purchase: Credit, Cash, and Comfort.
The 3 C’s
Credit
How’s your credit score?
Your credit impacts approval, pricing, and options. Stronger credit usually means better rates and lower payments. If your score isn’t where you want it, that doesn’t mean “no.” It means “not yet,” with a plan.
If Credit is your focus:
- Review your credit report for errors
- Pay down revolving balances
- Keep payments on time
- Avoid new debt before applying
Cash
Do you have funds for down payment and closing costs?
You don’t need a pile of cash to buy. Many buyers qualify with low down payment programs, assistance options, or gift funds. The key is knowing your numbers early.
If Cash is your focus:
- Set a target based on your price range
- Explore low-down-payment loans
- Ask about down payment assistance
- Track savings in a dedicated home fund
Comfort
Can you afford the monthly payment comfortably?
Approval isn’t the same as affordable. Your mortgage should fit your budget without squeezing your lifestyle. We look at the full picture: payment, taxes, insurance, HOA (if any), and your real-world expenses.
If Comfort is your focus:
- Decide your ideal payment first
- Build a budget that includes homeownership costs
- Run real payment scenarios
- Choose a range you can sustain long-term
Bottom Line
The 3 C’s give you a clean, confident starting point. Whether you’re ready now or building toward it, you’ll know exactly what to work on and why.
Tell Us Your “C”
We have resources for whichever C you’re working on — reach out to one of our LOs for tailored tips!
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