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Allen Duhé
REALTOR®, CRS, GRI, MRP, REL, MBA
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September 24th, 2024 by
Home Buying Checklist

Are you thinking of buying a home in the coming months? Fall is a great time to shop for a home. The weather is cool, and you have time to move in before the holiday season arrives. So, where do you begin? Our real estate agents recommend working your way down this checklist in preparation for buying a home this autumn.

  • Save a Down Payment
    While you may need a down payment of 10 or 20% for a conventional mortgage, there are also programs, like FHA, that offer loans with smaller down payments. You'll also have to account for closing costs. So, regardless of the type of loan you plan to apply for, it's wise to try and save about 10% of the value of the home you plan to purchase, if possible. 

  • Gather Your Documents
    When you apply for a mortgage, banks will request several documents as proof of your finances. You'll need a W-2, your tax returns, and copies of all of your bank statements. Get these documents in order early on so you're not scrambling when you send in an application.

  • Set a Budget
    Look over your income and expenses. How much can you afford to pay on a mortgage each month? If you're currently renting, you probably want your mortgage payment to be a little less than your rent. This way, you'll have money to set aside for maintenance, HOA fees, and other bills that come along with homeownership.

    A mortgage officer can help you work backward from your monthly payment to calculate the value of the homes you can afford. Speaking of which...

  • Apply for Mortgage Pre-Approval
    It's a good idea to apply for a mortgage at two or three different banks so you can compare the rates. And yes, you should apply before you even begin looking at homes. Having an approval letter in hand will make your offers far more appealing to sellers.

    Your approval letters will often list the maximum amount that the bank is willing to lend you. However, you do not have to spend that full amount, and in many cases, you shouldn't.

  • Choose an Agent
    Talk to a few real estate agents in your area. Ask your friends and neighbors who they recommend. Look for someone who knows the local area well, communicates clearly, and is used to representing buyers.

    Your real estate agent is a valuable asset, especially in a competitive real estate market. They can negotiate on your behalf, advise you on red flags while shopping for homes, and put you in touch with other professionals, such as attorneys and banks.

  • Attend Open Houses
    Early on in the process, attend a few New Orleans open houses with your real estate agent. Pay attention to the features each home has to offer and make a list of features you want in your own home. You may also want to make a list of features you definitely don't want.

    As you continue to attend open houses and look at New Orleans homes for sale, you'll develop a pretty clear idea of the type of home you want. Your agent will be able to fine-tune the homes they show you, and before long, you'll find yourself standing in "the one."

If you take it one step at a time, buying a home can be a lot of fun. Don't forget to contact us if you're looking for a real estate agent. We know the New Orleans area well, and we'd be happy to guide you.

Categories: Real Estate Tips
Tags: Latter & Blum Inc. REALTORS®, First-time buyers, Real Estate Agents, REALTORS®, Real estate, Home Buying Tips, For Buyers, Buy a Home, Buy first home, Homebuyers
Allen Duhé
Allen Duhé Office: (337) 233-9700 Cell: (337) 254-7812 Fax: (337) 456-2124 Direct: (337) 254-7812 Office: (337) 233-9700 Fax: (337) 456-2124 Email Me
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Latter & Blum
430 Notre Dame St.
New Orleans, LA 70130
(866) 794-1022
Disclaimer: All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. All properties are subject to prior sale, change or withdrawal. Neither listing broker(s) or information provider(s) shall be responsible for any typographical errors, misinformation, misprints and shall be held totally harmless. Listing(s) information is provided for consumers personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. Information on this site was last updated 03/02/2026. The listing information on this page last changed on 03/02/2026. The data relating to real estate for sale on this website comes in part from the Internet Data Exchange program of Delta Media Group MLS (last updated Mon 03/02/2026 4:06:54 PM EST) or Fort Polk MLS (last updated Mon 03/02/2026 4:00:52 PM EST) or SWLAR MLS (last updated Mon 03/02/2026 4:05:13 PM EST) or Greater Baton Rouge MLS (last updated Mon 03/02/2026 4:04:49 PM EST) or GSREIN MLS (last updated Mon 03/02/2026 4:05:11 PM EST) or Bayou MLS (last updated Mon 03/02/2026 4:02:50 PM EST) or Pearl River MLS (last updated Mon 03/02/2026 4:03:14 PM EST) or GCLAR MLS (last updated Mon 03/02/2026 4:02:13 PM EST) or Realtor Association of Acadiana (last updated Mon 03/02/2026 4:02:34 PM EST) or MLS United (last updated Mon 03/02/2026 3:56:24 PM EST). Real estate listings held by brokerage firms other than Compass may be marked with the Internet Data Exchange logo and detailed information about those properties will include the name of the listing broker(s) when required by the MLS. All rights reserved.
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