The most important thing to do as a buyer is this: Look into financing before you do another thing. Buyers often say “I won’t have any problem” and we realize you may not have any trouble affording a home. However, very strict lender rules including documented income and property condition may give you pause after you've already spent loads of time searching! Unless you are paying all cash, you don't decide your own interest rate, required down payment percentage, amount of closing costs, mortgage insurance, credit report issues, etc. Looking at homes doesn't make sense unless you know the answers to these questions and know your buying power and how much cash you have to assess a home properly. A preapproval letter is standard to make offer in our market so please, contact me for several trustworthy mortgage professionals.