"Mise en Place" for Homebuying
In cooking, "mise en place" describes having all your ingredients measured, cut, peeled, sliced, grated, as well as bowls, utensils and pans ready to use before you begin cooking. The advantage is to inventory the ingredients and recognize if you have everything you need. You are less likely to leave out an ingredient or step because it is "set up" and ready to use. The same technique works well in the homebuying process, especially in today's highly competitive environment where multiple offers are normal and bidding wars are commonplace. Check your credit ... not only does credit determine if you will get a mortgage, but it will also determine the interest rate you'll pay. The best rates are for the borrowers with the best credit; lower credit scores mean higher rates because of additional risk to the lender. Free copies are available from all three major credit bureaus at www.AnnualCreditReport.com . Determine your budget ... knowing your