Home Owners Tips

What to know before you buy a home in Cleveland or Chattanooga, TN

Buying or building a home is a big decision. We want to make it as easy as possible for you. To that end, we have put together some helpful hints to make the process as simple as possible.

  • Get pre-approved for your mortgage

    Contact a  lender to find out exactly how much of a mortgage you can obtain. They will ask for proof of employment, proof of income, a recent bank statement, and your social security and driver's license numbers. 


    When you get pre-qualified, you will receive a pre-approval letter with the amount of the mortgage for which you qualify. That letter will show sellers that you have the financial means to purchase a home.

  • Learn how much you'll need for closing

    Your bank or lender can provide you with an estimated closing amount. We can calculate it using your down payment amount and adding the other fees like the appraisal, loan origination, property taxes, and more.  While some of these fees like property taxes can be put into the loan, some will need to be paid at closing. We will make sure you are prepared with the right information when the time comes.


  • Make a wish list

    When you begin house hunting, it is important to make a list of the things that you have to have, things you would like to have, and things you do not necessarily need. You can prioritize these and then compare them with the homes you are viewing. You can also work with the Heritage team to make sure that the must-haves are included in your new home.

  • Understand the warranty

    New homes come with a builder's warranty. Make sure that you understand the terms and conditions so that you know your financial responsibilities should an issue arise, particularly after the warranty expires.