Many future homeowners focus on the down payment (which is important), but there are other expenses you need to plan for too. Let’s break it down simply so you can prepare with confidence 👇 ✨ If You’re Paying Your Own Closing Costs: Typical out-of-pocket expenses may include: • Earnest money deposit (shows you’re serious — applied toward your purchase) • Home inspection ($300–$600 average) • Appraisal ($500–$800 depending on loan/type) • Closing costs (usually ~2–5% of purchase price) • Moving expenses, utility transfers, and possible initial repairs 👉 Example: On a $250K home, closing costs alone could range around $5K–$12K depending on loan, taxes, and lender fees. ✨ If Closing Costs Are Covered (Seller Credits/Programs): You may STILL need funds for: • Earnest money deposit • Inspection & appraisal upfront (sometimes reimbursed later) • First year homeowner expenses (insurance, maintenance, etc.) • Moving costs + setting up your new home ⚠️ Covered closing costs does NOT always mean “no money needed.” Preparation is still key. 💡 Pro Tip:Always ask your lender AND agent for a full cost estimate early. Surprises at the closing table are not the goal — smooth keys-in-hand moments are 🙌 If you’re planning to buy this year and want clarity on numbers, drop “READY” below or message me. Education first… homeownership next. 🔑

One of the biggest sources of stress for buyers is not knowing what lenders are really evaluating. Many people assume lenders are looking for perfection. They’re not. Lenders are looking for patterns, stability, and ability to repay — not a flawless financial history. Here’s what really matters. 1. Income Stability Lenders want to see that you have reliable income and that it’s likely to continue. They typically look for: - Consistent employment or income history - Predictable earnings - Reasonable job changes (especially within the same field) This doesn’t mean you can never change jobs. It means lenders want to understand your story and see stability. 2. Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI) This is one of the most important factors. Lenders compare: - Your monthly debt obligations - To your gross monthly income They want to ensure your monthly debts, including a future mortgage payment, are manageable — not overwhelming. Having debt doesn’t disqualify you. What matters is how that debt fits into your overall picture. 3. Credit History (Not Just the Score) Credit is about behavior over time. Lenders look at: - Payment history - Recent activity - Types of accounts - Patterns of responsibility A single mistake doesn’t automatically disqualify you. Recent patterns often matter more than older issues. 4. Assets & Cash Reserves Lenders want to see that you have funds available for: - Down payment (if required) - Closing costs - Prepaid items - Reserves in some cases This helps show you can handle both the purchase and unexpected expenses. 5. Documentation & Consistency Lenders verify information. This includes: - Pay stubs - Tax returns - Bank statements - Employment verification Consistency matters. Large unexplained deposits or changes may require explanation, not rejection. 6. The Property Itself The home also has to qualify. Lenders evaluate: - Appraised value - Condition - Safety and livability

Hey Friend! 👋 In this video, I’ll walk you step-by-step through The Real Estate Blueprint Group, showing you how to navigate the platform, find lessons and resources, join live sessions, and engage with the community. By the end, you’ll know exactly where everything is and how to get the most out of the group! P.S. Don't be shy! 😉 Don't forget to introduce yourself ❤️

1.THDA Great Choice Plus (Statewide) ✔️ Up to 5% of purchase price (max $15,000) ✔️ Can be used for down payment + closing costs ✔️ Two options: - Deferred $6,000 (0% interest, no monthly payment) - Amortized second mortgage🔹 Must pair with THDA Great Choice loan 2.THDA Homeownership for Heroes (For Military, Veterans, First Responders) ✔️ Reduced interest rate (0.5% lower) ✔️ Can combine with Great Choice Plus ✔️ VA, FHA, USDA, Conventional eligible ✔️ No first-time buyer requirement for vets 3.THDA HFA Advantage Plus (Conventional Buyers) ✔️ 3% down conventional option ✔️ Can pair with DPA similar to Great Choice Plus ✔️ Income limits apply ✔️ Great for buyers who don’t want FHA 4.The Housing Fund (Middle TN / Nashville Area) ✔️ Up to $35,000 ✔️ For down payment + closing costs ✔️ 10–15 year repayment ✔️ Income + location based 5.City of Memphis Homebuyer Assistance ✔️ Up to $25,000 or 10% of purchase price ✔️ Forgivable after 5–10 years ✔️ Must buy in Memphis ✔️ Income + occupancy rules 6.Chattanooga Neighborhood Enterprise (CNE) ✔️ Up to $25,000 ✔️ Second mortgage or forgivable options ✔️ Chattanooga + surrounding counties ✔️ Income + purchase price limits 7.USDA Rural Development (0% Down) ✔️ 100% financing (no down payment) ✔️ Rural eligible areas ✔️ Income limits apply ✔️ Often combined with seller concessions 8.VA Loan (0% Down for Veterans) ✔️ No down payment required ✔️ No monthly PMI ✔️ Can still pair with some local grants ✔️ Best option for eligible military buyers 9.Local County & City Housing Authority Grants Examples: - Clarksville Housing Authority - Knoxville Affordable Housing - Nashville MDHA (Often forgivable grants, Highly location + income specific) 10. Employer-Based & Nonprofit Programs Examples: - Hospital systems - Teachers programs - Credit union housing grants - Church & nonprofit housing programs (Can range from $2,500–$15,000+)

One of the biggest reasons people stay renting longer than they want to has very little to do with money and a lot to do with psychology. Here are some common mental blocks I see all the time: Many renters wait for the “perfect time.” But perfect timing rarely exists. Life keeps moving, rates change, prices change, and people stay in place because waiting feels safer than deciding. Fear of commitment is real. Buying a home feels permanent, even when it’s not. The idea of being “locked in” makes people more comfortable staying flexible even if that flexibility is costing them long-term. People overestimate the risk of buying and underestimate the cost of renting. Rent feels predictable month to month. But what’s less visible is how much equity you’re not building and how rent increases over time quietly cost you more. Confidence plays a bigger role than credit. Many renters think they’re not ready financially, when really they’re unsure because they don’t understand the process. Education often removes fear faster than saving money does. There’s also identity. Some people still see themselves as “renters,” even when they could be homeowners. Until that mindset shifts, action usually doesn’t follow. The truth is: Most people don’t stay renting because they can’t buy. They stay renting because they don’t feel ready to decide. That’s why education matters. When you understand your options, your numbers, and the process, renting stops being a default and starts being a choice. 💬 Reflection question for the group: What do you think is the biggest reason people stay renting longer than they want to?