Yes, You Can Still Buy a Home Before School Starts – Here’s How to Make It Happen
If you’re hoping to get your family settled into a new home before the school year kicks off next month, you may be wondering if it’s still possible. The good news? It is—if you act quickly and strategically. With the right plan and guidance, you can close on a home in time for the first school bell.
Here’s what you need to know to make it happen.
Step 1: Get Prequalified – Fast
Before you even schedule a showing, you’ll need a prequalification letter from a lender. This isn’t just a formality—it’s your ticket to making a serious offer that sellers take seriously.
Why it matters:
Speeds up the buying process: Sellers are far more likely to accept your offer quickly when they see proof that you’re already financially vetted.
Helps set a realistic budget: Prequalification tells you exactly how much house you can afford, avoiding wasted time on homes outside your range.
Gives you negotiating power: A strong prequalification letter can sometimes make your offer more appealing, even over higher bids from unqualified buyers.
At Lifetime Mortgage Lending, we can often provide same-day prequalification so you can start house hunting immediately.
Step 2: Work With an Experienced Realtor
Time is critical. You don’t want to lose weeks searching aimlessly or making missteps that delay your move-in date.
What an experienced Realtor brings to the table:
Local market knowledge: They know which listings are move-in ready and which sellers are motivated to close quickly.
Speed and negotiation skills: A skilled Realtor can submit offers fast and negotiate terms (like a quick close or seller concessions) to help you hit your timeline.
Coordination with lenders and title companies: Your Realtor can streamline communications between everyone involved, helping avoid bottlenecks.
If you don’t already have a trusted Realtor, I can connect you with one who knows how to move quickly in this market.
Step 3: Get Your Paperwork in Order Now
One of the biggest delays in the mortgage process is tracking down documents after you’ve found a home. The faster you can provide everything your lender needs, the smoother the process will be.
Here’s what you should start collecting today:
Recent pay stubs (last 30 days)
Last two years of W-2s or 1099s
Two months of bank statements
Government-issued photo ID
Most recent tax return (if self-employed, two years)
Statements for retirement or investment accounts
Proof of any additional income (bonuses, alimony, child support, etc.)
Having these ready can shave days (or even weeks) off the process.
Step 4: Understand How Loan Qualification Works
Even if you’re not sure your credit is perfect, you may still qualify for a mortgage. Many buyers assume they can’t buy because of past financial challenges—but that’s not always true.
What lenders look at when qualifying you:
Credit score: Minimums vary by loan program, but many options are available for buyers with scores as low as 580.
Debt-to-income ratio: Lenders compare your monthly debts to your income. Some programs allow higher ratios, especially for first-time buyers.
Down payment options: You don’t always need 20% down. FHA, VA, and down payment assistance programs can make homeownership possible with as little as 0–3.5% down.
Employment and income stability: Consistent income is key, but even self-employed borrowers can qualify with the right documentation.
If you’ve had a credit hiccup or worry you can’t qualify, reach out. We work with buyers every day to create solutions that get them into a home—often faster than they expected.
Time is Tight—But It’s Doable
The first day of school is coming fast, but there’s still time to get into your new home. By acting now—getting prequalified, partnering with the right Realtor, and preparing your documents—you can close in as little as 3-4 weeks, depending on the home and loan program.
Let’s make it happen.
Contact Justin Brown today:
📧 Justin@LifetimeML.com
📞 817-366-9660
📅 Schedule a time to talk
Whether you’re a first-time buyer or looking for your family’s next home, we’ll help you navigate the process quickly so you can enjoy the first day of school in your new home.
