Home Buyer Kit
Plant Roots.
Find Home.
Your complete guide to the home buying journey. Whether it's your first home, a new investment, or your dream retirement property — we're here to make the process smooth, enjoyable, and stress-free.
What Every Buyer Should Know
Before Purchasing Your Home
Tax Benefits
Property taxes and qualified interest are deductible on your federal income tax return.
Investment Value
A home is often the largest asset and one of the most valuable investments available.
Live in Your Investment
A home is one of the few investments you can enjoy by living in it.
REALTOR® Access
A REALTOR® can show you any home, whether listed with a company, builder, or FSBO.
Professional Guidance
Your Real Estate professional provides a list of items needed for your loan application.
Flexible Options
Buy up or down with no tax consequences, assuming your gain is within allowable amounts.
Financing
Types of Loans
Find the right financing option for your situation
Conventional Loans
FHA Loans
VA Loans
USDA Loans
Adjustable Rate (ARM)
Fixed Rate
Pre-Qualification
- Informal estimate based on self-reported information
- No credit check required
- Quick process, usually same day
- Not binding for lenders
- Good starting point for buyers
Pre-Approval
- Formal commitment based on verified information
- Includes credit check and verification
- Takes 3–5 business days
- Binding commitment from lender
- Shows sellers you're a serious buyer
Mortgage Calculator
Total Monthly Payment
$2,373
This calculator provides estimates for informational purposes. Actual payments may vary. Consult your lender for accurate quotes.
Affordability Guide
How Much Can You Afford?
Your home affordability depends on several factors including your income, credit score, down payment, and current debt. Most lenders use debt-to-income ratios to determine how much you can borrow. A general rule is that your total monthly debt payments shouldn't exceed 43% of your gross monthly income.
Key Affordability Factors
- Stable employment and income history
- Good credit score (typically 620+)
- Sufficient down payment (3–20%)
- Low debt-to-income ratio
- Savings for closing costs and emergencies
Understanding PITI
P
Principal
The amount borrowed that you pay back
I
Interest
The cost of borrowing the money
T
Taxes
Property taxes for your location
I
Insurance
Homeowners insurance protection
Budget For Your New Home
Know Your Monthly Income
Start by calculating your gross monthly income — your total earnings before taxes and deductions. This number helps determine how much home you can comfortably afford and serves as the foundation for your home-buying budget.
Determine a Comfortable Housing Payment
A good rule of thumb is to spend no more than 28% of your gross monthly income on housing expenses. This includes your mortgage payment, property taxes, homeowners insurance, and any HOA dues.
Plan For Your Down Payment
Most homebuyers put down between 3% and 20% of the home's purchase price. While a larger down payment can reduce your monthly payment, there are many loan programs available that require much less upfront.
Don't Forget Closing Costs
In addition to your down payment, budget for closing costs. These typically range from 2–5% of the purchase price and may include appraisal fees, title services, and loan-related expenses.
Prepare For Homeownership Expenses
A common recommendation is to set aside approximately 1% of your home's value each year for maintenance and repairs — covering HVAC, appliances, roof, plumbing, and general upkeep.
The 50/30/20 Rule
50%
NEEDS
- Housing
- Utilities
- Groceries
- Transportation
30%
WANTS
- Entertainment
- Dining Out
- Travel
- Hobbies
20%
SAVINGS & DEBT
- Emergency Fund
- Retirement Savings
- Paying Down Debt
The Home Buying Journey
Your Path Home
Establish Timeline
Set your target move-in date and work backwards to plan each step.
Define Ideal Home
List your must-haves, nice-to-haves, and deal-breakers.
Narrow Search
Tour homes and compare options with your agent.
Make Offer
Submit a competitive offer backed by market data.
Inspection & Appraisal
Verify the home's condition and value.
Finalize Financing
Lock in your rate and complete your loan application.
Final Walkthrough
Confirm the home is in agreed-upon condition.
Close & Move In
Sign documents, get your keys, and start your next chapter.
The Ten Commandments
When Applying for a Real Estate Loan
Thou shalt not change jobs, become self-employed or quit your job.
Thou shalt not buy a car, truck, or other vehicle.
Thou shalt not use credit cards excessively or let current accounts fall behind.
Thou shalt not spend money you have saved for closing costs.
Thou shalt not assume large debts or co-sign a loan.
Thou shalt not make large deposits without documenting the source.
Thou shalt not change banks or move money around without explanation.
Thou shalt not make any major purchases without consulting your lender.
Thou shalt not close credit card accounts or open new ones.
Thou shalt not ignore communication from your lender or real estate agent.
Home Inspection
A home inspection is a critical step. We recommend being present during the inspection so you can learn about the property's condition firsthand.
- Comprehensive evaluation of structural components
- Assessment of mechanical systems
- Identification of potential issues
- Detailed written report with findings
The Closing Process
Closing is where you officially become the homeowner. You and the seller meet with various professionals to finalize the transaction.
- Review and sign final loan documents
- Transfer funds for down payment and closing costs
- Receive the keys to your new home
- Officially take ownership of the property
Buying New Construction — Critical Reminder
⚠️ IMPORTANT: The builder has a professional representative watching out for their needs. REMEMBER — the Builder requires that your Agent accompany you on your first visit to the Builder's sales office, or they will NOT PAY your representative's fee!
Important Builder Questions:
- • What is included in the base price?
- • What upgrades are available and at what cost?
- • What is the estimated completion date?
- • What warranties are provided?
- • Are there any builder incentives or concessions?
Education
School Search Resources
Find information about schools in your area
ADE Data Center
Arkansas Department of Education data and school information
Great Schools
Comprehensive school ratings and reviews
National Alliance for Public Charter Schools AR
Arkansas charter school information and listings
Niche — Private Schools AR
Private school ratings and comparisons
Helping Children Cope with Moving
Communication Tips
- Talk openly about the move and answer questions honestly
- Let them help pack their own belongings
- Show them pictures of the new home and neighborhood
- Visit the new school and neighborhood before moving
Making the Transition Easier
- Set up their room first to create familiarity
- Maintain routines and familiar activities
- Help them make new friends through activities and school
- Stay positive and acknowledge their feelings
Checklists
Essential Checklists
House Hunting Checklist
The Home
- Exterior Condition
- Floorplan
- Kitchen
- Family Area
- Dining Area
- Laundry Room
- Primary Bedroom
- Primary Bathroom
- Extra Bathroom(s)
- Garage Size
- Lot
The Features
- Kitchen Appliances
- Laundry Appliances
- Fireplace
- Patio/Balcony
- Pool
- A/C & Heating System
- Security
Neighborhood Notes
Appearance: _______________
Traffic: _______________
Security/Safety: _______________
Nearby Schools: _______________
Moving Checklist
5+ Weeks Ahead
- Declutter
- Create a Budget
- Collect Packing Supplies
- Start School Enrollment
4 Weeks Ahead
- Start Packing
- Hire Movers or Schedule Truck Rental
- Change Address on Official Docs
- Schedule/Cancel Utilities
3 Weeks Ahead
- Sell & Donate Unwanted Stuff
- Clear Out Your Pantry
- Organize & Label Boxes
Moving Day
- Turn On Water & Heat
- Change Current Locks
- Get Groceries Delivered
- Don't Skip Meals!
- Clean As You Go
- Unpack Priority Boxes First
Utilities
Utility & Service Providers
Find contact information for utilities in your area
| Category | Company | Service Area | Phone | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electric | Entergy Arkansas | Statewide | 1-800-368-3749 | Visit |
| Electric | First Electric Cooperative | Jacksonville, Bryant, Heber Springs | 1-800-489-7405 | Visit |
| Electric | Arkansas Electric Cooperative (AECC) | Statewide | 501-570-2200 | Visit |
| Electric | Carroll Electric Cooperative | Berryville, Bentonville, Eureka Springs | 1-800-432-9720 | Visit |
| Electric | Ozarks Electric Cooperative | Fayetteville, Springdale, Rogers | 1-800-521-6144 | Visit |
| Electric | SWEPCO | Northwest Arkansas | 1-888-216-3523 | Visit |
| Gas | Summit Utilities | Statewide / Central AR | 1-800-992-7552 | Visit |
| Gas | Black Hills Energy | Northwest AR / Fayetteville | 1-888-890-5554 | Visit |
| Gas | Arkansas Oklahoma Gas (AOG) | Fort Smith area | 1-800-842-5690 | Visit |
| Water & Sewer | Central Arkansas Water | Little Rock, North Little Rock | 501-372-5161 | Visit |
| Water & Sewer | Hot Springs Utilities | Hot Springs | 501-321-6880 | Visit |
| Water & Sewer | Jonesboro City Water & Light | Jonesboro | 870-935-5581 | Visit |
| Internet & Cable | AT&T Fiber / Internet | Statewide | 1-800-288-2020 | Visit |
| Internet & Cable | Xfinity (Comcast) | Little Rock area | 1-800-934-6489 | Visit |
| Internet & Cable | Cox Communications | Northwest AR / Fort Smith | 1-800-234-3993 | Visit |
| Internet & Cable | Brightspeed | Statewide / Rural | 1-833-692-7773 | Visit |
| Internet & Cable | Kinetic by Windstream | Statewide | 1-800-347-1991 | Visit |
| Internet & Cable | Ritter Communications | Northeast AR / Jonesboro | 1-888-336-4466 | Visit |
Ready to Plant Your Roots?
Schedule a consultation with us to discuss your home buying journey.