Essential Steps for Mortgage Pre-Approval

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If you’re serious about buying a home, getting pre-approved for a mortgage is a crucial step. It’s also a tedious one. Lenders seem to want a mountain of documents. Yet the payoff is worth it. Most agents recommend mortgage pre-approval because it strengthens your offer. Sellers like to know the buyer already has financing secured.  

Below is a checklist of all the items you will need for a conventional loan.

1. Identification

(one of these, which you will need to show in person)

  • Driver’s license
  • Passport
  • Other state- or federal-issued ID

2. Income

  • Pay stubs for the last 30 days
  • Last two federal tax returns
  • Last two W-2s
  • Proof of any additional income (second jobs, social security, alimony, etc.)

3. Accounts

  • Last two statements on all bank accounts – be sure to include all pages, even blank ones
  • Statements for all investment and/or retirement accounts

4. Property

  • Settlement statement from previous home sale, if applicable

5. Additional Documents

  • Contact information for your landlord(s) for the last two years, if applicable
  • Divorce decree, separation agreement, and/or property settlement agreement, if applicable
  • Gift letter if a family member is helping with down payment (lender will have form)  
  • A letter of explanation (LOE) for late payments, collections, judgments, or other derogatory items in your credit history, if applicable  

A conventional loan is just one option. Other loans include VA, USDA, and FHA. CONTACT YOUR REALTOR® to discuss which of these may be the best option for you.

Remember, pre-approval is just one step in the home-buying process. It’s important to work with a qualified real estate agent to help you navigate the entire process.

Contact: Jacquelyn Stonehocker (706) 251-7315 | (470) 655-1976 HEARTLAND REAL ESTATE

Top 4 Questions to Ask Your REALTOR® When Buying a Home

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Four Questions to Ask Your REALTOR® When Buying a Home

Buying a home is a big decision, and there are a lot of steps involved. It’s important to ask your REALTOR® questions throughout the process to make sure you’re making informed decisions. Here are four questions you should ask your REALTOR® when buying a home:

1. How many clients have you helped to purchase a home?

Your REALTOR® should be an expert in the home buying process. Ask them how many clients they’ve helped to purchase a home. This will give you an idea of their experience and knowledge.

2. How old is the HVAC, water heater, and roof of this home?

It’s easy to be dazzled by the aesthetic features of a home. However, it’s important to pay attention to the nuts and bolts. Ask your REALTOR® about the age of the HVAC, water heater, and roof. These items can be expensive to replace, so it’s important to know their condition.

3. What if the home inspection reveals major issues?

Most of the time, home inspections go as expected. However, it’s important to be prepared for the possibility of major issues. Ask your REALTOR® what would happen if the inspection reveals major issues. Would you be able to negotiate with the seller for repairs? Or would you need to walk away from the deal?

4. What happens if the appraisal comes back low?

In competitive markets, it’s possible for the sales price of a home to be higher than its appraised value. This can be a problem because lenders typically won’t lend more than the appraised value of a home. Ask your REALTOR® what would happen if the appraisal comes back low. Would you need to come up with the difference in cash? Or would you need to walk away from the deal?

Your REALTOR® is your best resource throughout the home buying process. Don’t be afraid to ask them questions. They’re there to help you!

Additional Information

Here are a few other questions you may want to ask your REALTOR®:

  • What is the average sale price of homes in this area?
  • How long have homes been on the market in this area?
  • What is the current inventory of homes for sale in this area?
  • What are the closing costs associated with buying a home in this area?
  • What are the property taxes in this area?
  • What are the homeowner’s association fees in this area?
  • What are the schools like in this area?
  • What are the crime rates in this area?
  • What are the amenities in this area?
  • What are the transportation options in this area?

By asking your REALTOR® these questions, you can make sure you’re making informed decisions about buying a home.

I hope this blog post is helpful!

Please let me know if you have any other questions.

Spring into Action: Sell Your Home with These Steps

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Spring has officially arrived, and with it comes the busiest time of year for home sales! If you’re planning to put your house on the market in April or May, now is the perfect time to start preparing. But before you list, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing the right real estate agent.

Why Spring is Prime Selling Season

Did you know that homes listed in spring sell faster and for more money? According to real estate data:

*Homes listed in April and May sell for 2-3% more on average compared to other months. That could mean thousands of extra dollars in your pocket!
*Spring listings sell faster—often within 20% less time than homes listed in the fall or winter.
*Buyer demand peaks in spring, as families want to move before summer and the start of a new school year.

With more buyers actively searching, now is the perfect time to get your home ready to shine!

3 Steps to Get Your Home Market-Ready

1. Declutter and Deep Clean 🧼

First impressions matter! Start by removing personal items, clearing countertops, and organizing closets. A deep clean—windows, floors, and baseboards—will make your home feel fresh and inviting.

2. Boost Your Curb Appeal 🌿

Spring is the season of renewal, and your home’s exterior should reflect that! Fresh mulch, trimmed hedges, and a pop of color with flowers can instantly boost buyer interest. A clean front porch and a welcoming entryway make a huge difference.

3. Find the Right Real Estate Agent 🏡

You don’t have to navigate this process alone! A great agent will help you price your home correctly. They will market it to the right buyers. They will also negotiate the best deal. If you haven’t chosen an agent yet, now is the time!

Let’s Get Your Home Sold!

If you’re thinking about selling this spring but haven’t selected a real estate agent yet, I’d love to help! With expert marketing, local market knowledge, and a personalized approach, I’ll make sure your home stands out.

📞 Let’s chat today to start preparing your home for a successful spring sale!

Jacquelyn Stonehocker 706-251-7315

VA Loans Explained, and the Assumptions we make

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VA loans are such a great resource for military members. The VA funding fee is low, closing costs are low, and no down payment required? It a win! In the following video I have guest Daniel Yonchak explain the process of getting the eligibility certificate, how a surviving spouse can use the VA loan, and we also talk about assuming a sellers VA loan. Assuming a loan allows you to capture a lower interest rate, which is a big deal in the current market. When you’ve finished watching, download this free VA Buyers Guide.

Post Script- When I was making the thumbnail for the video I was having a hard time choosing an image. I found this picture of my mom and dad headed to military ball, and then remembered this picture from Jayson’s DLI graduation. I actually remember shopping with my mom for that dress when I was about 5, and thinking it was so pretty, and that she was the most beautiful mommy in the whole world.

So many mixed emotions here, but such a sense of connection to my parents and to generations of military service.

Mistletoe State Park

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One of our favorite places to go lately has been Mistletoe State Park. It allows us get the kids out of the house, into nature, and still practice our “social distancing”. It has several hiking trails of varying difficulty, boat ramps, and camp grounds. The park rangers have a short tour they can take you on, as well as a small education center for field trips.

Most of the time we hike the white trail circled in yellow. It’s very easy, and we usually end up playing in the creek for a while with the dogs and kids, then return on the same path. Sometimes we go on a little further to the blue line and race up the side of of the “mountain”. We made it all the way around the white loop a few weeks ago and found it a really lovely way to show the kids a widely changing landscape in a short distance.

Just a few days ago we decided to venture further on the blue trail. Circled again in yellow is the trail we took. With 4 kids and 2 dogs it took us about 3 hours with stops to play in the water and walk across fallen logs. It was such a blast!

We stopped and played at the spot marked with a star for a bit. It has a small waterfall and a sandy area perfect for kids. The spot marked with a diamond is where there is a small “canyon” that the kids thought was really cool. You might think you are walking off the trail but just follow the blue diamonds and you’ll make your way around the loop.

I would say this was trail was easy but longish. I’m guessing we hiked about 6 miles. It wouldn’t be ideal for someone who gets winded easily, or struggles to walk on uneven terrain. One child was in sandals and hiked just fine. There are no porta potties on the trail and it’s pretty muddy in some areas. You have to go through the mud to stay on the trail in some areas during rainy months. Along the creek we went off the marked trail because, as you can see, the blue path can be quite a bit longer. Even though we were off the marked path, it was still a somewhat worn and was easy to see trail.

We made one mistake on this hike. In all the times we’ve been here we’ve never come back with a tick. That was not the case this time and I would definitely make sure you pack some good insect repellent and take care of your pets. Our dogs had their first ticks on this trip. We have never seen snakes on our adventures here, but I am sure they are there somewhere. Be sure to hike with snacks, and water, and take some time to just sit and enjoy the park! If you live in the Augusta Georgia area, this is a great staycation day.

Doesn’t this sound soothing?