Your Summer Homebuying Checklist

Summer Is One of the Busiest Seasons in Real Estate

More inventory, more competition, and motivated sellers, summer in Lincoln's housing market means things move fast. Whether you're a first-time buyer or upgrading to a larger home, having a clear plan before you start touring homes makes all the difference.

Here's a step-by-step checklist to help you buy with confidence this summer.

Before You Start Shopping

• Check your credit score. Log in to LincOne online banking and use the free SavvyMoney tool to see your credit score and what's affecting it. Most mortgage programs require a score of 620 or higher, though better scores unlock better rates.
• Review your budget honestly. Factor in not just your mortgage payment, but property taxes, homeowner's insurance, HOA fees (if applicable), and maintenance costs. A general rule: housing costs shouldn't exceed 28–30% of your gross monthly income.
• Start saving for your down payment and closing costs. Down payments can range from 3% to 20%+ depending on the loan type. Closing costs typically add another 2–5% of the purchase price. Get a clear savings target and a timeline.
• Get pre-approved, not just pre-qualified. Pre-approval is a full credit and income review, giving you a firm borrowing amount and making your offers more competitive. LincOne's Mortgage Loan Officer, Alyssa McManus can walk you through this quickly.

While You're House Hunting

• Know your must-haves vs. nice-to-haves. Write them down before you start touring. It's easy to get emotionally attached to a home that checks your nice-to-haves but misses the things that actually matter to your daily life.
• Research Lincoln neighborhoods. Consider commute times, school districts, proximity to amenities, and long-term appreciation potential. Neighborhoods like Williamsburg, Fallbrook, and the Southeast Lincoln corridor are popular for different reasons.
• Move quickly, but not recklessly. Summer inventory in Lincoln can move within days. Stay ready to write an offer, but never skip a home inspection. A fast offer on a bad house is worse than a slow offer on the right one.
• Keep your finances stable. Don't open new credit lines, make large purchases, or change jobs while your mortgage is in process. Lenders will re-verify your finances before closing.

Making an Offer

• Work with a knowledgeable local agent. A Lincoln-area agent who knows the market can help you price your offer competitively and write terms that appeal to sellers.
• Understand what's negotiable. Price, closing date, contingencies, and who pays closing costs are all negotiable. Alyssa McManus, LincOne's Mortgage Loan Officer, can help you understand how different terms affect your financing. Schedule a free consultation today, and she will be happy to answer all home-buying questions.
• Include an inspection contingency. This protects you from buying a home with significant hidden problems. Never waive this lightly.

Before Closing

• Complete your final walkthrough. Do this 24–48 hours before closing to confirm the home's condition matches what you agreed to purchase.
• Review your Closing Disclosure carefully. This document outlines all your final loan terms, costs, and payment details. Compare it to your Loan Estimate and ask your lender about any differences.
• Bring everything to closing. Valid government ID, certified funds for your down payment and closing costs, and any documents your lender requests.

Ready to Get Pre-Approved?

LincOne offers mortgage loans for purchases, refinances, and construction with local decision-making and a dedicated local Loan Officer who guides you through every step. Apply online in minutes or schedule a conversation with Alyssa today.

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