Finding the Right Homebuying Team: Your Guide to a Smoother Real Estate Journey

At Preferred Properties of Texas, we’ve been helping individuals and families buy and sell real estate for over 30 years. With our deep roots in the community and a commitment to providing trusted guidance, we understand that buying a home is one of life’s biggest decisions — and having the right team by your side can make all the difference.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned homeowner, building a strong homebuying team is key to a successful, stress-free experience.

Why the Right Team Matters

When you’re making one of the largest financial decisions of your life, it’s crucial to work with experienced professionals who can guide you through the process. The right team will help you avoid pitfalls, make informed choices, and feel confident every step of the way.

How to Find Trusted Team Members

Start by asking friends, family, or colleagues for referrals — especially those who’ve recently purchased homes. Look for professionals who are not only experienced and reputable but who also make you feel comfortable, both financially and emotionally.

Let’s break down the three core roles that should make up your homebuying team.

1. Housing Counselor: Your Financial Readiness Coach

What is a Housing Counselor?
Housing counselors are independent professionals trained to offer free or low-cost guidance on financial readiness, credit management, and the homebuying process. They work with your best interests in mind and can be an invaluable asset — especially for first-time buyers.

How They Help:

• Assess your financial readiness
• Offer budget and credit advice
• Help you understand mortgage types and down payment options
• Explain your real estate agent and lender’s roles
• Provide support if you’re facing financial difficulty or mortgage challenges

You can find a HUD-certified housing counselor through the Housing Help Center Network or via the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

2. Real Estate Agent: Your Market Expert and Negotiator

At Preferred Properties of Texas, we’ve built our reputation on providing reliable, knowledgeable real estate service that puts your needs first. Your real estate agent is your go-to resource throughout the homebuying process — from house hunting to closing day.

What a Real Estate Agent Does:

• Finds homes that match your needs and budget
• Provides insight into neighborhoods, school districts, and taxes
• Structures and negotiates your offer
• Coordinates paperwork and timelines

Types of Agents:

• Buying agents help you find and purchase your home
• Listing agents help you sell your home when the time comes

How to Choose the Right Agent:

• Ask friends and family for recommendations
• Read online reviews and testimonials
• Interview multiple agents before deciding
• Choose someone experienced in the specific market or home type you’re interested in

Whether you’re looking at ranches, new builds, or suburban homes, we’ll match you with the agent best suited to your needs.

3. Lender: Your Financial Partner in Homeownership

Your lender plays a critical role in helping you secure financing that aligns with your goals. They’ll explain mortgage types, interest rates, and terms — and walk you through the loan process from start to finish.

6 Tips for Choosing the Right Lender

1. Get Quotes from Multiple Lenders
   Compare at least three to five lenders to understand your options and save money over time.
2. Consider Different Lender Types
   Explore offers from banks, credit unions, mortgage brokers, and non-bank lenders.
3. Compare Loans on the Same Day
   Mortgage rates fluctuate daily. Compare offers on the same day for an accurate comparison.
4. Shop Within a 45-Day Window
   Doing so minimizes the impact of multiple credit checks on your credit score.
5. Look Beyond the Interest Rate
   Compare total loan costs, including APR, fees, and closing costs — not just the rate.
6. Ask Questions
   Don’t hesitate to ask your lender to explain unfamiliar terms or features.

Bonus Tip:
A HUD-certified housing counselor can help you evaluate mortgage offers and lenders, giving you an unbiased opinion as you make your decision.

Let Preferred Properties of Texas Be Part of Your Team

When you choose Preferred Properties of Texas, you’re not just getting an agent — you’re gaining a team with decades of experience and a passion for helping Texans achieve their real estate dreams.

Whether you’re buying your first home or your forever home, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Ready to build your homebuying team?
Contact us today to get started, 254-965-7775!

Preferred Properties of Texas – Stephenville, TX

What You Really Need to Know Before Buying a Home or Land

Dreaming of owning your first home, investing in land, or finding that perfect ranch property in Texas—but feeling overwhelmed by the idea of a big down payment?

You’re not alone—and the good news is, you have more options than you think.

At Preferred Properties of Texas, our seasoned agents have been helping buyers navigate the real estate process for over 30 years. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or experienced investor, we’re here to help you set realistic goals and turn your dreams into reality.

The Truth About Down Payments

A lot of people think you need 20% down to buy a home. That’s one of the most common myths in real estate—and it’s simply not true.

In 2024, the National Association of REALTORS® reported:

• The median down payment across all buyers was 18%
• First-time buyers put down an average of 9%—the highest since 1997
• Repeat buyers averaged 19%, the highest since 2003

In many cases, you can buy a home with as little as 3% down, depending on the loan program and your financial profile.

What If You Put Less Than 20% Down?

If your down payment is under 20%, you’ll likely pay something called Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI). This monthly cost protects the lender—not you—if you stop making payments.

But here’s the key:
PMI isn’t forever. Once you’ve built 20% equity in your home, you can cancel it (or it will automatically drop off once you reach 78% of the original loan amount).

For most buyers, PMI is a small extra cost that allows them to get into a home sooner, rather than waiting years to save up 20%.

Real-World Example: $200,000 Home

Waiting to save $40,000 might delay your purchase for years—while $80/month in PMI could get you into a home now.

You Have More Options Than You Think

You don’t have to fund your down payment from savings alone. Many buyers use a mix of:

• Personal savings
• Gifts or loans from family
• Proceeds from selling another property
• Retirement funds or other assets
• Down payment assistance programs from local or state governments

In Texas, there are numerous programs that provide grants, forgivable loans, or low-interest second loans to help you get started.

Don’t Let 20% Myths Keep You on the Sidelines

A Freddie Mac survey found that 1 in 3 buyers still believe a 20% down payment is required. That belief is keeping people from pursuing homeownership—when in fact, it’s entirely possible with much less.

Here’s what’s more realistic in today’s market:

We’re Here to Help You Every Step of the Way

At Preferred Properties of Texas, we make the process easier—from explaining your financing options to helping you find the perfect home, land, or ranch property. We’ve been proudly serving buyers across Stephenville and surrounding areas for over three decades.

Whether you’re just starting or ready to take the next step—we’re ready when you are.

Call us today at 254-965-7775
Use this Down Payment Calculator to get a head start
Learn more at preferredpropertiestx.com

Preferred Properties of Texas – Stephenville, TX