Home Buyer Readiness Quiz
Are You Ready to Buy a Home?
Ten quick yes-or-no questions. Find out where you stand today and get a personal list of next steps for buying in the Capital Region.
How It Works
Takes about two minutes. No sign-up, and nothing you click is saved or sent anywhere.
1. Answer 10 Questions
Tap Yes or Not Yet. Each answer comes with a quick tip.
2. See Your Result
Ready to Go, Almost There or Getting Started.
3. Get Your Next Steps
A personal checklist built from your Not Yet answers.
The Quiz
Be honest. A Not Yet just means there's a step to take first.
Do you know your credit score, and is it in good shape?
Yes
Great. Good credit opens the door to better rates and more loan options.
Not Yet
Get your free credit reports at AnnualCreditReport.com and dispute any errors. Many loan programs look for a score of 620 or higher, and some government-backed loans allow lower. A lender can tell you exactly what to work on.
Have you been pre-approved by a mortgage lender?
Yes
Perfect. You know your price range, and sellers take pre-approved buyers seriously.
Not Yet
A pre-approval shows what you can borrow and makes your offer stronger. It's free to talk with a lender, and we can connect you with trusted local lenders.
Do you have money set aside for a down payment?
Yes
Nice work. Your lender will help you decide how much to put down.
Not Yet
You may need less than you think. Some loan programs allow as little as 3% down, eligible VA and USDA buyers may put nothing down, and New York's SONYMA programs offer down payment assistance to eligible buyers. Ask a lender what you qualify for.
Have you budgeted for closing costs on top of your down payment?
Yes
Smart. No surprises on closing day.
Not Yet
In New York, closing costs include attorney fees, title insurance, lender fees and prepaid taxes and insurance. Your lender's Loan Estimate lists them, so you can plan ahead.
Do you know the monthly payment you're comfortable with, including taxes and insurance?
Yes
Good. Comparing homes by the full monthly payment, not just the price, is the right way to shop.
Not Yet
Your payment is more than the loan. In the Capital Region, property and school taxes vary a lot from town to town and can change the monthly cost of two similarly priced homes. Set a comfortable number before you start touring.
Is your income steady, and are your other debts under control?
Yes
Great. Keep it that way until closing: no new car loans or credit cards.
Not Yet
Lenders look at your work history and how much of your income goes to debt payments. Paying balances down and avoiding new debt before you apply can make a real difference.
Will you still have savings left after closing for moving costs and surprises?
Yes
Excellent. A cushion makes the first year of ownership far less stressful.
Not Yet
Every home needs something eventually. Plan to keep some savings for moving, repairs and the first few months in your new home.
Do you know your must-haves and the towns or school districts you want?
Yes
You're ahead of the game. Let's set up a search with instant alerts.
Not Yet
Explore our Neighborhood Guides, or tell us what you're looking for with the Dream Home Finder and we'll build a custom search for you.
Do you know when you want to move, and does your lease or current home fit that timeline?
Yes
Great. A clear timeline helps us plan your offer and closing date.
Not Yet
Check your lease end date, or if you own, talk with us about selling your current home and buying your next one in the right order.
Do you have a buyer's agent and understand how a buyer agency agreement works?
Yes
Good. You have someone in your corner from first tour to closing.
Not Yet
Buyers now sign a written agreement with their agent before touring homes. At a buyer consultation we'll walk through ours line by line, so you know exactly how we work for you.
Answered: of 10 · Yes answers:
Answer all 10 questions to see your result.
Ready to Go!
You're in great shape to start touring homes. Let's set up your search and talk strategy so you're ready to move fast when the right home hits the market.
Almost There
You have a solid start. A few steps now will make your offer stronger. We'll connect you with a trusted lender and map out a timeline that works for you.
Getting Started
No problem, every buyer starts somewhere. Use the steps below as your game plan. We're happy to help you build it, with no pressure and no obligation.
Your Next Steps
- Check your credit reports for free at AnnualCreditReport.com and fix any errors.
- Get pre-approved. Ask us for a trusted local lender.
- Ask a lender about low-down-payment loans and SONYMA down payment assistance.
- Get a Loan Estimate so you know your closing costs.
- Set a comfortable monthly payment, including property and school taxes and insurance.
- Pay down balances and hold off on new loans or credit cards.
- Build a savings cushion for moving and first-year repairs.
- List your must-haves and explore our Neighborhood Guides.
- Pin down your timeline: your lease end date, or a plan to sell your current home.
- Book a buyer consultation to choose an agent and review the buyer agency agreement.
8-10 Yes: Ready to Go · 5-7 Yes: Almost There · 0-4 Yes: Getting Started · Start over
Wherever You Landed, We Can Help
First home, next home or investment, we'll help you get ready and guide you all the way to the keys.