Home Buying Checklist El Paso, TX

Pull your credit reports from all three bureaus (AnnualCreditReport.com) — check for errors and dispute any inaccuracies

Calculate your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio — most lenders want it below 43%

Save for your down payment and closing costs — budget 2% to 4% of purchase price for closing costs alone

Research down payment assistance programs — TSAHC, My First Texas Home, and City of El Paso DPA may be available to you

Gather all mortgage documents: W-2s, tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, and photo ID

Get mortgage pre-approval (not just pre-qualification) from at least two lenders — compare rates and fees

If you are a veteran or active duty, verify your VA loan eligibility and request your Certificate of Eligibility

Interview and hire a licensed El Paso broker — verify their TREC license at the TREC public database

Define your priorities: neighborhood (Upper Valley, Westside, Northeast, Eastside), school district, commute, minimum bedrooms/bathrooms, HOA preference

Research neighborhoods using GEPAR MLS data — ask your broker for average days on market and price per square foot by area

Set up MLS search alerts with your broker for homes that match your criteria — be ready to move fast on well-priced listings

Tour homes with your broker — take photos, notes on roof age, HVAC, water heater, and foundation condition

Research comparable sales (comps) before making any offer — your broker will pull GEPAR MLS data

Make a competitive offer using the TREC One to Four Family Residential Contract — include earnest money (typically 1% of price), option fee, and option period length

Review seller's disclosures carefully once the offer is accepted — look for known issues, permit history, and HOA documents

Hire a licensed Texas home inspector immediately — schedule within 1 to 2 days of contract execution

Review the inspection report with your broker — negotiate repairs, price reduction, or seller credits as needed

Submit your full mortgage application and all supporting documents to your lender without delay

Order homeowner's insurance and provide proof to your lender — shop multiple carriers, El Paso rates vary widely

Respond to all lender requests (conditions) within 24 hours — delays here push back your closing date

Review the title commitment with your broker and title company — confirm clean title, no hidden liens

Schedule your final walk-through 24 hours before closing — verify repairs are complete and property condition is unchanged

Review the Closing Disclosure at least 24 hours before closing — compare to your original Loan Estimate

Arrange your closing funds via wire transfer or cashier's check — personal checks are not accepted

Bring two forms of ID to closing (driver's license + second ID recommended)

Sign all closing documents, receive your keys, and officially become a homeowner