Five Steps to Get Mortgage-Ready in the Cape Fear Region

Buying your first home is one of the biggest financial steps most families ever take. At AMEZ Housing CDC, our homebuyer education classes begin long before anyone looks at a house. Here are five steps we walk through with every family in the Cape Fear region.

1. Know your numbers

Write down your income and every monthly expense. A clear budget tells you what you can truly afford, not just what a lender might approve.

2. Check your credit

Pull your credit reports, look for errors, and make a plan to pay down balances. Small, steady progress moves your score more than you might expect.

3. Build your savings

Lenders want to see a cushion for the down payment, closing costs and life's surprises. Automatic transfers, even small ones, add up.

4. Learn the process

Pre-approval, inspections, appraisals and closing can feel like a foreign language. Our classes translate each step so there are no surprises at the table.

5. Ask about assistance

Eligible buyers may qualify for down payment assistance. Come talk with a counselor and bring your questions. See our full list of services or contact our office to register for a class.