| name | house-buyer |
| description | End-to-end home purchase guide covering financial readiness assessment, mortgage pre-approval, house hunting strategy, making offers, home inspection, closing process, first-time buyer programs, and moving coordination. Use when the user asks about house buyer or needs help with related topics. Do NOT use for unrelated domains or when a more specialized skill exists.
|
| license | Apache-2.0 |
| metadata | {"author":"foundry-skills","version":"1.0.0","tags":"family-events home-buying planning","category":"family-relationships","subcategory":"family-events","depends":"","disclaimer":"none","difficulty":"beginner"} |
House Buyer
When to Use
Process
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Gather requirements. Ask the user clarifying questions about their specific context, goals, constraints, and experience level.
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Analyze the situation. Review the information provided and identify key factors, challenges, and opportunities relevant to house buyer.
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Develop the framework. Create a structured approach tailored to the user's needs, incorporating best practices and domain-specific considerations.
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Deliver actionable output. Present specific, implementable recommendations with clear rationale, timelines, and success criteria.
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Address edge cases. Proactively identify potential issues, alternative approaches, and contingency plans.
Use this skill when:
- User needs guidance on house buyer
- User asks about house buyer best practices or techniques
- User wants a structured approach to house buyer
Do NOT use this skill when:
- A more specialized skill exists for the specific subtopic
- The request is outside the scope of house buyer
You are an experienced real estate advisor who guides people through the entire home buying process. You understand that buying a home is likely the largest financial decision most people will make, and you approach it with both analytical rigor and emotional intelligence. You help buyers avoid common pitfalls while finding a home that fits their life, not just their budget.
Questions to Ask First
Before providing guidance, understand the buyer's situation:
- Where are you in the process? (Just thinking about it / Actively saving / Pre-approved / Currently house hunting / Under contract)
- Is this your first home purchase? (Opens up first-time buyer programs)
- What's your household income and current savings? (Determines realistic budget)
- Do you have existing debt? (Student loans, car payments, credit cards affect DTI ratio)
- What area are you looking in? (Market conditions vary dramatically by region)
- What's your timeline? (Lease ending, life change, or flexible)
- Are you buying alone or with a partner/co-buyer?
- Have you checked your credit score recently?
- Do you have a real estate agent yet?
- What are your non-negotiables vs. nice-to-haves?
Financial Readiness Assessment
The Affordability Framework
MONTHLY HOUSING BUDGET CALCULATION
-----------------------------------
Gross Monthly Income: $__________
x 0.28 (front-end ratio max): $__________ ← Maximum housing payment
x 0.36 (back-end ratio max): $__________ ← Maximum all debt payments
Housing Payment Includes:
- Principal + Interest (P&I)
- Property Taxes (estimated 1-2% of home value annually)
- Homeowner's Insurance (~$1,200-$2,400/year)
- PMI if <20% down (~0.5-1% of loan annually)
- HOA dues (if applicable)
- Flood/earthquake insurance (if required)
Savings Targets
DOWN PAYMENT OPTIONS:
Conventional (20% down): No PMI, best rates
Conventional (3-5% down): PMI required until 80% LTV
FHA (3.5% down): Mortgage insurance for life of loan
VA (0% down): Veterans/active military only
USDA (0% down): Rural areas, income limits
ADDITIONAL CASH NEEDED:
Closing costs: 2-5% of purchase price
Earnest money deposit: 1-3% of offer price
Home inspection: $300-$600
Appraisal: $300-$500
Moving costs: $1,000-$5,000+
Emergency fund (keep!): 3-6 months of expenses
Immediate repairs/furnishing: $2,000-$10,000+
EXAMPLE FOR $350,000 HOME (10% DOWN):
Down payment: $35,000
Closing costs (~3%): $10,500
Earnest money: $3,500 (applied to down payment)
Inspections/appraisal: $800
Moving: $3,000
Emergency reserve (keep): $15,000
Initial home costs: $5,000
TOTAL CASH NEEDED: ~$69,300
Credit Score Impact
| Credit Score | Rate Impact | Action |
|---|
| 760+ | Best available rates | Proceed confidently |
| 700-759 | Slightly higher rates | Good position, minor optimization possible |
| 660-699 | Noticeably higher rates | Consider 3-6 months of improvement |
| 620-659 | Significantly higher rates | Spend 6-12 months improving |
| Below 620 | Conventional difficult; FHA possible | Focus on credit repair first |
Credit Improvement Quick Wins
- Pay down credit card balances below 30% utilization (ideally below 10%)
- Dispute any errors on credit reports (all three bureaus)
- Do NOT open new credit accounts or close old ones
- Set all bills to autopay to avoid late payments
- Become an authorized user on someone's old, well-managed account
Mortgage Pre-Approval Process
Documents to Gather
EMPLOYMENT & INCOME:
[ ] Last 2 years of W-2s
[ ] Last 2 years of tax returns (all pages)
[ ] Last 30 days of pay stubs
[ ] If self-employed: 2 years of business tax returns + P&L statement
[ ] Bonus/commission documentation
[ ] Social Security/pension/disability income proof
ASSETS:
[ ] Last 2-3 months of all bank statements (every page)
[ ] Investment account statements
[ ] 401k/IRA statements
[ ] Gift letter (if receiving down payment help)
IDENTITY & RESIDENCY:
[ ] Government-issued photo ID
[ ] Social Security number
[ ] Current address history (2 years)
[ ] Rental payment history
DEBTS:
[ ] Student loan statements
[ ] Auto loan statements
[ ] Credit card statements
[ ] Alimony/child support orders
Lender Comparison Strategy
- Get quotes from at least 3 lenders: one big bank, one credit union, one mortgage broker
- All credit pulls within a 14-45 day window count as ONE inquiry
- Compare: interest rate, APR, closing costs, lender fees, rate lock period
- Ask about rate lock policies and float-down options
Mortgage Types Explained
- 30-Year Fixed: Lowest monthly payment, highest total interest, most popular
- 15-Year Fixed: Higher monthly payment, much less total interest, faster equity
- 5/1 ARM: Lower initial rate for 5 years, then adjusts annually (risky if staying long-term)
- FHA: Government-insured, lower credit/down payment requirements, mandatory mortgage insurance
- VA: No down payment, no PMI, competitive rates (military only)
- USDA: No down payment, income limits, rural areas only
House Hunting Strategy
Needs vs. Wants Framework
NON-NEGOTIABLES (must have):
[ ] Minimum bedrooms: ___
[ ] Location/commute maximum: ___
[ ] School district requirements: ___
[ ] Accessibility needs: ___
[ ] ________________________
STRONG PREFERENCES (very important):
[ ] Garage/parking: ___
[ ] Yard/outdoor space: ___
[ ] Home office space: ___
[ ] ________________________
NICE-TO-HAVES (would be great):
[ ] Updated kitchen
[ ] Open floor plan
[ ] ________________________
DEAL BREAKERS (absolutely not):
[ ] ________________________
[ ] ________________________
Market Analysis
- Seller's Market: Low inventory, multiple offers common. Be prepared to act fast, offer strong.
- Buyer's Market: More inventory, longer days on market. Negotiate hard, take your time.
- Balanced Market: Fair negotiations. Standard contingencies usually accepted.
Red Flags During Showings
- Fresh paint in isolated areas (covering damage)
- Strong air fresheners or candles (masking odors)
- Evidence of water damage (stains on ceilings, warped floors, musty smell)
- Foundation cracks wider than 1/4 inch
- Doors/windows that stick (settling issues)
- Recent "flip" with cosmetic-only updates
- Nearby environmental concerns (power lines, flood zones, industrial sites)
Making an Offer
Offer Strategy Framework
COMPETITIVE OFFER COMPONENTS:
1. Price: Based on comps, market conditions, and your maximum
2. Earnest money: Higher = more serious (1-3% typical)
3. Contingencies: Inspection, financing, appraisal (remove cautiously)
4. Closing timeline: Align with seller's preference
5. Escalation clause: "Will pay $X above highest offer, up to $Y"
6. Personal letter: Effective in some situations (check legality in your state)
7. Proof of funds / pre-approval letter: Included with every offer
OFFER PRICE DECISION:
Recent comparable sales: $__________
Days on market: __________ (longer = more negotiable)
Number of competing offers: __________ (if known)
Your maximum comfortable: $__________
Offer price: $__________
Negotiation Principles
- Your agent negotiates for you; communicate your limits clearly to them
- Everything is negotiable: price, closing costs, repairs, appliances, closing date
- Do not fall in love before you own it; emotional attachment weakens negotiation
- Know your walk-away number before negotiations begin
- Seller concessions can cover closing costs (effectively reducing your cash needed)
Home Inspection
What the Inspector Checks
- Structural integrity (foundation, framing, roof)
- Electrical system (panel, wiring, outlets, GFCI)
- Plumbing (pipes, water heater, water pressure, sewer line)
- HVAC (furnace, AC, ductwork, age of systems)
- Roof condition and estimated remaining life
- Attic and insulation
- Exterior (siding, grading, drainage)
- Windows and doors
- Appliances (if included in sale)
Inspection Response Strategy
CATEGORY 1 - SAFETY/STRUCTURAL (always request repair or credit):
- Electrical hazards
- Foundation issues
- Roof failure
- Mold remediation
- Radon mitigation
- Lead paint or asbestos
CATEGORY 2 - MAJOR SYSTEMS (negotiate repair/credit):
- HVAC near end of life
- Water heater issues
- Plumbing problems
- Major appliance failure
CATEGORY 3 - MAINTENANCE (generally absorb):
- Cosmetic issues
- Minor wear and tear
- Caulking/grout
- Small repairs you can DIY
Additional Inspections to Consider
- Sewer/septic scope: $150-$300 (highly recommended for older homes)
- Radon test: $150-$200 (important in many regions)
- Termite/pest inspection: $75-$150 (often required by lender)
- Mold testing: $300-$600 (if signs of water damage)
- Well water testing: $100-$300 (if on well water)
First-Time Buyer Programs
Federal Programs
- FHA Loans: 3.5% down, 580+ credit score, available through approved lenders
- VA Loans: 0% down, no PMI, for veterans/active duty/surviving spouses
- USDA Loans: 0% down, rural areas, income limits apply
- Good Neighbor Next Door (HUD): 50% discount for teachers, law enforcement, firefighters, EMTs in revitalization areas
State and Local Programs
- Most states offer down payment assistance (DPA) programs
- Many are forgivable after 5-10 years of residency
- Income limits usually apply (often up to 120% of area median income)
- Search: "[Your State] Housing Finance Authority" for current programs
- County and city programs may stack with state programs
Tax Benefits
- Mortgage interest deduction (if you itemize)
- Property tax deduction (up to $10,000 SALT limit)
- First-time buyer IRA withdrawal ($10,000 penalty-free from traditional IRA)
- Mortgage credit certificate (MCC) in some states (direct tax credit)
The Closing Process
Closing Timeline (Typical 30-45 Days)
Week 1: Offer accepted → Earnest money deposited
Loan application submitted (if not already)
Title search initiated
Week 2: Home inspection → Negotiate repairs/credits
Appraisal ordered by lender
Week 3: Appraisal completed → Review results
Loan processing (document requests)
Homeowner's insurance secured
Week 4: Underwriting review
Final loan approval (clear to close)
Closing disclosure received (review 3+ days before closing)
Week 5: Final walkthrough (day of or day before closing)
CLOSING DAY: Sign documents, transfer funds, get keys
Closing Day Checklist
BRING TO CLOSING:
[ ] Government-issued photo ID (both buyers if applicable)
[ ] Cashier's check or wire transfer confirmation for closing funds
[ ] Proof of homeowner's insurance
[ ] Any documents your lender/attorney requested
REVIEW BEFORE SIGNING:
[ ] Closing Disclosure matches Loan Estimate (within tolerance)
[ ] Interest rate and loan terms are correct
[ ] Closing costs match expectations
[ ] Seller credits/concessions are reflected
[ ] Property address and legal description are correct
[ ] Proration of taxes and HOA dues are correct
Post-Purchase: First 30 Days
Immediate Tasks
DAY 1:
[ ] Change locks (or re-key)
[ ] Test smoke/CO detectors, replace batteries
[ ] Locate main water shutoff, electrical panel, gas shutoff
[ ] Document condition of everything (photos/video)
WEEK 1:
[ ] Transfer all utilities to your name
[ ] Update address: USPS, DMV, employer, banks, subscriptions
[ ] Meet immediate neighbors
[ ] Deep clean before fully moving in
[ ] Set up home security system
MONTH 1:
[ ] File homestead exemption (if applicable in your state)
[ ] Set up a home maintenance calendar
[ ] Build relationships with reliable contractors
[ ] Start emergency fund replenishment
[ ] Review and file all closing documents safely
Ongoing Homeownership Budget
MONTHLY SET-ASIDES:
Maintenance reserve: 1-2% of home value annually (÷ 12)
For a $350,000 home: $290-$580/month
ANNUAL TASKS:
- HVAC service (spring and fall)
- Gutter cleaning (fall)
- Roof inspection (annually)
- Water heater flush (annually)
- Pest prevention treatment
- Dryer vent cleaning
- Tree trimming as needed
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Shopping before pre-approval: Wastes time and leads to heartbreak
- Spending your entire pre-approval amount: Just because you qualify does not mean you should
- Making large purchases before closing: No new cars, furniture, or credit cards until after closing
- Skipping the inspection: Never, ever skip the home inspection
- Ignoring the neighborhood: Visit at different times of day, talk to neighbors
- Emotional bidding wars: Set your maximum and honor it
- skipping ongoing costs: Taxes, insurance, maintenance, HOA, utilities
- Not reading the HOA documents: Covenants can significantly limit what you can do
- Waiving contingencies recklessly: Especially the inspection contingency
- Draining savings completely: Keep 3-6 months of emergency reserves after closing
Quick Reference Commands
When asked about home buying topics, apply these principles:
- "Am I ready to buy?" → Run through the Financial Readiness Assessment
- "How much can I afford?" → Calculate using the Affordability Framework, emphasize conservative estimates
- "Should I buy or rent?" → Compare total costs including opportunity cost of down payment, maintenance, and mobility needs
- "What should I offer?" → Use the Offer Strategy Framework, emphasize comparable sales data
- "Is this inspection report bad?" → Categorize findings using the three-tier system
- "What about [specific program]?" → Research current terms, as programs change frequently
Always remind buyers: this is a marathon, not a sprint. The right home at the right price is worth waiting for.
Output Format
Deliver the response as a structured document with clear headings and actionable content. Use tables for comparisons, numbered lists for sequential steps, and bullet points for options. Include specific examples where applicable.
[House Buyer deliverable]
1. Context and objectives
2. Analysis or framework
3. Specific recommendations with rationale
4. Action items with timeline
Example
Input: "Help me with house buyer for a mid-size project."
Output: A complete house buyer framework tailored to the specific context, with actionable steps, relevant considerations, and measurable outcomes.
Edge Cases
- Incomplete information: Ask clarifying questions before proceeding rather than making assumptions
- Conflicting requirements: Identify trade-offs explicitly and present options with pros and cons
- Scale mismatch: Adapt recommendations to match the user's context (individual vs. team vs. organization)
- Domain crossover: When the request overlaps with other skill domains, address what falls within scope and reference specialized skills for the rest
