Buying your first home—or even your next one—is a milestone filled with both excitement and responsibility. The process can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re not sure where to begin. With the right knowledge, preparation, and the support of a trusted professional, you can navigate the journey with confidence.

At B&J Co. | INC Realty, Brian & Jonelle have guided countless buyers across Texoma through the twists and turns of purchasing property. To help you feel more confident, here are 10 genius home buying tips that blend practical know-how with strategies to protect your financial well-being.

1. Get Pre-Approved Before House Hunting

One of the most important home buying tips is to secure pre-approval from a lender before you fall in love with a property. A pre-approval clarifies what you can realistically afford and signals to sellers that you’re a serious buyer.

Lenders will evaluate your credit score, debt-to-income ratio, and savings to determine your eligibility. Having a letter in hand can give you leverage when making offers, especially in competitive markets.

2. Build a Realistic Budget That Includes All Costs

When people think about how to buy your home, they often focus only on the down payment. However, other costs can add up quickly:

●     Closing costs (2–5% of the loan amount)

●     Property taxes and homeowners’ insurance

●     HOA fees (if applicable)

●     Maintenance and repair budgets

A top Texoma realtor will help you estimate these costs early, ensuring you don’t overextend financially.

3. Strengthen Your Credit Before You Apply

Your credit score has a major impact on your mortgage rate. Even a 0.5% difference in rates could mean paying tens of thousands more over the life of a loan.

Tips for improving your credit include:

●     Paying bills on time

●     Reducing credit card balances below 30% of your limit

●     Avoiding new debt before applying

4. Hire the Right Realtor Near Me

The agent you choose can make or break your homebuying experience. When searching for a realtor near me, prioritize those who understand your goals and have a proven track record in the Texoma market.

At B&J Co. | INC Realty, Brian & Jonelle pride themselves on walking clients through every step, from initial search to closing day, always advocating for their best interests.

5. Understand Your Loan Options

Loans are not one-size-fits-all. Some of the most common include:

●     FHA Loans – Great for first-time buyers with smaller down payments.

●     VA Loans – Exclusive to veterans and active service members, offering no down payment.

●     USDA Loans – Designed for rural and suburban areas (most of Texoma qualifies).

●     Conventional Loans – Favorable terms for buyers with strong credit and income stability.

Exploring these options with a trusted lender ensures you find the best fit for your situation.

6. Factor in Closing Cost Assistance & Grants

Did you know there are numerous assistance programs available for purchasing your first home? Programs like the REI Home100 in Oklahoma and the Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation (TSAHC) offer 1st time home buyers grants and closing cost assistance that can reduce out-of-pocket expenses.

See if you qualify for programs like:

●     Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency (OHFA)

●     TSAHC Homebuyer Programs in Texas

These can be game changers for buyers in Texoma.

7. Think Long-Term About Your Investment

A home is more than just shelter—it’s an investment. Consider factors like school districts, resale value, neighborhood growth, and commuting times. Even if this isn’t your “forever home,” buying with resale in mind can help you build wealth more strategically.

8. Don’t Skip the Inspection

A professional home inspection protects you from costly surprises after closing. Inspectors can uncover structural issues, faulty wiring, roof problems, or plumbing concerns that may impact the safety or value of your home.

Skipping this step could leave you with thousands in unexpected expenses.

9. Negotiate With Confidence

One overlooked home buying tip is negotiation. Your agent can help you negotiate more than just the purchase price:

●     Repairs or credits for issues found in inspections

●     Seller-paid closing costs

●     Flexible move-in timelines

This is where having a top Texoma realtor truly pays off—they know how to structure deals that benefit you without scaring off the seller.

10. Be Patient, But Ready to Act

The market moves quickly. Homes near me in Texoma sometimes go under contract within days. While it’s important to remain patient, you also need to be prepared to act decisively when the right home appears.

Having pre-approval, a strong agent, and clarity about your budget makes it easier to move fast without regret.

Why Work With Brian & Jonelle, B&J Co. | INC Realty?

Buying a home is one of life’s biggest decisions, and you deserve the support of professionals who truly care about your journey. Brian & Jonelle bring:

●     Deep local expertise in Texoma

●     Strong relationships with lenders and inspectors

●     A client-first approach rooted in trust and advocacy

When you’re searching homes near me, your experience matters as much as the result. That’s why working with a top Texoma realtor can transform a stressful process into an exciting new chapter of life.