Close with Capozzi • Buyer Readiness Map
Ready is more than a letter.
The strongest offer starts with a buyer who understands the payment, cash, property, timeline, and choices that can affect approval.
before keys
PREPAREBuyer + file
VERIFYCash + property
PROTECTOffer + approval
Build the foundation
Before serious home shopping- Discuss the buyer’s goals, timing, occupancy, property ideas, and comfortable payment—not only a price ceiling.
- Complete the lender’s requested credit, income, asset, debt, and housing review.
- Identify anything that needs time: credit updates, funds to close, income history, current-home plans, or entitlement.
Make the file current
Before the first offer- Provide current income documents, asset statements, identification, and any explanation or specialty documents requested.
- For military, self-employed, investor, or relocating buyers, confirm the extra documentation path early.
- Update documents when they expire or the buyer’s job, income, assets, debts, or target property changes.
Map every dollar
Before negotiating credits- Separate earnest money, inspections, appraisal, down payment, closing costs, prepaids, reserves, repairs, and moving costs.
- Document gifts, deposits, transfers, sale proceeds, assistance, or borrowed funds before relying on them.
- Ask the lender for a property-specific estimate before choosing the seller-credit request.
Pressure-test the property
Before writing the contract- Confirm taxes, insurance, flood considerations, HOA or CDD costs, and any property-type restrictions.
- Discuss condition, appraisal requirements, condo or project review, manufactured-home details, or acreage concerns.
- Make sure the loan program and closing timeline fit the actual property—not only the buyer.
Write a finance-ready offer
At offer time- Use a current preapproval letter that matches the offer and avoids sharing unnecessary borrower details.
- Confirm the closing date, financing contingency, appraisal plan, seller credits, and lender availability.
- Send the executed contract and required addenda to the lender immediately after acceptance.
Protect the approval
From contract to keys- No new debt, large purchases, co-signing, new credit, or account changes without speaking with the lender first.
- Do not move money, change jobs or pay structure, or deposit unusual funds without a documentation plan.
- Respond quickly, keep insurance and title moving, and report property, contract, employment, or financial changes.