Are You Ready To Be A Texas Homeowner?

The ins, outs, and in-betweens of buying a home in the state of Texas. I'll cover what you should know before scouting a home, information about mortgages, finding a home and much more.

Are You Ready To Be A Homeowner?

Start Here!

If you're here its because you are ready to begin the process of home ownership. I'm so excited you chose me to help and guide you through it. Here is some basic information on the home buying process and other misc things that may be helpful to you throughout this journey.

  • Know Your Credit Score!

    I can't tell you how many ADULTS I have met that have NEVER checked their credit score! Your work revolves around credit! Take control! Credit Karma offers free credit scores, reports and insights. And the best part is it does not affect your credit to check it.

  • 3 Questions To Ask Before Buying Your 1st Home

    The real estate market is constantly changing, so of course, DO YOUR RESEARCH! DO NOT jump the gun on this one!

Mortgages & Loans

Finding a mortgage lender is the very first step to home ownership. Here you can find a few amazing lenders who offer first-time buyer programs! All you have to do is click on "Apply" to get started! Once you have applied, a lender will reach out to you about your application and issue a pre-approval.

  • Envoy Mortgage - Kyle Miller

    Envoy Mortgage, a leader in the real estate finance industry, is a full-service mortgage bank that offers in-house expertise in many areas of mortgage lending. Licensed to lend in 48 states across the United States, their branches offer a full menu of loan products and knowledge and expertise for all areas of the residential mortgage lending industry.

  • Gateway Mortgage Group - Haydee Carpy

    Contact Haydee Carpy today for an exceptional mortgage experience in Houston, TX.

  • Types of Home Loans: FHA, VA, USDA , ETC

    There are several types of mortgage loans available. Your lender will help you choose the one that works best for your situation.

  • Down Payment Assistance In Harris County

    This is just one of many first-time buyer assistance programs. Don't forget to ask your lender if you qualify!

Finding a Home

Now that we've got you pre-approved and you know your budget, we can start the home search! However, you're probably wondering what website to use for your search when there are tons of sites out there. You can't always trust what you find on the internet (I know, shocking).

  • Search For Homes for Sale and Rent Here

    This website will allow you to view available properties, home values, schools, neighborhoods, apartments and more. If you find one you love just shoot it my way and we get it scheduled!

  • You Can Also Search For Homes Here

    Lulu Bernabe is your most comprehensive source for real estate homes for sale in TX. Here's her featured listings.

Inspection Companies

A home inspection is not required, but it is highly recommended. There is language in the Contract To Purchase which gives you the contractual right to inspect the residence within a stated period of time. This is often referred to as the Option period. The Buyer usually has the opportunity to have the Seller repair certain deficiencies up to an agreed to amount or in the case of an As-Is Contract can decide to not go forward with the purchase based on the results of the inspection and still allow you to get your earnest money back. It is to the Buyer's advantage to have the property inspected for deficiencies that are not visible or known to the Seller. Home inspection companies are very competitive when it comes to pricing so make sure to get a free quote to find the best rate for your budget.

  • HG Home Inspection

    A professional home inspection will provide peace of mind that you are informed about the decision you are about to make. Many homes look great to many individuals, but unless you know what things to look for the home could contain potentially serious defects in construction that may cost you more money in the long run.

  • KTAS - Consulting and Inspection Services

    The KTAS team has members who have been providing consulting and inspection services for over 25 years, in both residential and commercial projects.

  • Pillar To Post Home Inspectors

    Tommy Amonette is your local home inspector with Pillar to Post, providing efficient & thorough home inspections in San Jacinto, Montgomery, Liberty, Chambers, Harris, Waller, Fort Bend, Walker, Austin, Brazoria, and Galveston Counties.

  • Alvin Pest Control - VA Approved Termite Inspector

    Alvin Pest Control is a full-service residential, commercial and industrial pest control company serving the Bay Area including: Alvin, Pearland, Friendswood & the surrounding areas.

What To Do Before Closing

There are several tasks that still need to be done prior to closing on your home. Here are a few!

Congratulations Homeowner!

LOOK MOM WE BOUGHT A HOUSE!!! Yup, you did it!! I’m grateful you gave me the opportunity to help you find the perfect home and hope to have the pleasure to help you again in the future if the need arises.

  • Lulu Bernabe, Realtor, EXP Realty

    If this guide helped you out, please write me a review on Facebook! As you may know, most people won’t know what working with me would be like if it weren’t for word-of-mouth referrals and testimonials. Would you be so kind as to write about our experience together? I’d be forever grateful to you. It was an absolute pleasure teaming up with you and I’d love it if you’d be willing to share it with future clients who may be curious about the process with me.

  • Make Sure You Know The Property Tax Exemptions for Homeowners

    You should file your regular residential homestead exemption application between January 1 and April 30. Early applications will not be accepted. If your application is postmarked by April 30, this will allow the district time to process it before your tax statement comes out in the fall.

  • Here Are The Top 10 Things to Do in Houston

    Now that you're all settled in, find some fun things to do in Houston.

  • Not Familiar With Your New Area? Find Restaurants Near You On Grubhub!

    Find restaurants and food near you from more than 50,000 restaurants.

Written by: Lulu Cibrian

Born and raised in Houston, I have rapidly become a dominant force assisting first time home buyers, military personnel, and law enforcement officers buy their dream home. With an impressive knowledge of the military and social scene in and around Houston, I blend my expertise as an Army wife, certified Military relocation specialist, notary, and college graduate with a degree in real estate. I feel my strong relationships, which I maintain with clients and peers, have been the keys to my success. My clients often compliment my flawless English and Spanish, charisma, and charm, while they note my professionalism and ability to negotiate great prices and terms for my clients. Repeat business and referrals are some of the greatest rewards, which I receive from past clients. I greatly value their loyalty and all my new clients. I promise that I will work tirelessly to help make the complex home buying process simple and enjoyable for all my clients, who I consider “mi familia”. As a first generation Mexican-American, I understand the importance of family and community. Since I lost my dear mother to cancer in 2015, I have dedicated my free time to helping others in the community affected by this tragic disease. When not helping clients close real estate transactions or donating my time and resources to cancer support programs, I enjoy spending time shooting, hiking, offroading or just enjoying the outdoors with my husband and five year old daughter.