Home Buyer Kit

🏡 Your Renter-to-Homeowner Starter Kit (2025–2026 Edition)

Created by: Henrietta Boyd – 7Locks Realty powered by KW Marquee

🔑 Why This Kit Exists

You're renting now — but you want to own. Whether your timeline is 3, 6, 9, or 12 months from today, this kit is designed to help you make that transition with clarity and confidence.

📋 What’s Inside

• ✅ Renter vs. Buyer Breakdown
  
  

• ✅ How to Get Started (Even with Low Credit or Low Income)
  
  

• ✅ Timeline Prep (3, 6, 9, 12 Months Out)
  
  

• ✅ Grant & Assistance Programs (Illinois Focused)
  
  

• ✅ Budget & Credit Checklist
  
  

• ✅ Pre-Approval vs. Pre-Qualification
  
  

• ✅ Free Consultation Link
  
  

⚖️ Renter vs. Buyer Comparison

Category

Renting

Buying

Monthly Payment

Goes to landlord

Builds your equity

Stability

Lease terms only

Long-term housing security

Freedom to Modify

Limited

Full ownership & customization

Tax Benefits

None

Mortgage interest deductions

Investment Value

$0 return

Home may increase in value

🛠️ Your Step-by-Step Buyer Prep Plan

🗓️ If You Plan to Buy in:

👉 12 Months

• Check your credit score
  
  

• Start saving monthly for down payment
  
  

• Avoid opening new debt accounts
  
  

• Attend this free seminar ✅
  
  

👉 9 Months

• Get a soft credit pull and budget review
  
  

• Identify grant opportunities
  
  

• Build a “paper trail” (W-2s, paystubs, bank statements)
  
  

👉 6 Months

• Choose a trusted realtor (hello 👋🏽)
  
  

• Talk to a lender for a pre-approval plan
  
  

• Decide on area + home style
  
  

👉 3 Months

• Get pre-approved
  
  

• Begin touring homes
  
  

• Lock in budget and wish list
  
  

💰 Grants, Programs & Resources (Illinois)

• IHDA Access Forgivable – $6,000 toward down payment/closing
  
  

• Illinois Housing Authority Programs – Multiple options for first-time buyers
  
  

• USDA Loans – 0% down in rural areas
  
  

• FHA Loans – Low credit scores accepted (as low as 580)
  
  

• VA Loans – 0% down for qualified veterans
  
  

(Ask me which programs you qualify for.)

💳 Budget & Credit Readiness Checklist

✅ No new credit cards or loans in the last 3 months
✅ Bank statements showing consistent income
✅ Less than 30% credit utilization
✅ Two years of consistent work history
✅ Budget showing room for mortgage, taxes, and insurance

📝 Pre-Approval vs. Pre-Qualification

Pre-Qualification

Pre-Approval

Quick estimate

Verified documentation

No hard credit pull

Hard credit pull

Not as strong

Strong for offers

Tip: If you’re serious, go for pre-approval.

📆 Ready to Talk to a Realtor?

Book your free consultation with me and let’s make a plan:
👉https://calendly.com/hlboyd2022/30min
I’ll walk you through your options, timeline, and next steps — no pressure, just guidance.

👩🏽‍💼 About Your Guide

Henrietta Boyd
Realtor, 7Locks Realty powered by KW Marquee
25+ years of hospitality and homeownership experience
Focused on helping first-time buyers win in Southwestern Illinois and surrounding areas.

📍 Based in Metro East STL
📱 636-635-8828
📧HLBoyd2022@gmail.com
🌐HenriettaBoyd@kw.com