If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of home buying, it can be helpful to create a checklist for buying a house. Using a checklist can help you right from the beginning, since there are several important steps to take before you even begin your home search, like securing a mortgage lender.
To help get you started, here is a checklist for preparing to buy your first home:
Knowing your own financial situation is crucial to a successful buying experience. Mortgage lenders offer different loan options affecting your ongoing mortgage payments, and it’s easier to compare the choices when you know how much you can comfortably afford.
You may also find new opportunities when examining your finances, like if you qualify for a lower interest rate because of a high credit score.
The best first step in this direction is to find out your debt to income ratio, or DTI. This will help you determine how much you can afford to pay monthly for your mortgage and other property-related expenses.
A simple formula for DTI is: gross monthly income / monthly expenses = DTI
The down payment is one of the major expenses you’ll encounter when buying a home. The down payment for your mortgage loan helps determine how much money you end up borrowing and paying back, including the interest rates.
While larger down payments have advantages, some mortgage lenders allow as low as 2% of the purchase price.
Real estate agents can help you navigate the real estate market and guide you through the home buying process. It’s helpful to find a buyer’s agent who specializes in representing clients wanting to buy rather than sell.
Not only can they help you with house hunting and finding your dream home, they can assist you with all the paperwork involved in the home buying process.
By getting a preapproval letter from your mortgage lender, you can show sellers you’re a qualified and motivated buyer. It also secures your loan amount based on a detailed examination of your current financial situation, including credit score and report, investment account statements and income.
Taking care of these important tasks before you begin searching for a new home will help make the rest of the process smoother and quicker. Keep these steps in mind if you want to take the next step towards becoming a homeowner.
Hi! We are David and Evelyn - The Hickox Team!
With a shared passion for helping people find where you truly belong—whether it’s a dream home or a strategic commercial space—we’ve combined our experience, heart, and hustle to better serve you, as our client across the Chattahoochee Valley.
David brings sharp negotiation skills and market insight, and I bring creative strategy, relationship-driven service, and a love for both Residential and Commercial real estate. Together, we bring a perfect blend of strategy, service, and savvy, to elevate every step of your Real Estate journey.
We believe that real estate is not just about property—it’s about people, purpose, and possibility.
If you’re buying, selling, investing, or just want advice—we’re here for you.
-TheHickoxTeam
Every Home Begins with 'H"
Keller Williams Realty River Cities
Meet David
"When I think of dedication and drive in Real Estate, I think of David Hickox. Not only is David my professional partner, he’s also my fiancé — which means I get a front-row seat to the determination and care he puts into every property detail and client interaction."
-Evelyn Forston
I’m David Hickox—a dedicated real estate advisor serving the Chattahoochee Valley with a focus on results, relationships, and real value. My approach is grounded in strategy, honesty, and a deep respect for the goals and dreams of every client I work with.
I bring sharp market insight, strong negotiation skills, and a calm, solutions-focused mindset to every transaction. Whether you’re buying your first home, selling an investment property, or expanding your portfolio, I’m here to make the process smooth, strategic, and successful.
As co-lead of The Hickox Team with my fiancé Evelyn—an incredible Realtor and partner in every sense—we combine our strengths to deliver a real estate experience that’s both heart-led and results-driven. Together, we bring creativity, clarity, and commitment to the table every step of the way.
Outside of real estate, I enjoy staying active, watching the Braves and SEC football, working out, spending time with family and my sweet fiancé, Evelyn.
Let’s connect—I’d be honored to help you take the next step with confidence.
Call me at 912-596-4261
Meet Evelyn
Hi, I’m Evelyn Forston —a people-oriented, house-obsessed, dog-loving soul!💛🏡🐾
I'm a Realtor, Advisor and Associate Broker serving both Residential and Commercial Real Estate clients across Georgia and Alabama. I believe Real Estate is more than closings and contracts—it’s about connection, service, and walking with people through some of life’s biggest milestones.
I don't just sell properties—I shepherd people through meaningful life transitions with my professional partner, who is also my fiancé- David Hickox.
Whether I’m helping a family buy their first home, assisting an investor with a new commercial venture, or supporting someone in a major life transition, I treat every client with care, strategy, and heart. My experience spans residential and commercial sales, multi-family, single-family, and property management—which means I can offer smart advice, creative solutions, and real results.
I grew up in the Chattahoochee Valley and proudly graduated from both Brookstone School and Columbus State University. I love this community deeply and it shows in how I live and serve. I’m a 2022 East Alabama Leadership graduate, a 2025 “star” for the Alzheimer’s Association Dancing Stars of Columbus, a member of the East Alabama Board of Realtors, and I serve as the 2025 Entertainment Committee Chair for the Columbus Board of Realtors.
I live, work, and thrive in the Columbus, GA / Phenix City, AL area with my fiancé and real estate partner, David Hickox and my two pups, Cupcake and Aubs. We love helping people turn dreams into keys and investments into income.
Call me at 205-901-6756
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