This Bargain Find Saved Me During the Home Buying Process

To say I was a bit stressed out while hunting for and purchasing my first home would be a gross understatement. You see, I’m a planner. I like to know what to expect in any given situation, and having to trust our real estate agent to guide us through the whole process—without having a road map detailing each step of that process—made me a nervous wreck. There seemed to be so many moving parts that it made my head spin.

But one smart purchase helped me maintain my sanity all the way through the closing. I purchased a portfolio organizer, which came to be known as my “home binder,” to store all the paperwork related to the sale. If you’ve purchased a home before, you know what I mean: From inspections and appraisals to loan information and vendor business cards, you wind up drowning in a sea of documentation.

Having one handy product to store and organize everything helped put my mind at ease that nothing would fall through the cracks (on our end, at least) and that we’d always have information at hand when needed. I recommend one that zips closed so you have peace of mind that everything will stay neat and tidy.

Having a home binder truly was a lifesaver for me, and—whether you’re buying your first home or your 10th—I highly recommend picking one up.

This organizer has it all: It is made of super durable material; is padded and thus can safely hold a laptop or tablet; and has plenty of pockets for pencils, sticky notes, and more. Plus, the handle makes it easy to carry on the go and makes you look super official. (This one became my “home binder” after I snagged it on sale!)

For those looking for a bargain, look no further than this Target find. The bright poppy color of this organizer is so cheerful that it’ll keep you optimistic on even the most anxiety-inducing days. Two exterior pockets make for easy access, and you can feel good about your purchase because, for every Yoobi item you buy, one will be donated to a classroom in need in the United States.

Now this organizer means serious business. It’s waterproof, ensuring that important documents like the deed to your home are protected. The many pockets can accommodate everything from your favorite Sharpies to a tablet.

As its name implies, this faux-leather organizer will truly help you get it together. The exterior makes a sassy statement in silver lettering against a sky blue background, while the pink interior features pen loops, card slots, a buttoned pocket, and a spot for a letter-sized legal pad.

Another waterproof organizer, this one boasts a festive botanical print. It will function as your portable office once you fill its myriad pockets and compartments with paperwork, pens, sticky notes, and even a slim laptop. Oh, and don’t forget the highlighters!