Your First Home: A Friendly Guide

The process of saving for and purchasing a home for the first time can feel intimidating. But it doesn’t have to!

Homeownership is a great financial goal to have, but taking the steps needed to achieve that goal can feel overwhelming. While there are several steps to follow on the path to becoming a homeowner, the journey becomes much easier with a little planning and preparation. Take a look at the steps you can begin taking now to prepare to purchase your first home!

Budget Wisely: Figure out how much you can afford. Think about your down payment, closing costs, and monthly bills.

Credit Score Matters: Aim for a good credit score (700+) for better interest rates.

Save Up: Start saving for a down payment and an emergency fund.

Show You’re Serious: Get a pre-approval letter from a lender. This tells sellers you’re a real buyer.

Needs vs. Wants: Focus on what you *need* (location, size) over what you *want*.

Agent Advantage: A real estate agent can help you find the perfect home.

Protect Your Investment: Hire a home inspector to check for any problems.

Paperwork Party: Be ready for paperwork and closing costs.

Clear Title: Make sure the seller owns the home and there are no problems.

Homeowners Insurance: Get insurance to protect your new home.

Scroll to Top