A quick & easy intro
First Time Home Buyer's Guide
Buying your first home is one of the biggest decisions you'll make — and it should feel exciting, not overwhelming. This short guide walks you through the whole journey, from the first question to the keys in your hand. Keep it handy, and reach out anytime.
In This Guide
- Are you ready to buy?
- Getting pre-approved
- Setting your budget
- The home search
- Making an offer
- Closing & moving in
1
Are you ready to buy?
Before touring homes, it helps to know where you stand. Owning is a great fit when you plan to stay put for a few years, have stable income, and have some savings set aside. Ask yourself:
- Do I expect to stay in this area for at least 3-5 years?
- Is my monthly income steady and reliable?
- Have I saved for a down payment and closing costs?
- Is my credit in reasonable shape?
If you answered 'not yet' to some of these, that's completely fine — knowing now means we can build a simple plan to get you there.
2
Getting pre-approved
A mortgage pre-approval is a lender's written estimate of how much you can borrow. It's the first real step, and it matters for two reasons: it tells you your true budget, and it shows sellers you're a serious buyer. Have these ready for your lender:
- Recent pay stubs and W-2s (or tax returns if self-employed)
- Bank and investment statements
- Photo ID and Social Security number or TIN number
Get pre-approved before you fall in love with a home. In a competitive market, sellers rarely consider offers without one — and it saves heartbreak over homes outside your range.
3
Setting your budget
Your budget is more than the sticker price. Plan for the full picture so there are no surprises:
Down Payment
Often 3-20% of the price. Lower-down-payment programs exist for first-timers.
Closing Costs
Roughly 2-5% of the price, covering loan, title, and escrow fees.
Monthly payment
Principal, interest, taxes, and insurance — the "PITI" you'll pay each month.
Reserves
A cushion for maintenance and the unexpected once you're a homeowner.
4
The home search
This is the fun part. Make a short list of your must-haves versus nice-to-haves — location, commute, bedrooms, outdoor space — and stay flexible on the rest. As your agent, I'll set up a personalized search, schedule tours, and give you honest pros and cons on every home so you can decide with confidence.
5
Making an offer
When you find the one, we'll craft a competitive offer based on recent comparable sales, the home's condition, and current market conditions. Your offer includes the price, contingencies (like inspection and financing), and your proposed timeline. Then we negotiate — this is where having a local expert in your corner really pays off.
6
Closing & moving in
Once your offer is accepted, we'll move through inspection, appraisal, and final loan approval. At closing you'll sign the paperwork, cover your remaining costs, and get the keys. Then the best part — it's officially your home. I'll be there through every step, and long after.