1. Start with your budget
Before you fall in love with a house, find out what you can comfortably afford. A pre-approval looks at your income, credit, savings, and debts, and gives you a price range to shop in.
2. Look for programs that can help
First-time buyers often have more options than they expect, including FHA loans and down payment assistance programs. Some programs have rules about income, location, or home price, so it pays to check early.
3. Gather your documents
- Recent pay stubs
- W-2s or tax returns
- Recent bank statements
- A government-issued photo ID
4. Search, tour, and make an offer
Set up a search so new listings come to you. When you find the one, we review recent nearby sales and help you write an offer that is competitive and protects you.
5. Inspection, appraisal, and closing
After your offer is accepted, you’ll schedule inspections, the lender orders an appraisal, and your loan moves to final approval. We keep track of the deadlines and keep you updated until you get your keys.
Common questions
Who counts as a first-time home buyer?
Many programs treat you as a first-time buyer if you have not owned a home in the last three years, but each program sets its own definition. We can check the rules for the programs you are interested in.
Is there help with the down payment?
There are down payment assistance programs offered by housing agencies, cities, and nonprofits. Rules and funding vary, so the right fit depends on your situation. Our Program Finder is a quick place to start.
What should I avoid while buying?
Until you close, avoid opening new credit, making large purchases on credit, changing jobs, or moving money around without talking to your lender first. These can affect your loan approval.
You are always free to choose your own lender and real estate agent.