​Step 1: Check Your Credit Report & Score

Before applying for a mortgage or any loan, check your credit first—it’s free and essential. You’re legally entitled to one free credit report per year from each of the three major credit bureaus via AnnualCreditReport.com. Credit scores range from 300 to 850, and the higher your score, the better the rates and terms you’ll qualify for.

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Be sure to review your report for mistakes and dispute any errors—they could be dragging your score down. You can also monitor your credit score for free through various trusted services.

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Free Ways to Check Your Credit:

1. AnnualCreditReport.com – One free report per bureau (Experian, TransUnion, Equifax) every year.

2. Credit Karma – Free scores and ongoing monitoring from TransUnion and Equifax.

3. Experian – Free Experian score and report access with optional upgrades.

4. NerdWallet – Free TransUnion score and tips to improve it.

5. Some banks or credit card providers (like Discover, Capital One, Chase) offer free credit scores monthly via their apps or websites.

 

🪪🔍 Checking your credit doesn’t hurt your score—so make it a habit!

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Step 2: Figure out How Much You Can Afford

Wondering how much home you can afford? Start by using a mortgage calculator to estimate your monthly payment. Just remember to include other expenses like your down payment, closing costs, fees (for appraisal, inspections, attorneys, etc.), and potential remodeling or furnishing costs.

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Good news: A 20% down payment isn’t always required anymore—there are plenty of loan options with low or even no down payment. A knowledgeable loan expert can walk you through your options and help you understand the full picture.

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💡 Want a quick estimate tailored to you? Try our easy-to-use Mortgage Calculator and explore your buying power today!

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Step 3: Find the Right Lender and Real Estate Agent

Finding the right mortgage lender is key—don’t settle. Shop around, talk to at least 3–4 lenders, and ask plenty of questions until you feel confident and comfortable. Recommendations from friends and family are a great start, and we’re happy to connect you with trusted lenders we’ve worked with who are friendly, effective, and reliable.

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Once you’ve found a lender you trust, aim for a pre-approval, not just a pre-qualification. A pre-approval involves pulling your credit and verifying your financials, giving you a clearer picture of your loan amount and making you a stronger buyer. You can even go a step further with a full approval before you start house hunting—this can speed up the buying process and make your offer more competitive.

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💬 Need lender referrals you can count on? Just ask—we’re here to help!

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Step 4: Look for the Right Home

This is the fun part—imagining your dream home! Start by making a list of what you really want. How many bedrooms and bathrooms will fit your lifestyle? Picture your ideal kitchen—spacious and modern, or cozy and charming? Do you dream of a big backyard for barbecues, kids, or your furry best friend?

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Once you’ve got your home wish list, think about the lifestyle outside your front door.

• What kind of neighborhood feels like “home”?

• Do you want great schools nearby?

• A quick commute?

• Cute cafés, shops, or parks within walking distance?

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Don’t forget to consider safety, community vibes, and future value too—after all, this is where your next chapter begins.

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✨ We love helping clients turn their wish lists into real homes—let’s find the perfect fit together!

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Step 5: Make an Offer on the Home

Found the home you love? It’s time to make an offer! Most homes are priced with some wiggle room, so starting about 5% below asking is common. Your agent can help you review recent sales of similar homes to guide your offer.

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Be ready for a little back and forth—sellers often counter, and you can counter in return. Just don’t let the negotiation drag on too long. Meeting in the middle is usually the sweet spot.

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Once you agree on a price, you’ll submit earnest money—a deposit held in escrow to show the seller you’re serious about buying.

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Step 6: Get the Right Mortgage for Your Situation

There are many mortgage options out there, but as a first-time buyer, start with the three basics: fixed-rate, adjustable-rate (ARM), and interest-only loans.

• Adjustable-Rate Mortgages (ARMs): Start with a lower fixed interest rate for 1–7 years, then adjust annually based on the market. Great for short-term homeowners or those looking for lower initial payments.

• Fixed-Rate Mortgages: Offer stable monthly payments for the life of the loan—usually 15, 20, or 30 years. Ideal if you plan to stay in your home long-term and value predictability.

• Interest-Only Options: With some loans, you can pay only the interest for a set time. This helps with short-term cash flow, and you can still build equity through home appreciation.

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 Every buyer’s situation is unique, so don’t be afraid to ask your lender questions. The right mortgage can make all the difference.

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Step 7: Close on Your Home

Before closing, always get a home inspection—it’s a smart investment that helps ensure the home is structurally sound and in good condition.

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Scheduling the closing can take a little coordination. You may need to wait for a lease to end, while the seller may need time to finalize their next move. With some flexibility, a date that works for both sides is definitely doable.

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Also, be sure to review all closing costs with your mortgage lender ahead of time so nothing catches you off guard. Typical costs include your down payment, title and appraisal fees, inspection and attorney fees, and any points you may buy to lower your interest rate.

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✅ A little preparation here goes a long way toward a smooth and stress-free closing day.

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Step 8: Move In!

You did it—you’ve secured your mortgage, closed the deal, and now it’s time for the best part: moving into your very first home! 🎉

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Whether you hire movers or rally your friends for a weekend of boxes and pizza, the hard part is behind you. Now it’s all about unpacking, settling in, and making this space truly yours.

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Buying your first home doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right guidance, it can be exciting, empowering, and even fun. Choosing an experienced lender and a friendly, knowledgeable real estate agent makes all the difference—they’re your team, making sure everything goes smoothly from start to keys-in-hand.

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🏡 Welcome home—the adventure begins now!