First-Time Buyer Guide

The first-time buyer checklist.

Twelve things to do, in order, before you ever step into an open house. Do these and you skip the mistakes that cost first-timers thousands.

Buying your first home feels like a thousand decisions happening at once. It isn't. It's a sequence, and when you follow it in order, the stress drops away. Print this, check the boxes as you go, and bring your questions to our free consultation.

1. Before you look (months 1 to 2)

Pull your credit report Free at annualcreditreport.com. Check for errors and dispute them now. Fixes take 30 to 60 days.
Stop opening new credit No new cars, credit cards, or financing until after closing. Every hard inquiry can move your rate.
Save 3 months of bank statements Lenders trace every large deposit. Keep your down payment in one account and leave it there.
Calculate your true budget Use the mortgage calculator on the site. Remember taxes + insurance, not just the loan payment.

2. Get your money ready

Know your down payment options It is rarely 20%. Many programs allow 3 to 5%. ITIN buyers typically need 15 to 20%.
Budget for closing costs Plan for 2 to 5% of the price on top of your down payment.
Keep a reserve cushion Lenders like to see 2 to 3 months of mortgage payments left over after closing.

First-timer tip: Down payment gift from family? That is allowed, but the giver must sign a gift letter and the funds need to be in your account well before you apply.

3. Get pre-approved (not pre-qualified)

Gather your documents Two years of tax returns, recent pay stubs, ID, and bank statements. (ITIN buyers: see the ITIN documents guide.)
Compare at least 3 lenders Rates and fees vary widely. I can connect you with lenders who work with first-time and ITIN buyers.
Get the pre-approval in writing A real pre-approval letter makes your offer competitive. Many sellers won't take an offer seriously without one.

4. Now you're ready to shop

Write your must-haves vs. nice-to-haves Beds, commute, school district are usually must-haves. A finished basement is a nice-to-have.
Tour with a buyer's agent (me!) We'll sign a written buyer agreement before we tour, so you know exactly how I'm paid up front. Then I protect your side from offer to closing.

The one that matters most: Don't fall in love before the inspection. The prettiest kitchen can't fix a cracked foundation. Stay curious, not committed, until the numbers and the inspection check out.