Buying your first home can be thrilling, but it can also be confusing. What should you budget? How much can you borrow? Where do you even start? This guide will make the process crystal clear.
Set Your Budget Realistically
The very first step is getting pre-approved for a mortgage. This will tell you your maximum purchase price. Do not fall in love with homes outside your budget. A smart rule is to ensure that mortgage payments are under 30% of your monthly income.
You will need cash for the down payment too, typically 3-20% of the home’s price. The people at Mortgage Maestro recommend asking a mortgage broker about down payment assistance programs if you need help coming up with funds.
Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage
This allows sellers to take your offer seriously. Shop around at banks, credit unions, online lenders, and brokers. Consider fees, interest rates and customer service.
Once pre-approved, you will receive a letter stating your maximum mortgage amount. This pre-approval lasts 60-90 days typically. Do not make any big purchases that could affect your credit during this time.
Explore Mortgage Options
As a first-time buyer, you may qualify for special mortgage programs with lower down payments or financial assistance. For example, FHA loans allow down payments as low as 3.5% for borrowers who meet requirements. USDA and VA loans have zero down payment options for eligible buyers.
Your mortgage broker can explain all the different loan types and help determine which you qualify for based on your income, credit score, and other factors. Having this person in your corner provides guidance and advocacy throughout the mortgage process.
Decide What You Need in a Home
Make two lists: one for must-haves, one for nice-to-haves. Must-haves may include number of bedrooms, distance to work/schools and parking situation. Nice-to-haves could include a large backyard, updated kitchen, and community pool.
An open mind is key. You may need to compromise on some nice-to-haves to stay within your budget. For first timers especially, the perfect home is rarely out there.
Find the Right Real Estate Agent
Interview a few buyer’s agents before committing. A good one truly listens to your needs, has experience in your areas of interest, and makes you feel comfortable. Ask how they negotiate, what services they provide, and about their commission rates.
Some agents have designations like Accredited Buyer’s Representative that signal advanced training. But referrals from friends and family are often most meaningful.
Tour Homes in Your Budget
After connecting with an agent, they will send you listings that match your criteria. Attend open houses and take notes about which homes you loved or didn’t vibe with.
Trust your instincts but keep an open mind. Photos can be deceiving, so see places in-person before ruling them out. Your agent’s job is to point out issues or benefits you may miss.
Understanding the Offer Process
Once you find ‘The One’, discuss an offer price and terms with your agent. They will walk you through contingencies to include, like an inspection or financing requirement.
Don’t immediately offer the asking price; your agent will recommend a smart starting offer. Offer too little though, and the seller may ignore you entirely or counteroffer way above your budget.
Be prepared to potentially go back-and-forth a few times before reaching a final deal. If multiple offers come in, you may need to go over asking to beat the competition.
Conclusion
The first-time homebuying process has a huge learning curve. Stay patient and lean heavily on your mortgage broker and real estate agent’s expertise. The more you understand now, the smoother your first purchase will be.
