🏡 10 Must-Do Steps Before Buying Your First Home

Set yourself up for success with confidence and clarity

Buying your first home is one of the most exciting—and overwhelming—journeys you’ll ever take. It’s not just about choosing the perfect layout or finding the right neighborhood. It’s about preparing smartly so you can avoid costly mistakes, maximize your budget, and walk into your new home with confidence.

Here are 10 must-do steps every first-time buyer should complete before getting the keys to their first home.

1. Check Your Credit Score

Your credit score affects your ability to qualify for a mortgage and the interest rate you’ll receive.
✔️ Aim for 620+ for conventional loans, 580+ for FHA.
🧠 Pro Tip: Dispute errors or pay down high balances before applying.

2. Determine Your Budget (And Be Realistic)

Factor in not just the mortgage payment, but also:

• Property taxes

• Insurance

• HOA fees (if applicable)

• Utilities and maintenance

🧮 Use a home affordability calculator to get a true monthly cost estimate.

3. Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage

Pre-approval gives you a clear price range and makes you a stronger buyer when submitting an offer.
📄 You'll need income verification, tax returns, bank statements, and more.

🚨 Don’t confuse this with pre-qualification—pre-approval is more official.

4. Research First-Time Buyer Programs

There are amazing local and national programs that offer:

• Down payment assistance

• Lower interest rates

• Forgivable loans and grants

🎯 Ask your agent or lender about options like FHA, USDA, VA, and state-level grants.

5. Create a Needs vs. Wants List

Know what’s a must-have vs. a nice-to-have. For example:

• 🟢 Must: 3 bedrooms, good school district

• 🟡 Want: Quartz countertops, a hot tub

This keeps you focused when emotions start to take over.

6. Choose the Right Realtor®

Your agent should be more than a tour guide—they should:

• Educate you on the market

• Advocate for your interests

• Help negotiate price and repairs

• Guide you through inspections and closing

📲 Don’t be afraid to interview a few before deciding!

7. Understand the Full Buying Timeline

From pre-approval to keys in hand, it usually takes 30–60 days once you're under contract.
Factor in:

• Time to tour homes

• Offer negotiations

• Inspection & appraisal periods

• Closing process

⏳ Patience and preparation are key.

8. Build Your Emergency Fund

Unexpected costs can pop up fast—think:

• Home repairs

• Closing cost overruns

• Moving expenses

📦 Recommended: Set aside at least 3–6 months of expenses before you buy.

9. Get Educated on the Market

Research trends in your desired neighborhoods:

• Are prices rising or stabilizing?

• What’s the average days on market?

• Are there new developments or zoning changes?

📰 Follow local blogs, listing updates, and ask your agent for market reports.

10. Don’t Make Major Financial Moves

Avoid:

• Buying a car

• Opening new credit cards

• Changing jobs

Any of these can derail your mortgage approval—even after pre-approval.

🛑 Wait until after closing to make big changes.

🏁 Final Thoughts

Buying your first home doesn’t have to feel like diving into the deep end. When you follow these 10 steps, you’ll be prepared, confident, and ready to make one of the smartest moves of your life.

Need help getting started? I’d love to guide you through the process from first showing to final closing.
📲 Let’s connect and build your homebuying game plan today!