Homebuyer Guide
Buying a home is one of the biggest milestones you’ll ever hit — and it should feel exciting, not overwhelming. This guide breaks the process into clear steps (with tools + resources along the way) so you can move forward with confidence.
Quick win before you start
Pick a monthly payment you’d feel good about even if life gets busy — then work backward. That one decision makes the rest of the process way simpler.
Determine Your Budget
Before you fall in love with a home, get clear on what fits your real life. Your budget is usually shaped by:
- Down payment: More down means a lower payment — and it can help you avoid PMI depending on the loan. (Estimate your payment with our calculator)
- Credit score: Higher scores typically unlock better rate options and more flexibility.
- Debt-to-income ratio (DTI): Many lenders look for DTI around 43% or below, but it can vary by program.
Do this next
Use a calculator to estimate your monthly payment (principal + interest, plus taxes/insurance if applicable) so you can narrow down a price range that actually works.
Explore Loan Options
The “right” mortgage isn’t one-size-fits-all — it depends on your goals, cash on hand, and long-term plans. Here are common paths homebuyers take:
Conventional Loans
A strong fit for buyers with solid credit and stable income who meet conforming guidelines.
Learn more →FHA Loans
Popular for first-time buyers and borrowers with moderate credit who want flexible qualification.
Explore FHA →VA Loans
Built for eligible veterans and active-duty service members, with standout benefits when qualified.
Read the VA Guide →Jumbo Loans
Designed for higher-priced homes that exceed conforming limits, with guidelines that can differ by scenario.
Check out Jumbo →Need help choosing?
Tell us what you’re buying, your down payment range, and your comfort payment — we’ll point you toward the best options.
Get Preapproved
A preapproval gives you clarity on what you can qualify for — and it shows sellers you’re serious. You’ll typically:
- Share core financial documentation (pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, and more depending on the scenario).
- Receive a preapproval letter that outlines your estimated borrowing capacity.
Start your preapproval
The sooner you preapprove, the smoother your home search gets — and the faster you can move when you find the right home.
Find Your Dream Home
Now the fun part. With a preapproval in hand, focus on homes that match your lifestyle and your numbers:
- Location: commute, schools, walkability, and the day-to-day stuff that actually matters.
- Size + features: bedrooms, bathrooms, layout flow, and “must-haves” vs “nice-to-haves.”
- Future resale value: neighborhoods with strong demand and healthy growth trends tend to hold value better.
Tip that saves headaches
Work with an agent who understands what you need — and who can help you move quickly when the right home hits the market.
Secure Your Loan
Once your offer is accepted, your loan moves into the finish line phase. Expect a few key steps:
- Appraisal: confirms the home’s value (and sometimes conditions) for the loan.
- Underwriting: verifies your documentation and ensures the loan meets program requirements.
- Closing costs: can include appraisal, title services, insurance-related fees, and other transaction items.
Ready to move forward?
Starting early helps prevent last-minute stress. If you’re home shopping now, we can help you map the cleanest path from offer → closing.
Protect Your Investment
After closing, the goal is simple: protect the home and keep it in great shape for the long run. A few essentials:
- Home insurance: protects against damage and liability.
- Regular maintenance: small fixes now prevent expensive surprises later.
- Property taxes: plan ahead so tax seasons don’t feel like a punch in the face.
We’re here after closing, too
Need guidance on refinancing later, using equity, or planning your next move? Reach out anytime — we’re in your corner.
Homebuying FAQ
Quick answers to the questions we hear most — so you can move forward with clarity.
How much house can I afford?
A good starting point is your comfortable monthly payment — not just the home price. Your payment can include principal + interest, plus taxes and insurance (and sometimes HOA). Use the mortgage calculator to estimate a monthly payment that feels right, then work backward to a price range.
What credit score do I need to buy a home?
There isn’t one “perfect” score. Different loan programs have different guidelines — and approval is based on the full picture (income, assets, DTI, and credit history). If your score isn’t where you want it, we can still map out the cleanest path to qualify.
How much down payment do I need?
It depends on the loan type and your goals. A larger down payment can reduce your monthly payment and may help you avoid mortgage insurance. But in many cases, buying sooner with a smaller down payment can still be a smart move — especially if the payment fits your budget.
What’s the difference between prequalification and preapproval?
Prequalification is usually a quick estimate based on what you tell us. Preapproval is stronger — it involves verifying documentation and results in a letter you can use with offers. If you’re actively shopping, preapproval is the move.
How long does it take to close on a home?
Timelines vary by contract, appraisal timing, and underwriting conditions, but many purchases close in about 3–5 weeks. Getting preapproved early and responding quickly to document requests is the easiest way to keep everything moving.
What are closing costs — and can I negotiate them?
Closing costs typically include lender fees, appraisal, title/attorney fees, taxes, insurance, and prepaid items. In some situations, you can negotiate seller concessions or explore lender credits to reduce out-of-pocket costs — the best approach depends on your offer strategy and market conditions.
Should I choose FHA or Conventional?
FHA can be a strong fit for buyers with moderate credit or smaller down payments. Conventional can be great for buyers with stronger credit and may offer more flexibility depending on the scenario. We’ll compare both options side-by-side and show you the cleanest path based on your numbers.
Can I buy now and refinance later if rates drop?
In many cases, yes. If the payment works today and refinancing later improves the numbers, it can be a smart strategy. The key is making sure the purchase is comfortable now — then we can watch for opportunities later.
Still have a question?
Tell us what you’re trying to accomplish — we’ll point you to the cleanest next step.
Take the First Step Toward Homeownership
Buying a home doesn’t have to feel complicated. With the right plan (and a team that keeps things clear), you can move forward confidently — from budgeting to closing day.
Not sure where to start? Begin with your budget, then use the calculator to confirm a payment you’re comfortable with.