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9 First-Time Home Buyer Tips

Updated
Christy Bieber
By: Christy Bieber

Our Mortgages Expert

Eric McWhinnie
Check IconFact Checked Eric McWhinnie
Many or all of the products here are from our partners that compensate us. It’s how we make money. But our editorial integrity ensures our experts’ opinions aren’t influenced by compensation. Terms may apply to offers listed on this page.

Buying your first home is a major life change. This type of purchase lets you set down roots but can have a profound effect on your finances. These first-time home buyer tips will help you through the home-buying process and maximize the chances you'll get the right house -- and home loan -- for your needs.

1. Start saving early for your down payment

Taking time to save up can help you prepare for some of the costs associated with buying a home, including the down payment.

A down payment is money you put down when buying a home. Some lenders allow as little as 3% down or even no down payment. But you'll have more choice of lenders with at least 10% down. If your down payment is below 20%, you will probably have to buy mortgage insurance. This insurance protects lenders -- not you -- in case of foreclosure, although you pay for it.

A larger down payment can also help you qualify for a loan at a lower interest rate. And it will reduce the chances you'll end up owing more than your home is worth. Since it takes time to save up that much, start working on your savings early on. Our guide to home down payments can help you learn more.

2. Maximize your credit score

Good credit can help you qualify for a mortgage loan at a competitive rate. To help raise your credit score before applying for a loan, make sure you:

  • Know the best credit score for the mortgage you're looking for
  • Check your credit report and score
  • Correct mistakes on your report
  • Pay your bills on time
  • Reduce your credit utilization ratio
  • Ask lenders to remove any black marks on your credit report. Some lenders are more than willing to do this as a gesture of goodwill.

If you have a low credit score, it doesn't mean you can't buy a home. Check out our guide to the best mortgage lenders for poor credit to see what options are available to you.

3. Decide on your home-buying budget

Your mortgage lender will most likely approve you for the maximum loan amount they feel you can repay. But you may not want to borrow that much, especially if doing so will interfere with other financial goals. So it's important to know how much you want to borrow before you apply for a loan. Reviewing listings for homes for sale in your area on one of the best real estate and home-buying apps can give you a ballpark of what you might pay for a house.

When deciding how much to spend, look at both monthly payment and total loan costs. Experts recommend keeping total housing costs below 30% of income. You may not want to spend even this much if you don't have to. If you're trying to keep your monthly costs low for your first mortgage, it may be a good idea to look at starter homes. These homes are typically less expensive.

Consider how the payment will fit into your budget, and review this article on "how much house can I afford?" to help you decide.

4. Explore mortgage loan types and shop around for rates

Loans with favorable terms keep borrowing costs and payments low. There are different types of mortgage loans for first-time buyers, including:

Also, decide on your loan term and whether you want a fixed-rate mortgage (with steady payments for the entire payoff period) or an adjustable-rate mortgage. ARMs only have a fixed payment for a limited time, after which rates adjust and could rise. Sometimes first-time buyers take the risk of an ARM if it provides a low starting rate.

Shop around with several lenders and compare loan offerings and rate quotes to find the most affordable loan. If you still need more help, look into these types of first-time home buyer loans.

5. Obtain a pre-approval letter

When you've found a mortgage lender offering the most competitive rate and terms, formally submit an application for pre-approval.

This involves providing financial information so your lender can evaluate your mortgage application, give you personalized rates, and determine loan eligibility.

Pre-approval doesn't guarantee a loan. But as long as the home is valued high enough to guarantee the loan and nothing has changed in your finances, it does set you up for final approval once you've found a property.

Many home sellers also require pre-approval before accepting an offer. To get a pre-approval, check out our mortgage pre-approval page.

6. Find the right real estate agent

Most home buyers work with a real estate agent, especially first-time buyers. As your advocate throughout the home-buying process, they will help you in so many ways, including finding properties and negotiating a fair price.

When you're ready to find a real estate agent:

  • Look for an agent who is familiar with first-time buyers.
  • Make sure they work in the area where you're purchasing your property.
  • Check the number of past sales they've had in your price range.

And make sure you ask about fees. As a buyer, you do not have to pay a real estate agent. The seller will pay a commission that's usually equal to 5% to 6% of the value of the home you purchase. This commission is split between the buyer's agent and the seller's agent.

There are some discount agents that will charge a reduced fee, but usually sellers pay at least 1.5% to 2% to the buyer and seller's agents respectively. For more information, check out our guide to finding the best real estate agent.

7. Research properties carefully

Before you start looking for homes, make sure you know what's important to you. Research daily commutes. If you plan to start a family soon after moving in, research school districts. If you plan to use the property for a specific purpose, such as to run a home-based business, check zoning laws.

The key is to be prepared. In addition to the price of a home, consider location, school district, home size, and other factors such as whether the property is in a homeowners association neighborhood.

8. Make the right offer

It's up to you to decide how much to offer for a property you're interested in. In a seller's market with lots of competition, you may want to offer the asking price or even more. If the house has been on the market for a long time with no interest, you may decide to offer below asking price.

When you make an offer on a house, your offer will include details beyond price. Specify who pays closing costs and the date you want to close on the house.

Consider including contingencies, too. These are conditions that must be met for the sale to be completed. The offer may be contingent on an inspection, your ability to get financing, and a home appraisal showing it's worth what you're paying. If you want to learn more, be sure to read our advice about how to make an offer.

9. Be prepared for closing costs

There are transaction fees involved in buying a home. You'll usually pay them at closing, when you transfer money to the seller and the seller transfers ownership of property. Closing costs can add up to 2% to 5% of the value of your home loan. This guide to closing costs explains what's included in these fees.

Follow these tips and you'll give yourself a solid start to homeownership. If you'd like even more information on the home-buying process, look into local first-time home-buyer courses, which can walk you through the process and offer regional tips.

Still have questions?

Here are some other questions we've answered:

The Ascent's best lenders for first time home buyers

If you're a first-time home buyer, our experts have combed through the top lenders to find the ones that work best for those who are buying their first home. Some of these lenders we've even used ourselves!

FAQs

  • As a first-time home buyer, you will want to be armed with as much knowledge as possible.

    To be financially prepared, you'll want to know about what you should save up for, including the down payment. You'll also want to know your credit score, what types of mortgages are available to you, and how much of a loan you can afford.

    To get you into the home of your dreams, you'll want to know the best strategies to make the home-buying process easier. This includes researching neighborhoods, finding a real estate agent, getting pre-approved, and knowing how to make an offer that protects your interests.

  • To avoid mistakes as a first-time home buyer, plan ahead and don't commit to anything you don't understand.

    Don't make an offer on a home unless you understand the contract and what your rights and obligations are under it. And don't take out a mortgage loan unless you know the mortgage rate, the monthly payments, total costs over time, fees paid, closing costs, and whether interest or payments could change over time.

  • The best tips for first-time home buyers involve choosing an affordable property, researching your mortgage loan options carefully, and keeping your total monthly housing expenses below 30% of your income. Don't let the bank tell you how much is affordable, either -- consider how the monthly payments on your loan will affect your budget.

    You should also avoid making too small of a down payment, which puts you at risk of owing more than the home is worth. And be sure you understand the terms of your mortgage, including your interest rate, monthly payment, and whether either could change over time.

    Understanding your mortgage and buying an affordable house are essential because the home you're purchasing isn't just a place to live -- it's an investment and a big financial commitment.

  • There are many special programs out there that help first-time buyers purchase a home. Some cities and states offer assistance. For example, the HomeFirst Down Payment Assistance Program offers up to $10,000 in aid to first-time buyers to use toward the down payment or closing costs on certain properties within New York City. Some lenders also offer special programs, such as loans for first-time buyers with minimal down payment requirements.

  • First-time home buyers should avoid making some common mistakes. First-time buyers should make sure they understand total housing costs, including property taxes, insurance, and maintenance. It's important to look at all these expenses when deciding if a home is affordable. It's also essential to plan for closing costs and moving expenses.

    First-time home buyers must also be sure they don't overspend or choose a home for the wrong reasons, such as focusing on easily-changed cosmetic issues and ignoring location or layout which can be difficult or impossible to change and which more profoundly affect long-term happiness.

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