First Time Home Buyer Tips | (and How We Help You Avoid Them)
- By Jim Blackburn
- on
- Buy A House, Current Mortgage Rates, Down Payment Assistance, Financial Planning, First-Time Home Buyer
Buying your first home is exciting — but it can also feel overwhelming.
There’s no shortage of advice out there, and unfortunately, not all of it is accurate or helpful.
At Stairway Mortgage, we’ve helped hundreds of first-time buyers navigate the process with clarity and confidence.
Here are the top mistakes we see — and how we help you avoid every single one.
Mistake #1: Shopping Without a Preapproval
Many buyers fall in love with a home before knowing what they can afford — only to get disappointed later.
What we do:
We help you get preapproved quickly so you can shop with power, make strong offers, and avoid emotional letdowns.
Before you start shopping, understand what you can truly afford. Calculate your Conventional Purchase Loan Payment now to see how different loan amounts translate to monthly payments and avoid falling in love with homes outside your budget.
Mistake #2: Underestimating the True Cost of Buying
Down payment is just one part of the puzzle. Closing costs, taxes, insurance, and reserves all play a role.
What we do:
We walk you through a clear cost breakdown so you know exactly what to expect and how to budget. No surprises, no gimmicks.
If you’re working with limited savings, explore low down payment options. Calculate your FHA Purchase Loan Payment now to see how 3.5% down makes homeownership accessible while accounting for all costs including mortgage insurance, taxes, and reserves.
Mistake #3: Listening to Outdated Advice
Your cousin who bought in 2012 probably means well, but today’s market, rates, and lending guidelines are totally different.
What we do:
We give you up-to-date, personalized advice based on today’s conditions and your specific goals.
Mistake #4: Not Comparing Loan Options
Many buyers take the first loan they’re offered — even if it’s not the best fit.
What we do:
As brokers, we shop dozens of lenders to give you side-by-side comparisons — so you understand your choices and feel confident picking the right one.
Want to see how different loan options compare? Calculate your Compare 2 Rates (Interest Costs) now to understand how different rates and loan structures affect your total costs over time.
Mistake #5: Choosing the Wrong Team
Working with the wrong lender or agent can delay — or even derail — your deal.
What we do:
We work closely with trusted realtors and keep tight communication from start to finish. You’ll never be left wondering what’s next.
Need help building your winning team? Get An Introduction to trusted buyer’s agents, inspectors, and other professionals who work seamlessly with our team to ensure your success.
What Success Looks Like Instead
When you work with Stairway, you’ll experience:
• A clear path to preapproval
• A team that speaks your language
• Education every step of the way
• Confidence when you make your offer
• A smooth, well-managed closing
Need More Resources?
At Stairway Mortgage, we turn first-time buyers into confident homeowners—by helping you avoid costly mistakes before they happen.
📘 Download our homebuyer guides to prepare for success.
🧮 Know your budget with our Conventional Purchase Calculator.
🤝 Get An Introduction to build your team.
🏠 Learn more on our Buy a House page.
Ready to Take Your First Step?
Skip the guesswork. Take our quick Discovery Quiz to uncover your top financial priorities, so we can guide you toward the wealth-building strategies that fit your life.
- Takes just 5 minutes
- Tailored results based on your answers
- No credit check required
Need a Pre-Approval Letter—Fast?
Buying a home soon? Complete our short form and we’ll connect you with the best loan options for your target property and financial situation—fast.
- Only 2 minutes to complete
- Quick turnaround on pre-approval
- No credit score impact
Got a Few Questions First?
Let’s talk it through. Book a call and one of our friendly advisors will be in touch to guide you personally.
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