What’s the First Step in Buying a Home?
- By Jim Blackburn
- on
- 100 first time home buyer FAQs
Buying Your First Home? Don’t Skip These Starting Steps
1. Check Your Credit Score (Yes, Now!)
Your credit score is like your homebuying passport—it determines where you can go and how easily you’ll get there. Lenders use it to decide what loan you qualify for and what interest rate you’ll get. Before you fall in love with a house, check your score. You can use Credit Karma, your bank’s app, or even some credit card portals. Don’t panic if it’s not perfect—just knowing it puts you in control.
Once you know your credit score, see what loan programs you qualify for. Calculate your FHA Purchase Loan Payment now to explore options available with credit scores as low as 580—perfect for first-time buyers building their credit history.
2. Get Pre-Approved for a MortgagePre-approval is the secret weapon of confident buyers
It tells you exactly how much house you can afford—and shows sellers that you’re the real deal. It’s fast, it’s free, and it saves you from wasting time on homes outside your range. Pro tip: a pre-approval letter makes your offer stronger, especially in competitive markets.
Ready to get pre-approved today? Get Approved Now and find out exactly how much home you can afford—usually within 24 hours.
Before you apply, run the numbers yourself. Calculate your Conventional Purchase Loan Payment now to see what your monthly payment would look like at different price points.
3. Define Your Budget + Your Must-Haves
Knowing your numbers is only half the battle—you also need to know what matters most. Do you need three bedrooms? A backyard for your dog? A short commute? Clarifying your non-negotiables keeps you focused and less overwhelmed when listings start flying in. And setting a clear budget? That’s just smart planning.
If you’re a veteran, your budget might stretch further than you think. Calculate your VA Purchase Loan Payment now to see how zero down payment and no mortgage insurance can help you afford the home you want.
Ready to Take the First Step?
Buying a home doesn’t have to be confusing. These three simple moves will give you confidence, clarity, and momentum.
📘 Download our homebuyer guides to learn what to expect at every stage.
📊 Check Current Rates to see what’s available today.
🧮 Get Approved Now and know your buying power in 24 hours.
🎯 Take the Discovery Quiz to find your perfect loan match.
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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