First-Time Homebuyer Guide
The Homebuying Process, Start To Finish
Written for someone who has never bought a home before.
First-Time Homebuyer Guide
Written for someone who has never bought a home before.
Buying a home can feel overwhelming when you have never done it before. There are new terms, documents, deadlines and decisions along the way, and you do not need to understand all of it before you get started.
This guide breaks the process into simple steps so you can see what happens, what you may need and what to expect, from the beginning of your search all the way to getting your keys. Read it in order, or jump to the part you are in right now.
The homebuying process end to end, how much money you actually need, getting pre-approved and what makes up a monthly payment.
Read this sectionSetting your priorities, new construction versus resale, writing an offer, and how earnest money and the option period work.
Read this sectionWhat happens after an offer is accepted: inspection, appraisal, underwriting and title.
Read this sectionClosing costs, your Closing Disclosure, the final walkthrough, closing day and getting your keys.
Read this sectionProperty taxes and the homestead exemption, insurance, home warranties, HOAs and what to do after you move in.
Read this sectionThe questions I get asked most, answered plainly. Click any question to open the answer.
Read this sectionFinancing
Three plain-language pages on the money side of buying a home. You do not need to read them before we talk, and you do not need to know which loan you want.
Interest, PITI, fixed versus adjustable, conventional loans, PMI, equity, LTV and points.
Read moreFHA and VA loans: who they are for, how they work, mortgage insurance, funding fees and property requirements.
Read morePre-approval through closing, what your lender reviews and how to protect your approval along the way.
Read moreStill Have Questions?
If any of this raised a question, ask me. I would rather explain something twice than have you guess.