Payment comfort
Start with the monthly amount that fits your broader budget, then estimate principal, interest, taxes, insurance, mortgage insurance, association dues, and maintenance.
Your first home
Your first home, simplified
Buying your first home is a big deal. We'll walk you through every step, explain the numbers, and help you find first-time buyer programs.
Build the plan one decision at a time
Your first purchase does not require you to know everything on day one
A strong plan turns unfamiliar terms into a sequence of manageable decisions: set a comfortable budget, understand the money needed before and after closing, document a pre-approval, compare loan structures, and coordinate the contract. First-time-buyer benefits vary by program, location, income, property, and funding availability.
Upfront funds
Plan for more than the down payment. Inspections, appraisal, closing costs, prepaid expenses, moving, immediate repairs, and post-closing reserves can all matter.
Program fit
Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, and assistance programs solve different problems. Eligibility, property rules, mortgage insurance, rates, and total costs should be compared together.
1. Pre-Approval
Establish a documented price and payment range before you start looking.
2. House Hunting
Shop confidently with your pre-approval letter in hand.
3. Make an Offer
Work with your agent to make a strong offer backed by our financing.
4. Closing
Sign the final paperwork and get the keys to your new home.
Your first-home roadmap
The best time to ask questions is before a contract creates deadlines and financial pressure.
- 1
Set the budget and timeline
Discuss target areas and prices, monthly comfort, available savings, lease timing, employment plans, and the emergency cushion you want to preserve.
- 2
Review credit and documents
A mortgage professional can explain which income, asset, and identification documents are likely to be requested and identify questions that need follow-up.
- 3
Compare programs and assistance
Review payment and cash-to-close estimates with and without assistance. Some programs add a second lien, repayment conditions, income limits, location limits, or higher costs.
- 4
Shop, contract, and close
Use the documented pre-approval with your agent, update the financing for the selected property, complete inspections and underwriting, and review final disclosures before signing.
Questions to answer before house hunting
A clear answer does not have to be perfect; it gives your mortgage and real-estate team useful boundaries.
- What monthly housing range leaves room for savings and normal life expenses?
- How much can you use upfront without draining emergency reserves?
- Which property types, locations, or association dues change the numbers?
- Are gift funds or assistance part of the plan, and what documentation is required?
- What lease, relocation, or employment dates affect the closing timeline?
- Which loan tradeoffs matter most: cash to close, monthly payment, or long-term cost?
First-time buyer questions
Who counts as a first-time homebuyer?
The definition depends on the program. Some use a lookback period—often whether you have owned a principal residence during the prior three years—while others use different rules. Ask about the specific program rather than assuming the label applies.
Are down-payment-assistance programs free money?
Not always. Assistance may be a grant, forgivable loan, deferred loan, or repayable second mortgage. Availability and terms can change. Review repayment, sale or refinance restrictions, interest, fees, and the first-mortgage pricing before deciding.
Should I talk to a lender or real-estate agent first?
Either professional can help you start, but understanding the financing before touring homes gives you and your agent a more reliable price range and helps uncover documentation or timing issues early.
What should I avoid before closing?
Avoid opening or co-signing new debt, moving large undocumented funds, changing employment, missing payments, or making major purchases without first discussing the possible effect with your mortgage professional. The lender may reverify information before closing.
Keep exploring
Compare loan options
See the major program categories and the situations each may address.
Learn moreMortgage planning
Review your goals, budget, and next steps with our mortgage planning guide.
Learn moreStart a pre-approval conversation
Tell a licensed advisor about your goals, timing, and purchase questions.
Learn more