How To Buy My - First Home

A higher score gets you lower interest rates.

You’ll sign a mountain of paperwork, pay your remaining down payment and closing costs, and finally receive the keys.

Number of bedrooms, school district, or commute time. how to buy my first home

In most cases, the seller pays the commission, so professional representation is usually free for you. A good agent will find listings, schedule viewings, and—most importantly—handle the intense negotiations. 4. Know Your "Must-Haves" vs. "Nice-to-Haves"

Avoid making any large purchases (like a new car or furniture on credit) between your pre-approval and closing day, as this can disqualify your loan at the last minute! A higher score gets you lower interest rates

While 20% is the gold standard to avoid private mortgage insurance (PMI), many first-time programs allow as little as 3% or 3.5% down.

It’s easy to get distracted by a pretty kitchen. Stay grounded by making a list: In most cases, the seller pays the commission,

Expect to pay 2% to 5% of the home’s purchase price in taxes, lender fees, and inspections. 2. Get Pre-Approved