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Buying a Home • February 25, 2026

First Time Home Buyer? Here’s Where to Start

by Sophia Gordon
Buying your first home is an exciting milestone — but it can also feel overwhelming if you’re not sure where to start. The good news is that with the right preparation and the right Realtor, you can move through the process with confidence, avoid surprises, and make smart decisions along the way.
Here’s a practical step-by-step guide to help you get ready for one of life’s biggest investments.
1. Understand Your Financial Picture
Before you start browsing listings, take a close look at your finances. This is the foundation of your home-buying journey.
Start by reviewing:
Lenders will evaluate these factors to determine how much you can borrow and what your interest rate may be. If your credit score needs improvement, consider paying down debt and making consistent on-time payments before applying for a mortgage.
2. Determine How Much Home You Can Afford
It’s important to know your budget early so you can focus your search on realistic options.
Keep in mind that your monthly housing costs will include more than just your mortgage payment. You should also plan for:
We can connect you with a lender to help prepare you before you get to work on an official pre approval.
3. Start Saving for Upfront Costs
Typically, you’ll need savings for:
Having a dedicated savings plan can make this step much less stressful.
4. Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage
A mortgage pre-approval is one of the most important steps you can take before house hunting.
Pre-approval:
To get pre-approved, you’ll typically need to provide financial documents such as pay stubs, tax returns, and bank statements.
5. Define Your Needs vs. Wants
Before you start touring homes, make a list of what matters most.
Needs might include:
Wants might include:
Knowing your priorities will help you make confident decisions and know that it’s okay if this lists change along the way!
6. Work with a Real Estate Professional
We are here to guide you through every step — from finding the right home to negotiating the best price and navigating paperwork.
For first-time buyers, having an experienced professional on your side can:
Ready to begin your home-buying journey? Reach out to our team today — we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
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