1st Time Home Buyer FAQ
Buying your first home is kind of like starting a new book without reading the back cover. You’re excited, slightly confused, and deeply concerned that you’re about to stumble into a subplot you weren’t prepared for.
But breathe easy—this post is your real estate CliffsNotes. Whether you’re already scrolling listings at midnight or still wondering what a mortgage even is, I’ve got you covered.
Chapter 1: “Do I Even Qualify for a Home?”
Let’s talk money—but in normal-person terms.
To get started, a lender will look at three big things:
Income (How much you make)
Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI) (How much you owe vs. what you earn)
Credit Score (A three-digit number that tells lenders how risky you are)
❗Tip: You don’t need a perfect credit score. Some loan programs work with scores as low as 580!
Chapter 2: “How Much Do I Need for a Down Payment?”
Contrary to what your great-uncle said at Thanksgiving, you do not need 20% down. Here’s a breakdown:
Conventional loan: As little as 3% down
FHA loan: 3.5% down (ideal for first-time buyers)
VA or USDA loans: 0% down (if you qualify!)
Of course, if you do have 20%, go for it—it’ll save you from paying Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI).
Chapter 3: “What’s This Pre-Approval Thing?”
Think of pre-approval as your hall pass into the homebuyer world.
It’s when a lender reviews your finances and says, “Yes, you can afford up to $X.” Sellers love it. Your future self will love it. It’s way better than window shopping and then realizing you can’t afford what you just emotionally committed to.
🔍 Note: This is different from “pre-qualification,” which is just a rough estimate. Pre-approval is more official and way more helpful when it’s time to make offers.
Chapter 4: “How Do I Actually Find The Right Home?”
You’ll want to make a list of:
Must-haves (location, number of bedrooms, A/C that works in July)
Nice-to-haves (home office, killer kitchen, space for a future dog)
Absolutely-nots (tiny closets, scary basements, HOA from the underworld)
And then? You call me. I’ll help you narrow things down and send you homes that match your budget and vibe. No out-of-your-budget Mansions when you’re looking for “cute and cozy with a side of stability.”
Chapter 5: “What Happens After I Find One I Love?”
Here’s the simplified timeline:
Make an offer (with my help)
Offer gets accepted (woo!)
You pay option fee (basically insurance that you can back out during the option period without losing earnest money) & “earnest money” (like a deposit to show you’re serious)
Schedule inspections (so no one’s surprised by a cracked foundation)
Appraisal happens (your lender makes sure the house is worth what you’re paying)
Final approval & closing disclosure
Final Walk-Thru & Closing day = keys in your hand, house is yours
🧠 Real Talk: The process can take 30–45 days from offer to closing. I’ll help you navigate every step without turning into a ball of anxiety.
Chapter 6: “What Are All These Hidden Costs?”
Yep, there’s more than just the down payment. Here's what to expect:
Closing costs: 2–5% of the home price (covers fees, title, taxes, etc.)
Home inspection: ~$300–$600 (worth every penny)
Appraisal fee: ~$400–$700
Home insurance: Required by your lender
Moving expenses: Don’t forget pizza for your helpers
Chapter 7: “What If I Regret It?”
Totally normal to panic a little. Buying a home is a big deal. But that’s why I walk you through the process with real talk, not robot scripts. If something feels off, we pause. If you’re overwhelmed, we simplify.
And remember: the goal isn’t just to buy a house—it’s to find a home that fits you.
Chapter 8: “Do I Really Need a Realtor?”
Let me say this gently: trying to buy a house without a Realtor is like trying to bake a wedding cake after watching one episode of The Great British Bake Off.
You can try. But why?
I’ll:
Explain everything simply
Help you find homes you actually want to see
Write offers that stand out
Negotiate on your behalf
Keep things moving and organized
Final Chapter: “Where Do I Even Start?”
Start here:
Talk to a lender for pre-approval (I’ve got recs!)
Make a list of what you want in a home
Request a consultation HERE
Still got questions? Or just want a bookish Realtor who won’t let you panic-buy the wrong house? Let’s chat. I’ll bring the checklists and the calm.
