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First-Time Homebuyer FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Buying Your First Home​

Are you a first-time homebuyer wondering how to start the process of buying a home? Our comprehensive First-Time Homebuyer FAQ answers common questions like how to get approved for a mortgage, how much down payment you need, and tips for navigating the housing market. Get expert advice to confidently buy your first home and make informed decisions every step of the way

Q. How do I start the process of buying my first home?

A. The first step to buying a home is figuring out your budget. This means looking at your savings and getting pre-approved for a mortgage. Pre-approval tells you how much you can actually spend on a home. Once that’s done, it’s time to start house hunting! Don’t worry, it’s more fun than it sounds.

Q. What credit score do I need to buy a house?

A. You’ll want a credit score of at least 620 to qualify for most mortgages, but the higher, the better. If your score is less than perfect, it’s not game over! There are special loan programs for first-time buyers with low credit or no credit, so don’t throw in the towel just yet.

Q. How much down payment do I need for a first home?

A. The traditional rule is 20%, but let’s be real—most first-time buyers don’t have that much saved. You can often get a loan with as little as 3% down, especially with FHA loans. Just remember, the less you put down, the more you’ll pay monthly..

Q. What is an FHA loan, and should I get one?

A. An FHA loan is a type of mortgage designed for first-time homebuyers or folks with lower credit. The big perk? You only need a 3.5% down payment and a credit score of 580 or higher. Just be aware it comes with some extra fees, like mortgage insurance.

Q. How long does it take to buy a house as a first-time buyer?​

A. On average, it takes about 30-45 days to buy a house once you’re under contract. The entire homebuying process, from searching to closing, could take 3-6 months depending on how picky you are (no judgment, your dream home is out there!).

Q. What are closing costs, and how much should I budget for them?​

A. Closing costs are fees you pay when you finalize your home purchase—think property taxes, HOA fees, title fees, and other fun stuff. They typically are about 2% of the home’s purchase price, so budget for that in addition to your down payment. Other upfront fees to be prepared for are inspection, appraisal, earnest money deposit, and option fee. These are paid at the beginning of the transaction.

Q. How do I decide between renting or buying a home?​

A. If you plan to stick around for at least 5 years, buying usually makes more sense. With renting, you’re basically paying someone else’s mortgage. When you buy, you’re investing in your own future, building equity, and, honestly, getting tax breaks.

Q. What are the best tips for buying a home in a seller's market?​

A. In a seller’s market, homes sell fast, and buyers are in fierce competition. Get pre-approved for a mortgage, be ready to make a competitive offer quickly, and sometimes, you’ll need to throw in some sweeteners (like increased earnest money or option fee) to win that dream home.

Q. How much can I afford to spend on a house?​

A. The rule of thumb is that your mortgage payment shouldn’t be more than 30% of your monthly income. But don’t forget to factor in taxes, insurance, and all those extra costs like utilities. A mortgage calculator can help you figure this out. Here is a good one to use

Q. Can I buy a home with student loan debt?​

A. Closing costs are fees you pay when you finalize your home purchase—think property taxes, HOA fees, title fees, and other fun stuff. They typically are about 2% of the home’s purchase price, so budget for that in addition to your down payment. Other upfront fees to be prepared for are inspection, appraisal, earnest money deposit, and option fee. These are paid at the beginning of the transaction.

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