Figure out what you can afford

The most pragmatic of all the first-time homebuyer tips is establishing your budget. Every property is uniquely priced, so when buying your first home, use our affordability calculator to refine your search by knowing what you can afford from the start.

Start by reviewing your monthly income against your living expenses, monthly bills, and ongoing maintenance costs. Stable, documented income is one of the most important factors lenders evaluate — it determines not just whether you qualify, but how much home you can realistically afford. Also consider how much you can put toward a down payment, as this directly affects which loan programs are available to you. And don’t overlook your credit score — building it up before you apply by paying down debt can help you secure a better interest rate, saving you thousands over the life of your loan.

Get pre-approved for your mortgage

It’s important to find a loan officer who can get you preapproved for your budgeted amount. You can then begin your search for your dream home knowing what you can afford. Sellers like buyers who are preapproved.

Though the process is pretty straightforward, it does require that you gather documents such as identifications, bank statements, plus income and asset statements.

Research real estate and Realtors

Let the house hunting begin, but don’t go it alone. Partnering with the right Realtor—one who understands your wants and can start researching right alongside you—can make a major difference in your home-buying experience and quality of home you end up in.

As part of your research, take time to explore the neighborhoods you are considering. Whether you are already familiar with the area or relocating to South Florida for the first time, touring the neighborhood and learning about local schools, amenities, and commute times can help you narrow your search meaningfully. First-time buyers in Palm Beach County and Broward County can explore the cities we service to find the right community fit before making an offer.

Make an offer on the right house

Once your research and Realtor have helped identify the home that’s just right for you, it’s time to put your preapproval to work; it’s time to make an official offer. Don’t worry, it’s a nervous time for everyone. Take a deep breath, trust your instincts and enjoy the moment.

Select your loan program

You’ve found your home—now it’s time to turn your preapproval into an offer. Keep in mind, there are many first-time homebuyer programs to choose from, so you’ll want to work closely with your loan officer to find the program that’s best for you.

Have the house inspected

Buying a house is a long-term investment. And because no home is perfect, you’ll want to hire a professional home inspector to thoroughly evaluate the integrity of the property and to tell you about any potential problems.

Get the home appraised

The lender ultimately needs to determine if the house you’re buying is worth the price you’re paying. To do this, they perform an appraisal of the property to evaluate if the home’s value matches (or exceeds) the amount of the loan.

If it doesn’t, then you’ll need to talk to your loan officer about your options.

Sign the papers to close the sale

Assuming the appraisal is favorable, then you’re just a few signatures away from making this house your home. These documents will legally bind you and the seller to the terms, as well as initiate the transferring of funds that makes your first-time homebuyer loan official. Congrats!