Paint colors, carpet, or landscaping (these are easy to change later). 5. Make an Offer and Negotiate
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! how to buy my first home
It’s easy to get distracted by a pretty kitchen. Stay grounded by making a list: Paint colors, carpet, or landscaping (these are easy
When you find "the one," your agent will help you determine a fair price based on "comps" (what similar homes nearby sold for). Don't be afraid to ask for a "seller concession" to help cover your closing costs if the house needs minor repairs. 6. The "Due Diligence" Phase It’s easy to get distracted by a pretty kitchen
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"
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.