First-Time Homebuyers Guide

How To Buy a House in 15 Steps

Buying a home is a long process with a lot of moving parts. To successfully buy a home, you need to understand the process and to be prepared for each step.

1. Assess your finances

Evaluate your current income and spending to determine how much home you can afford. The goal is to figure out what you can reasonably pay for a home while still being able to afford necessary expenses such as food and health care.

Affording a down payment

To find out how much you can put toward a down payment, take your savings and set aside the amount you need for your other savings goals, emergencies, moving costs, and initial home renovations.

In addition to the down payment, you need to pay closing costs upfront when you buy a home. Closing costs typically total 2% to 5% of the home’s purchase price. Estimate that sum and subtract it from your remaining savings to get the total amount you have available to put down on a house.

How much down payment do I need?

The down payment you need to buy a home will depend on how much the home costs, the type of loan you choose, and your credit score.

Some government loan programs, like those backed by Veterans Affairs and the Department of Agriculture, require no down payment but are available only to certain types of borrowers.

For most people, a Federal Housing Administration loan will have the lowest down payment. Most borrowers can get an FHA loan with a down payment of 3.5%, though those with a lower credit score need a 10% down payment.

For conventional mortgages, most borrowers need at least 5% for a down payment. Keep in mind that down payments of less than 20% generally mean paying for private mortgage insurance.

Down payment assistance programs

If you’re having trouble affording a down payment, consider looking into down payment assistance programs and resources. These programs usually are administered by state and local governments or nonprofit organizations, and can help first-time buyers afford a home.

For example, Boston has a grant program that offers up to $50,000 in down payment assistance to first-time homebuyers who make less than 100% of the area’s median income.

Affording closing costs

On top of your down payment, you also have to pay closing costs, which include everything from compensating the lender for originating your loan to prepaying property taxes and homeowners insurance on your new home.

Closing costs run between 2% and 5% of the loan amount, and often include:

• Origination fees.
• Appraisal fees.
• Attorney fees.
• Credit reporting fees.
• Mortgage points.
• Prepaid taxes and insurance.
• Homeowners association transfer fees.
• Title insurance.
• Mortgage insurance.

What credit score do I need?

Your credit score helps lenders evaluate your creditworthiness. A higher credit score suggests that you reliably repay your debts and improves your odds of getting approved for a mortgage and of receiving a lower interest rate.

Though a credit score can be calculated in different ways, it’s usually based on:

• Your payment history.
• How much debt you have relative to your available credit.
• The length of your credit history.
• How many new credit accounts you’ve opened.
• Your credit mix, or the different types of debt that you have.

The minimum credit score to get a mortgage varies by loan type and lender:

What’s my debt-to-income ratio?

Your debt-to-income ratio is a percentage that shows how much of your income is taken up by your debt obligations. Common debts include car loans, credit cards, and student loans.

Calculate your DTI ratio by adding up your monthly debt payments, dividing the sum by your gross monthly income and multiplying by 100 to get a percentage. You also can use a DTI ratio calculator.

Limits on DTI ratios will vary depending on the loan type and lender. The lower your DTI ratio, the more income you have free to pay your mortgage. The ideal DTI ratio is below 36%, though it’s common for borrowers to qualify for a loan with a DTI ratio as high as 43%.

2. Know how much house you can afford

Once you’ve looked at your financial position and started saving for a down payment, it’s time to find out how much home you can afford. Your monthly housing payment will include your mortgage interest and principal, and may also include property taxes, homeowners insurance, and PMI.

Get pre-qualified

One good way to figure out how much house you can afford is to get pre-qualified. During pre-qualification, you give the mortgage lender some basic details about your credit and financial situation. The lender then gives you a rough estimate of the loan you might qualify for, including the maximum amount you could borrow, interest rates, and the monthly payment.

Keep in mind that pre-qualification is relatively informal. The lender won’t conduct a close investigation of your finances, so if the information you provide is inaccurate or incomplete, then the loan you’re offered when you officially apply will differ from your pre-qualification estimate.

Understand the cost of owning a home

There are many costs of homeownership. Some show up in your monthly mortgage bill, while other important costs are less obvious.

Homeowners insurance

Homeowners insurance protects you and your property from financial loss caused by damage to your home from fire, storm, or other mishaps. Most lenders require borrowers to carry a minimum amount of insurance.

Prices vary widely based on location, the value of your home, and other factors. The average cost of a 12-month policy ranges from $999 to $1,655.[2]

Most people pay for homeowners insurance with an escrow account, where the lender estimates the annual cost and collects a prorated amount every month that it uses to pay the premium on your behalf.

Property taxes

Property taxes are assessed by local governments to fund basic municipal services, as well as public schools.

Property tax rates vary widely. Hawaii has the lowest average rate at 0.28%, while New Jersey’s is the highest at 2.49%.

As with homeowners insurance, most people pay property taxes with a monthly payment into an escrow account managed by their mortgage lender.

Home maintenance and repairs

Homes need regular upkeep and repairs to stay in good condition. This includes everything from installing a new roof to replacing old appliances that no longer work. A common rule of thumb is to budget between 1% and 4% of your home’s value each year for maintenance.

HOA fees

If you buy a home that’s part of a homeowners association, you must pay dues to fund community services and amenities such as trash removal, pools, parking, and exterior maintenance. Prices vary significantly, but typical fees are about $200 or $300 a month.

3. List your needs and wants

Next, think about what you’re looking for in a home. Make a list of the features your future home must have, as well as features that would be nice to have but aren’t essential.

Types of homes

Common home types include:

• Single-family homes. These homes stand alone from other houses, which means they offer more privacy. You’re responsible for all maintenance and repairs.
• Condominiums. You own one of multiple units in a building or other housing complex. Condos typically have an HOA that sets community rules and charges dues to pay for shared amenities.
• Townhouses. These homes often have multiple stories and a small outdoor space. Similar to condos, townhouses have one or two shared walls and can be part of an HOA.

So, is a single-family home, condo, or townhouse the right choice for you? It ultimately depends on your budget, location, and preferred lifestyle.

Size, location, and features

For each home, imagine what it would be like to live in the area, and ask yourself a few questions:

• Do you want a home that’s move-in ready, or are you seeking a fixer-upper?
• Which features are essential to you? For example, think about the number of bedrooms and bathrooms you need, and whether you want a garage, large backyard, or pool.
• Do you want a place with plenty of space, or would you consider a tiny home in a great location?
• How long would your commute to work be?
• Is there convenient access to public transportation?
• What markets, restaurants, retail stores, and parks are in the neighborhood?
• If you have children or are planning to have kids, how good are the local schools?

4. Decide on a mortgage type

Choosing the right type of mortgage is essential when buying a home. The type of loan you select will determine everything from where you can buy a home to the size of your down payment and how much you can borrow.

Conventional mortgage

Who it’s good for: Buyers with good credit who can afford a down payment of at least 20%.

Conventional loans are the most common type of mortgage. They come in two types:

• Conforming loans meet government-set limits on the loan amount and minimum down payment requirements. Conforming to these limits allows lenders to sell the loans to Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, which are government-sponsored enterprises. This reduces the risk to lenders and helps make mortgages more affordable for more people.
• Nonconforming loans exceed the limits for conforming loans, which leaves lenders free to determine loan amounts, down payment requirements, and other features. Also known as a jumbo loan, this mortgage type usually is used to buy more-expensive homes. Eligibility is determined by individual lenders.

FHA loan

Who it’s good for: Buyers who don’t meet the requirements for a conventional mortgage.

The Federal Housing Administration backs mortgages made by private lenders. FHA loans require a minimum down payment of 3.5% for borrowers with a minimum credit score of 580, or 10% with a minimum credit score of 500.

VA loan

Who it’s good for: Eligible military service members, veterans, or their surviving spouses.

Veterans Affairs loans have no down payment requirement for qualified borrowers. However, borrowers get a discount on the mandatory VA funding fee if they put down at least 5%.

USDA loan

Who it’s good for: Borrowers who are buying a home in an eligible rural area and would otherwise be unable to get a mortgage.

U.S. Department of Agriculture home loans are for low-income borrowers buying a qualified property in a rural area. Eligibility is based on income and other factors, such as the property’s location and type.

Other types of loans

There are other, specialized types of loans to consider.

For example, if you’re buying raw land and plan to build a home on it, you might consider a construction loan.

There also are mortgages offered by state housing finance agencies that typically are intended for lower-income homebuyers.

5. Decide on a mortgage term

Your loan term is how much time you have to repay your mortgage, with 30-year and 15-year terms being the most common options.

A 30-year mortgage offers monthly payments that are more manageable, but you’ll pay more interest overall. A 15-year mortgage requires higher monthly payments, but you’ll pay less interest and own your home in full sooner.

Interest rates for a 30-year mortgage usually are higher than rates for a 15-year mortgage.

6. Shop for a mortgage and get preapproved

There are dozens, if not hundreds, of mortgage lenders out there. It’s in your best interest to shop around and compare lenders to get the best deal.

Some common lender types include:

• Mortgage bankers. Most lenders are mortgage bankers. This includes banks and other companies that lend to borrowers.
• Retail lenders. These are banks, credit unions, and other institutions that lend directly to consumers, handling everything from preapproval to closing.
• Direct lenders. Lenders that give loans to borrowers with no intermediaries are known as direct lenders.
• Portfolio lenders. These are lenders that keep their loans on the books rather than selling them, allowing for more-flexible underwriting.
• Online lenders. This category contains fully online companies that often have lower-cost loans.
• Credit unions. A credit union is a local, member-owned institution that may offer a personalized experience, easier underwriting, and lower rates.

Getting preapproved

When you’re serious about buying a house, you should get a mortgage preapproval.

Preapproval is based on the lender’s assessment of your ability to repay the loan, which comes from examining your credit history, income, and assets. A mortgage preapproval letter indicates how much of a loan that particular lender expects you would qualify for, and typically is valid for 30 to 60 days.

While preapproval is no guarantee that you’ll get a loan, it shows real estate agents and sellers that you should be able to secure financing.

Remember, preapproval doesn’t commit you to working with a lender, so it’s a good idea to apply for preapproval with several lenders and compare the terms of their offers.

How to compare offers

When looking at loan offers, you should compare the interest rate, fees, and closing costs. Ask your lender to provide the annual percentage rate, or APR, which factors in all the costs of a loan. Use a mortgage calculator to figure out your monthly payment, and which offer has the lowest overall cost.

Also, consider how easy the lender is to work with. If two loans are similarly priced, you might want to go with the lender that has a better reputation for good customer service.

Working with a mortgage broker can be a good way to get and compare multiple loan offers. Your broker will consider your finances and match you with the best lenders for your situation.

7. Find a real estate agent or Realtor

A real estate agent is a professional who’s licensed in your state to represent buyers or sellers in the sale of a home. Realtors are real estate agents who have joined the National Association of Realtors, and follow its standards and code of ethics.

It’s helpful to have a real estate professional on your side when buying a house. Your agent will advise you on how best to navigate the process, which can reduce the stress of trying to buy a home.

You can ask friends and family to refer you to real estate agents they’ve worked with. Alternately, you can search for real estate agents online. Local Realtors can be found using NAR’s directory of members.

Before you hire an agent or a Realtor, take time to ask questions and make sure they’re a good fit. Ask how they communicate with clients, how long they’ve been working in your area, what their schedule is like, and how long it typically takes them to help a buyer find a home.

8. Shop for a home

As you’re shopping around, try to tour different types of homes that fit your budget. Use your list of needs and wants in a home to guide you.

If you’re planning to move far from your current home, you also should look into how to buy a home remotely.

How to find homes for sale

The best way to find homes for sale is to work with an experienced real estate agent or Realtor. They know your area, and once you tell them what you’re looking for and what your budget is, they should be able to show you homes that interest you.

You also can use online listing services to browse homes for sale in your area.

What to look for when touring homes

When touring a home, consider how well it meets your needs and wants. Take note of the floor plan, number of bedrooms, and number of bathrooms, and think about how you could use other rooms in the home. For example, do you need a home office? Make sure there’s space for one.

Also, think about things like how much natural light the home gets; proximity to major roads, transit, parks, and businesses; availability of parking; yard size; and other aspects that will affect you on a daily basis. Consider if you can see yourself living in the home and using its features day to day.

What to do if you’re priced out of the market

If you get priced out of the market, you have a few options:

• Change where you’re looking to buy. Home prices depend on many factors, but location is an important one. Consider shopping in a less expensive area to find a home you can afford.
• Save up a larger down payment. The more you put down on a home, the less you have to borrow to buy it, and the more affordable the monthly mortgage payment is.
• Let go of certain wants — or even needs. Over time, you can upgrade your home, or sell it to buy a new one once you’ve built up more savings and some home equity.

9. Make an offer — and negotiate

Your real estate agent or Realtor can help you make an offer on a home. If your offer is in the ballpark, expect a counteroffer from the seller, and you can continue to negotiate the home price. For example, you may want to ask the seller to pay some of your closing costs or make repairs as part of the sale.

Once the deal is finalized, both parties sign a purchase and sale agreement that outlines the terms of the sale and any contingencies required for the transaction to go through.

Making a strong offer

It’s important to come in with a strong offer that appeals to sellers.

One of the strongest things you can do is make a cash offer. Generally speaking, it doesn’t matter to the seller whether the money is coming from a loan or your bank account. However, paying in cash can provide a competitive edge in a situation with multiple offers on the table. That’s because a cash offer indicates the buyer already has the funds to purchase the home and can close quickly.

While it may seem intimidating to compete with a cash offer, keep in mind that cash buyers often back out of buying a home because they can compete more easily for other houses.

Consider an escalation clause

An escalation clause is an offer to beat a competing offer by a specific amount, up to a limit.

For example, you might write an offer that says you’ll pay $400,000 or $1,000 more than a bona fide competing offer, up to a maximum of $450,000. If no one else offers more than $400,000, then you get the home for $400,000. However, if someone else offers $425,000 on the home, then your offer automatically increases to $426,000. If someone offers $500,000, you don’t have to worry about breaking the bank.

An escalation clause can help you avoid paying more than you need to for a home. However, it also shows the seller the maximum you’re willing to pay for their home, which limits your negotiation power.

Writing a house offer letter

Another way that buyers try to make their offer stand out is to make an emotional appeal by writing a house offer letter.

A house offer letter typically explains in a personal way a little bit about who you are, why you want to buy the home, and why the seller should choose your offer. The hope is that in the case of two similar bids, emotions might work in your favor if you make a connection with the seller.

House offer letters are controversial, as they may reveal information about the buyer that would violate fair housing laws. While such letters remain legal, many professionals and organizations — including the National Association of Realtors — discourage their use.

What you can negotiate

In real estate, almost everything is negotiable. What your seller may be willing to negotiate typically depends on market conditions. It’s easier to negotiate in a buyer’s market than a seller’s market.

The most obvious thing to negotiate is the price of the home. If you offer less than asking, the seller still might accept.

You also can ask the seller to pay some of your closing costs or to make certain repairs that come up during the home inspection. If you like some of the furniture or appliances in the home, you also can ask the seller to include them in the sale.

10. Sign the purchase and sale agreement

Once the seller accepts your offer, it’s time to draw up and sign a purchase and sale agreement, which outlines the key details of the transaction.

Purchase price

Possibly the most important detail in the purchase and sale agreement is the price of the home. This is the total amount of money that you have to pay the seller to buy the home. Usually, you’ll offer deposits over the course of the sale process and pay the remainder at closing using a mortgage.

Contingencies

Contingencies are conditions that must be met for the transaction to close. For example, the buyer might add a contingency that lets them back out of the sale if the home inspection finds major defects. The seller might add a contingency letting them back out if they fail to find a new home to live in.

As a buyer, adding an appraisal or financing contingency protects you from overpaying or from buying a home that has hidden problems. But for sellers, such contingencies are opportunities for them to lose their buyer, so they often prefer offers that waive contingencies.

Closing timeline

The purchase and sale agreement sets the timeline for closing. This includes dates for paying deposits; completing the home inspection, appraisal, or mortgage approval; and closing.

11. Apply for a mortgage

It’s smart to shop around and get estimates from different lenders in advance, so that when you’re ready to apply for a mortgage, you’ve explored the different types of home loans and determined which one is right for your financial situation.

Fixed-rate vs. adjustable-rate mortgages

Fixed-rate mortgages have a set interest rate, which never changes throughout the loan term. With a stable monthly payment, borrowers can reliably budget their housing expenses for the term of the loan. Fixed-rate mortgages are ideal for buyers who plan on owning their home for a long time or who want to avoid fluctuations in their mortgage payment.

Adjustable-rate mortgages, on the other hand, typically start with a lower interest rate that applies for a set amount of time. Afterward, it can change at certain intervals according to market rates. If rates increase, borrowers will pay more interest. They may pay less interest if rates drop.

With an ARM, anticipating how much you’ll pay in the long term becomes more challenging. This mortgage option is suitable for buyers who are OK with potential rate increases or who plan on owning the property for a short while.

Documents needed

When you apply for a mortgage, the lender will require financial documents as part of the application. If you got preapproved, the lender likely will have many of these documents already — but it’s still good to have them on hand in case the lender asks again.

Expect to need the following:

• Proof of income.
  • Pay stubs.
  • Tax returns.
  • Wage or income tax documents, such as W-2 forms.
  • Proof of self-employment income, such as profit and loss statements.
  • Social Security benefits letters.
• Proof of assets.
  • Bank statements.
  • Brokerage statements.
• Other documents.
  • Gift letters if anyone is giving you money to help with the down payment.
  • Paper records for recent large deposits.
  • Statements for any other loans or regular bills.

After you submit a mortgage application, the lender has three days to provide a form called a loan estimate. This document estimates the interest rate, monthly payment, closing costs, taxes, and insurance for the loan you’ve been approved for.

Make sure to review the estimate closely to ensure that you understand it, that it matches your expectations, and that you can afford the loan being offered.

12. Get the home inspected and appraised

During the mortgage underwriting process, the lender will order a home appraisal and check the title for any claims against the property, such as unpaid taxes.

The appraisal is important because it determines the home’s fair market value. Getting the property appraised helps protect the buyer from overpaying, and allows the lender to verify that the loan amount is appropriate relative to what the home is worth. Lenders generally won’t lend a borrower more than a home’s appraised value.

It’s also important to schedule a home inspection as soon as possible, so you can find out if the home has any major problems. Depending on what the inspection finds, and the terms of your purchase agreement, you may want your real estate agent to renegotiate your offer or cancel the deal.

13. Mortgage approval

It’s a big moment when the lender decides whether to approve your loan. Once your loan’s approved, you’re almost ready to close the sale.

Understanding the closing disclosure

The closing disclosure lists the final costs of your loan and the transaction. It details the loan amount, the interest rate, the monthly payment, and all your closing costs. The lender is required to give you the closing disclosure at least three days before the scheduled closing date.

What to do if your mortgage application is denied

If your mortgage application is denied, you have a few options.

If you have a financing contingency in your offer, you can back out of the sale and likely get your earnest money back.

If you still want to buy the home, call the lender and ask why your application was denied. See if you can offer a larger down payment, pay off other debts, or clarify some information you provided to get the lender to reconsider. If the lender refuses to change its decision, ask the seller if you can extend the closing date, and try to find another lender.

If you’re unable to get a mortgage, you might have to let the home go, work to improve your finances and credit, and try again later.

14. Pay closing costs

At this point, all that’s left to do is paying your closing costs and closing on the home.

How to pay your closing costs

Usually, you pay closing costs on closing day. Because closing costs generally are tens of thousands of dollars, you’ll typically make the payment with a cashier’s check, certified check, or wire transfer.

How to reduce closing costs

There are a few different ways to reduce your closing costs:

• Opt for a no-closing-cost loan. The lender pays the closing costs on these loans, and compensates by charging the borrower a higher interest rate.
• Negotiate with the home seller. Ask them to cover some of your closing costs. You also can negotiate with the lender about waiving some fees.
• Try to have your closing date near the end of the month. This limits the amount of prepaid interest you’ll need to pay.

15. Close on the home

Before signing anything, do a final walk-through of the home to confirm that all negotiated repairs or changes have been made.

On closing day, thoroughly read each document and check for any issues. Make sure to ask questions to your lender, your agent, the seller, or others if needed. Once you’ve confirmed that all the details are correct, sign the paperwork.

You should leave closing with a promissory note, a mortgage agreement, a deed to the property — and the keys to your new home.

Tips for Buying a New Home

Now that you’re familiar with the homebuying process, here are some tips on how to make the process easier to navigate:

• Compare mortgage offers. Always shop around to find a competitive offer and examine the interest rates and fees, as well as the terms, before accepting a home loan.
• Keep saving. Whether you’re saving for a down payment, closing costs, or emergency home repairs, you can stay prepared by making regular contributions to your savings accounts.
• Get properly insured. Make sure your property is adequately insured to financially cover you in the event of property damage, theft, or accidents. This includes insurance for floods, earthquakes, or other natural disasters if you live in an area prone to those events.
• Strengthen your credit. Having strong credit can help you in many ways when buying a home, and it also is helpful later if you want to refinance your mortgage. Keep working to improve your credit score by paying debts on time and in full each month.

FAQ for First-Time Homebuyers

Here are answers to frequently asked questions from first-time homebuyers.

The Bottom Line on Buying a Home for the First Time

By understanding the steps to a home purchase, your mortgage options, and the true cost of owning a home, you can approach the process of buying a house with confidence. It also helps put you in a good position to save money. Every first-time homebuyer’s situation is different, so be sure to consider your own before choosing a mortgage lender and home that’s best for you.

Rory Arnold and T.J. Porter contributed to the reporting of this article.