Understand before you sign
Ask what each document means, which terms can change, and what happens next. If something feels unclear, pause and ask for an explanation.
Your first home
You don’t need to know everything.
Just where to start.
Buying your first home can feel unfamiliar—and trusting someone with the details is a big step. You deserve clear explanations, room to ask questions, and a plan you understand before you decide.
Start here
Four steps to a confident first purchase.
Choose a comfortable payment
Begin with your everyday budget, including room for savings and repairs. You do not need a home picked out.
Explore a monthly payment →Build your cash plan
Separate your down payment, closing costs, and the savings you want to keep after moving.
See a cash budget example →Compare your options
Review the full payment, fees, and cash needed with a broker. Ask what changes from one option to another.
Get familiar with loan options →Prepare for preapproval
When you’re ready, your broker explains the secure application and the records the lender will review.
See what to gather →
Confidence starts with understanding
You should never feel embarrassed to ask.
“Why is that fee there?” “What am I agreeing to?” “How do I know this is a fair offer?” Those are good questions. Our job is to explain the choices and costs so you can decide with confidence.
Compare the complete offer
A rate is only part of an offer. Review the Loan Estimate’s payment, points, lender fees, and cash needed at closing. We welcome your questions about another offer.
Keep your comfort in view
A preapproval amount is not an instruction to spend that much. Your payment should leave room for the rest of your life. An initial conversation does not start an application or credit check.
An illustration, not a quote
See the pieces of an upfront budget.
For an illustrative $300,000 home, a 3% down payment is $9,000. Adding a hypothetical $9,000 allowance for closing costs and prepaid expenses creates an $18,000 starting budget—before moving costs and money you want to keep in reserve.
This example is not a qualification decision or an estimate for your transaction. Loan eligibility, actual fees, credits, deposits, and assistance can change the amount you need.
When you’re ready to apply
Gather the basics. We’ll guide the details.
Your broker will confirm the records needed for your situation. These commonly include identification, income records, account statements, and information about current debts. Write down any questions about credit, down payment assistance, or your timeline.
Share financial documents through your broker’s secure application process. Keep account numbers and sensitive information out of website chat and inquiry forms.
Choose your broker and start an application →Your options deserve a comparison
You may have more than one path.
A first-time buyer is not limited to one program. Ask about conventional and FHA options, VA or USDA when eligible, and any available down payment assistance. We’ll help you understand eligibility, costs, and any assistance repayment terms.