Advice Topics
- Buying (210)
- Selling (219)
- Renting (41)
- Market News & Trends (12)
- Finance & Legal Info (99)
- Tips & Advice (100)
- Working With an Agent (55)
- Marketing (4)
- Investing (16)
- Affordable Housing (20)
- Green Housing (2)
- Schools (1)
- Remodeling (35)
- International Real Estate (8)
- Terms & Definitions (27)
- Home Loans (17)
Top Contributors (View All)
Find a Top Real Estate Agent Near You
Like to become a first time home owner what I need to do?
Looking to become a first time home owner what and who do I need to reach out to I found a home I'm interested in buying but I need assistance?
Asked By David Lambert | AUGUSTA GA, FL | 1860 views | Buying | Updated 2 months ago
Answer(7)
Amanda Courtney
REP Realty Group
Start by getting pre-approved with a lender, setting a budget, and finding a trusted local agent. Ask about first-time buyer programs in Florida that offer down payment assistance or reduced closing costs.
- 3 months ago
Helpful (0)
Unhelpful (0)
Jaden Utter
Plum Tree
Get preapproved with a lender first. That tells you your real budget.
Check your credit and clean up any issues.
Save for down payment and closing costs (or find assistance programs).
Figure out what you can comfortably afford monthly.
Work with a local agent to find the right home and guide you through offers, inspections, and closing.
Check your credit and clean up any issues.
Save for down payment and closing costs (or find assistance programs).
Figure out what you can comfortably afford monthly.
Work with a local agent to find the right home and guide you through offers, inspections, and closing.
- 2 weeks ago
- Helpful (0)
- Unhelpful (0)
Are you ready to find a top agent near you?
Browse profiles of the highest ranked agents in your area and find one that meets your specific needs.
Chaimae Yaagoubi
Keller Williams Wellington
Start by exploring first-time buyer programs—there are options like zero down payment loans, grants, and closing cost assistance that can make buying more affordable. Next, get pre-approved through a lender so you know what you qualify for. It also helps to connect with a trusted REALTOR® early on—they’ll guide you through the process, help you avoid costly mistakes, and make sure you’re not missing out on programs you may qualify for. Taking these steps puts you in the best position to buy with confidence.
- 5 months ago
- Helpful (0)
- Unhelpful (1)
Shahzana Ripp
Coldwell Banker Realty
To buy your first home start by contacting a mortgage lender (bank, credit union, or broker) to get pre-approved for a loan and learn about first-time homebuyer grant programs like those from IHDA. Second get in touch with a real estate agent who will help you with the search, offers, and negotiations.
- 7 months ago
- Helpful (0)
- Unhelpful (1)
Becca Locke
Real Broker
Congratulations on taking this exciting step toward homeownership!
Finding a home you're interested in is a great start. Here's what you need to do next:
First, connect with a lender. Before you can make an offer, you'll need to get pre-approved for a mortgage. A lender will review your finances, credit, and income to determine how much you can borrow. This pre-approval letter is essential because sellers won't take your offer seriously without one. You can start by checking with your local bank or credit union, or ask friends and family for lender recommendations.
Second, work with a buyer's agent. A real estate agent who represents you (not the seller) will guide you through the entire process. Your agent will help you understand the home's value, negotiate the price and terms, coordinate inspections, and navigate all the paperwork from offer to closing. Look for an agent who specializes in working with first-time buyers in your area.
What to expect in the process: Once you're pre-approved and working with an agent, you'll make an offer on the home, conduct inspections, finalize your financing, and close the transaction. Your agent and lender will walk you through each step.
First-time buyer advantages: You may qualify for down payment assistance programs, special loan types like FHA (as low as 3.5% down), or first-time buyer grants available in your state. Your lender and agent can help you explore these options.
The key is getting that pre-approval first, then finding a trusted agent to represent your interests. Best of luck with your home purchase!
Finding a home you're interested in is a great start. Here's what you need to do next:
First, connect with a lender. Before you can make an offer, you'll need to get pre-approved for a mortgage. A lender will review your finances, credit, and income to determine how much you can borrow. This pre-approval letter is essential because sellers won't take your offer seriously without one. You can start by checking with your local bank or credit union, or ask friends and family for lender recommendations.
Second, work with a buyer's agent. A real estate agent who represents you (not the seller) will guide you through the entire process. Your agent will help you understand the home's value, negotiate the price and terms, coordinate inspections, and navigate all the paperwork from offer to closing. Look for an agent who specializes in working with first-time buyers in your area.
What to expect in the process: Once you're pre-approved and working with an agent, you'll make an offer on the home, conduct inspections, finalize your financing, and close the transaction. Your agent and lender will walk you through each step.
First-time buyer advantages: You may qualify for down payment assistance programs, special loan types like FHA (as low as 3.5% down), or first-time buyer grants available in your state. Your lender and agent can help you explore these options.
The key is getting that pre-approval first, then finding a trusted agent to represent your interests. Best of luck with your home purchase!
- 1 week ago
- Helpful (0)
- Unhelpful (0)
Yuri Lavrentiev
Compass
Hi David! As a first-time homebuyer, the best first step is to connect with a trusted real estate agent and a mortgage lender. The agent will guide you through the entire buying process, and the lender will help you understand your financing options and get pre-approved. I’d be happy to help. Feel free to reach out!
- 7 months ago
- Helpful (0)
- Unhelpful (1)
Related Questions
-
What is the first step in buying a home?
- Asked by Mike M.
- 1644 views
- Buying
- Updated 3 years ago
-
How to buy a house without closing costs or down payments?
- Asked by Timothy M.
- 1340 views
- Buying
- Updated 3 years ago