: Visit open houses and schedule private showings with your agent to get a feel for the neighborhood beyond online photos. Phase 3: Offer, Contract, and Due Diligence The Homebuying Process for First-Time Homebuyers
: While 20% avoids Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) , some programs like FHA loans allow as little as 3.5% . Closing Costs : Typically 2% to 5% of the purchase price. Phase 2: Building Your Team & Searching first time home buying process
: Separate "must-haves" (e.g., number of bedrooms, school district) from "nice-to-haves" (e.g., pool, fenced yard). : Visit open houses and schedule private showings
: A score above 740 is excellent, while 620 is the usual minimum for most mortgages. Phase 2: Building Your Team & Searching :
: Use the 28/36 rule —your mortgage should not exceed 28% of your gross monthly income, and total debt shouldn't exceed 36%.
: A lender reviews your financial documents (tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements) to give you a letter stating the loan amount you qualify for. This is critical; many realtors will not show homes without it. Save for Upfront Costs :