While the "20% rule" is a gold standard to avoid Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI), many first-time buyer programs allow for as little as 3% or 3.5% down.
During the search, create a "Needs vs. Wants" list. You might want marble countertops, but you need three bedrooms or a short commute. Remember: you can change the kitchen, but you cannot change the location or the lot size. Phase 3: Due Diligence and Closing how to plan to buy your first home
When you find the right house, the planning shifts to protection. After an offer is accepted, the is your most critical tool. It is an opportunity to uncover structural, electrical, or plumbing issues. If the inspection reveals major problems, your plan should include a strategy for negotiation—asking the seller for repairs or a price credit. While the "20% rule" is a gold standard
Planning must include closing costs (typically 2–5% of the home price) and a "move-in" emergency fund for immediate repairs or furniture. Phase 2: Building the Team and the Search You might want marble countertops, but you need
Planning for a first home is about moving from the abstract dream to concrete math. By focusing on credit health, setting realistic expectations for your lifestyle, and hiring the right experts, you transform a potentially overwhelming ordeal into a manageable series of steps. The goal isn't just to buy a house, but to secure a home that supports your financial future rather than draining it.
Your credit score dictates your interest rate. A higher score can save you tens of thousands of dollars over the life of a 30-year mortgage.