Define a comfortable monthly range
Consider principal, interest, taxes, insurance, association dues and ongoing homeownership costs—not only the purchase price.
FIRST-TIME HOME BUYER GUIDE
Your first home starts with a clear plan.
Understand the payment, organize the paperwork and prepare for the decisions that come before an offer.
Review credit, income and funds early
An early review can identify documents to gather and details to address before an offer creates a deadline.
Compare financing and down-payment paths
Compare cash needed, estimated payment and longer-term goals rather than treating the smallest down payment as the automatic choice.
Plan for the complete cash requirement
Account for closing costs, inspections, moving expenses and a sensible post-closing reserve.
Coordinate before making an offer
A prepared financing file helps you and your real estate agent make decisions with better information.
DOCUMENT CHECKLIST
Helpful items to begin gathering
- Photo identification
- Recent income documentation
- Bank and asset statements
- Employment history
- Current housing information
- Estimated purchase timeline
READY FOR A CONVERSATION?
Make the first step a clear one.
Dawn will help you understand what information matters for your specific situation.