🏡 First-Time Homebuyers: What to Do Before You Start Working With a Real Estate Agent
Buying Your First Home? Let’s Keep It Simple.
Buying your first home is exciting — but it can also feel overwhelming if you’re not sure where to start. Before you begin house hunting or reach out to a real estate agent, there are a few important steps that will make the process smoother, simpler, and more successful.
At Simple Loans, our goal is to keep home financing stress-free and easy to understand. Here’s a clear, step-by-step guide to get you ready for that big first move.
1. Understand Your Budget
Before you start scrolling through listings, get clear on what you can comfortably afford.
Review your monthly expenses — rent, car payments, credit cards, and lifestyle costs.
Use a mortgage calculator (we’ll help you with one) to estimate what your monthly payment might look like.
Keep in mind homeownership adds new costs: property taxes, insurance, and maintenance.
You don’t want to stretch yourself too thin. The goal isn’t just to buy a home — it’s to enjoy it.
2. Check Your Credit and Strengthen It
Your credit score plays a big role in your mortgage approval and interest rate.
Pull your free credit report from annualcreditreport.com.
Check for any errors and dispute them if needed.
Pay down high credit card balances and avoid opening new credit lines.
Even small improvements can lower your rate and save you thousands over the life of your loan.
3. Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage
This step puts you in the driver’s seat.
A pre-approval letter shows sellers and agents that you’re a serious buyer — and gives you a clear price range to shop in.
At Simple Loans, we’ll:
✅ Review your income, credit, and savings
✅ Explain your options clearly — no jargon
✅ Provide a simple, straightforward pre-approval letter
No confusion. No stress. Just clarity.
4. Choose the Right Loan Type for You
Not all mortgages are the same — the best one depends on your situation.
Conventional Loans: Best for buyers with solid credit and a stable job history.
FHA Loans: Great for first-time buyers with smaller down payments.
VA Loans: For eligible veterans and active-duty service members.
Jumbo Loans: For homes above conforming loan limits.
We’ll help you compare and choose what’s right for your budget and goals.
5. Save for More Than the Down Payment
A down payment isn’t the only cost to plan for. Be ready for:
Closing costs: 2–5% of the purchase price.
Prepaid expenses: Property taxes, insurance, and interest.
Move-in funds: For new furniture, paint, or that first Target run.
Some programs offer down payment or closing cost assistance — ask us to check what’s available in your area.
6. Define Your Home Priorities
Before your agent starts showing homes, take a step back and think about what matters most to you:
What neighborhoods fit your lifestyle and commute?
How many bedrooms and bathrooms do you need?
What features are “must-haves” — yard, garage, home office?
When you know what you want, your agent can find it faster.
7. Build Your Dream Team
Once you’ve completed these steps, you’re ready to connect with a real estate agent.
You’ll stand out as a prepared, confident buyer — and you’ll have the peace of mind of knowing exactly where you stand financially.
And remember, Simple Loans is here to guide you through every step — from pre-approval to closing — keeping it all simple, transparent, and stress-free.
Ready to Get Started?
If you’re thinking about buying your first home, we’d love to help you prepare.
Let’s talk about what you can afford, which loan options fit your goals, and how to make your path to homeownership easy and enjoyable.
📞 Connect with Simple Loans today — let’s keep it simple and get you home.