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MAKE YOURSELF AT HOME
Find your starting point.
The buying essentialsBudget. Contracts. Closing.
First-home essentials
You don’t need to know everything yet.
Start with a comfortable payment, clear contract terms, and the home’s condition beyond the finishes. Your lender and actual contract determine the final answers.
What will I need before, at and after closing?
Plan beyond the down payment. Earnest money, option fees, inspections, appraisal expenses, closing costs, prepaid items, moving, repairs and reserves may all affect the complete picture.
Do I automatically need 20 percent down?
No single loan structure fits everyone. A licensed lender can explain available programs and requirements based on your qualifications.
Is my approval amount the same as my budget?
Not necessarily. A comfortable payment should still leave room for savings, maintenance and the rest of your life.
Does renovated mean trouble-free?
Fresh finishes do not explain the roof, foundation, drainage, systems or maintenance history. Professional inspection and careful review still matter.
After an accepted offer
Know what happens next.
You should always know where the transaction stands and which deadline matters next.
Five steps toward closing
Contract language, explained
These are general explanations. Review your actual agreement, timing, and obligations in context.
Pre-Approval
A lender’s early review of likely borrowing capacity and preparation needs.
Earnest Money
Funds delivered and handled according to the contract and its deadlines.
Option Period
A negotiated, time-sensitive review period with specific contract rights.
Inspection
Information about condition—not a simple pass-or-fail test.
Appraisal
A lender’s value review for financing, separate from the inspection.
Final Walkthrough
Your opportunity to revisit the property near the end of the transaction.
Understand the money, the contract, and the property—one step at a time. Review price, condition, monthly cost, and inspection risk before deciding. You don’t need to have everything figured out before reaching out.
YOUR FIRST MOVE