05/31/2026
Buying a house is easy.
Being prepared is what gets most people.
Here’s the order I’d start in:
**1. Save money.**
For many first-time buyers, the down payment can be around 3.5%, but I’d encourage you to save **at least 5%** of your target purchase price.
Why? Because it’s not just the down payment.
You may also have closing costs, inspections, taxes, insurance, moving expenses, and the unexpected little things that show up along the way. When those costs hit without a plan, that’s when the process starts to feel overwhelming.
If your buying power is $300,000, then 5% is $15,000. Personally, I’d love to see you closer to $20,000 if possible. Not because you have to spend it all, but because having breathing room matters.
**2. Talk to a lender early.**
Talk to a few. Shop around. If you already know the agent you want to work with, they should have lenders they trust and recommend.
A pre-approval gives you a real number, a real plan, and a clearer path forward. Many are good for around 90 days and can usually be updated easily.
**3. Protect your credit.**
Once you’re serious about buying, don’t open new credit, don’t close accounts, and don’t make major financial changes without talking to your lender first.
Business as usual — with discipline attached.
**4. Start the real conversations with your agent.**
Location, timing, needs, wants, budget, and strategy all matter. This is where the process starts becoming less stressful because you’re not guessing anymore. You’re building a plan.
And lastly…
Don’t fall in love with a home you’re not prepared to move into.
The home buying process becomes overwhelming when there’s a lack of preparation and a lack of professional support. Don’t rush it. Embrace the process.
If you have questions about what this could look like for you, I’m happy to help.
Send a message to learn more
