Buying your first home feels like learning a new language. There are dozens of programs, three credit bureaus, two pre-approval letters, and a closing process that takes weeks. This roadmap puts it in order — what to do first, what to skip, and how to avoid the mistakes that delay closings.
Step 1: Check your credit
Pull all three bureaus free at annualcreditreport.com. Fix obvious errors before applying. A 40-point bump from cleanup is common and worth months of saving.
Step 2: Run an affordability check
Use the calculator below to anchor your search. Pre-approval letters often run higher than what's actually comfortable — set your own ceiling before a lender does.
Step 3: Get pre-approved
Pre-approval (not pre-qualified) is a documented review of your income, assets, and credit. It's free, takes 24–72 hours with us, and is the only ticket to making serious offers.
Step 4: Explore programs
FHA (3.5% down, 580+ credit), conventional 97 (3% down, 620+ credit), VA (0% down, service required), USDA (0% down, rural areas), state down-payment assistance ($5k–$30k grants). Most buyers qualify for more than they realize.
Step 5: Tour, offer, close
Once under contract, you'll have an appraisal, inspection, and final underwriting. Don't open new credit, change jobs, or move money during this window — it can derail closing.
Use our free calculators to apply this to your situation in seconds.
Frequently asked questions
How much down payment do I really need?
As little as 0% with VA or USDA, 3% with conventional, 3.5% with FHA. Most first-time buyers come in with 5%–10%.
What credit score do I need?
580 minimum for FHA, 620 for conventional, 640+ for the best USDA pricing. We can work with lower with compensating factors.
How long does pre-approval take?
24–72 hours once we have your documents (pay stubs, W-2s, two months of bank statements).
What if I have student loan debt?
Student loans count in your DTI but most loan programs use the actual payment, not 1% of the balance like they used to. Run the DTI calculator to see where you stand.