Your complete guide to buying your first home

Buying your first home is exciting and sometimes overwhelming. We'll walk you through every step of the process, from preparation to closing, so you can buy with confidence.

Start Your Home Purchase
First-time homebuyers celebrating in front of their new home

Your Home Buying Journey, Step by Step

1

Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage

Before you start house hunting, get pre-approved for a mortgage. This shows sellers you're serious and gives you a clear budget. We'll review your finances, credit, income, and assets to determine how much you can borrow.

  • Gather financial documents (tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements)
  • Authorize a credit check
  • Receive a pre-approval letter showing your approved loan amount
2

Get Your Down Payment Ready

You don't need to have 20% down to buy your first home. TRI-GLOBAL EQUITIES offers flexible down payment options to help first-time buyers who don't have a large savings cushion.

  • Explore low down payment programs (3-5% down)
  • Learn about down payment assistance programs
  • Understand gifts from family members (typically allowed)
  • Know your limits on borrowing for down payment
3

Find and View Homes

Now that you're pre-approved, work with a real estate agent to find homes in your budget. Look for a home you can afford comfortably—don't stretch to the maximum you're pre-approved for.

  • Create a list of must-haves vs. nice-to-haves
  • Consider location, condition, and future resale value
  • Don't fall in love with a home at first sight—take your time
4

Make an Offer & Get a Home Inspection

Once you find the right home, your agent will help you make a competitive offer. If your offer is accepted, hire a home inspector to evaluate the property's condition before you commit.

  • Research comparable sales in the area
  • Include an inspection contingency in your offer
  • Pay for a professional home inspection ($300-500)
  • Address any major issues before closing
5

Finalize Your Mortgage & Lock in Your Rate

Once your offer is accepted, submit a full loan application. We'll order the appraisal and begin the underwriting process. Consider locking in your interest rate to protect against market fluctuations.

  • Submit complete financial documentation
  • Review loan estimate and closing costs
  • Lock in your interest rate (typically for 30-60 days)
  • Coordinate with the appraisal and inspection timelines
6

Schedule a Final Walk-Through

About 24 hours before closing, walk through the home to make sure any agreed-upon repairs were completed and the property is in the expected condition.

  • Verify all agreed-upon repairs were done
  • Check that agreed-upon items are being removed
  • Ensure utilities and systems are functioning
  • Take photos for your records
7

Close on Your Home

At closing, you'll sign final documents, verify closing costs, provide proof of homeowners insurance, and receive the keys to your new home!

  • Review and sign Closing Disclosure (required 3+ days before)
  • Provide homeowners insurance documentation
  • Wire final down payment and closing costs
  • Sign deed and promissory note
  • Receive the keys and congratulations!

First-Time Buyer Preparation Checklist

Before You Start Looking

During Your Purchase

Money-Saving Tips for First-Time Buyers

Shop for Rates

Get quotes from multiple lenders. Even a 0.5% difference in rate can save thousands over the life of your loan.

Consider Lower Down Payments

If you have good credit, a 3-5% down payment program might work better than scraping together 20%, letting you invest the difference.

Budget for Extras

Plan for property taxes, insurance, HOA fees, maintenance, and utilities. These can be significant ongoing costs.

Don't Overspend on Your Home

Just because you're pre-approved for a certain amount doesn't mean you should spend it all. Buy within your comfort zone.

Negotiate Closing Costs

Seller concessions, lender credits, and fee negotiations can reduce your closing costs significantly.

Plan Your Timeline

If possible, buy when rates are favorable and inventory isn't competitive. Patience often saves money.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making large purchases before closing

Don't finance a car or make major purchases before your loan closes. This affects your debt-to-income ratio and could impact your approval.

Changing jobs during the process

Stay in your current job if possible. Lenders want to see employment stability. If you do change jobs, inform your lender immediately.

Ignoring the home inspection

Always get a professional inspection. It protects you from inheriting expensive repairs and gives you negotiating power.

Waiving your appraisal contingency

Don't agree to pay more than the home appraises for. Your lender won't lend more than the home's value anyway.

Skipping homeowners insurance shopping

Compare insurance quotes from multiple companies. Rates vary significantly and can save you hundreds annually.

Ready to buy your first home?

Let our team guide you through every step. We specialize in working with first-time buyers and will make sure you understand every aspect of the process.

Get Pre-Approved Today