Spring is when many housing markets get busy, with more homes listed and more open houses every weekend. If you're a first-time home buyer, it's exciting and a little overwhelming. You'll make one of the biggest purchases of your life with help from people you may have never worked with before. Knowing who belongs on your team, what each person does and when to bring them in makes the whole process calmer and helps you avoid expensive surprises.
This is general information, not financial or legal advice. Rules and customs vary by state, so lean on licensed professionals where you're buying.
The lender: start here, before you tour
Most first-time buyers start by browsing homes. It's more useful to start with a lender, because the budget shapes everything else.
Pre-qualification vs. mortgage pre-approval
- Pre-qualification is a quick estimate based on what you tell a lender.
- Mortgage pre-approval goes further. The lender checks your credit and reviews documents like pay stubs, tax returns and bank statements, then states how much it's willing to lend, subject to conditions.
Sellers often take offers more seriously when they come with a pre-approval letter.
Loan types to ask about
Ask lenders to explain options such as conventional loans, FHA loans, VA loans for eligible service members and veterans, and USDA loans for eligible rural areas. Many states and some cities also run down payment assistance or first-time buyer programs. Ask what's available locally.
As an example of a lender listed on Listings Junkie, The Reichert Mortgage Team in Peyton, Colorado, describes helping buyers get approved for VA, FHA, conventional and USDA home loans. You can browse more lenders and advisors under financial services.
Compare at least two or three
After you apply, lenders must give you a Loan Estimate that lays out the rate, monthly payment and estimated closing costs. Comparing two or three side by side is one of the simplest ways to save money.
The buyer's agent: your guide to the market
A buyer's agent helps you find homes, understand prices, write offers and negotiate. A good one knows the neighborhoods, the schools and how fast homes are moving.
Since August 2024, agents working with buyers through most multiple listing services have generally been required to sign a written agreement with the buyer before touring homes. It spells out what the agent will do and how they'll be paid. Read it carefully, ask questions and don't sign anything you don't understand.
Finding an agent
On Listings Junkie, real estate agents are organized by state, with pages like Texas and New Jersey. For example, Klark Kent Sparks describes helping buyers and sellers across Boise, Meridian, Eagle and nearby Idaho communities with local market guidance. This is an example, not an endorsement.
Our guide to choosing the right real estate agent covers what to ask in more detail.
The home inspector: your eyes on the house
Once your offer is accepted, a home inspection tells you what you're really buying. An inspector looks at the roof, foundation, plumbing, electrical, heating and cooling, and more, then writes a report.
Tips for the inspection
- Hire your own inspector. Your agent may suggest names, which is fine, but the inspector works for you.
- Check the license. Requirements vary by state.
- Go to the inspection. Walk through with the inspector and ask questions.
- Ask about extra checks, such as sewer lines, radon, termites or mold, depending on the house and your area.
- Read the full report, not just the summary.
Hill Home Inspection, listed in Youngstown, Ohio, puts it plainly in its description: the inspector is working for you and your best interest. That's the right mindset when you hire anyone for this step.
The real estate attorney: when and why
Whether you need a real estate attorney depends partly on where you're buying. In some states, such as New York, attorneys commonly handle closings. In others, a title or escrow company usually does, and an attorney is optional.
Even where it's optional, an attorney can be worth it if:
- The contract has unusual terms
- There's a title problem, boundary issue or unpermitted addition
- You're buying a condo or co-op with complex rules
- You're buying from a relative, or the sale is "as is"
You can browse lawyers in New York and other states on Listings Junkie.
The rest of the team
- Title or escrow company: Handles the title search, title insurance and the closing in many states.
- Insurance agent: Lenders generally require homeowners insurance. Shop early, since rates vary a lot by home and area. Our insurance services category lists agents by state.
- Financial advisor or accountant: Helpful if you're pulling from savings or retirement accounts, or want a long-term plan. See our guide to choosing a financial advisor.
Closing costs every first-time home buyer should expect
Closing costs vary by state, loan and price. They can include lender fees, title insurance, appraisal, prepaid taxes and insurance. You'll get a Closing Disclosure before closing that lists the final numbers. Compare it with your Loan Estimate and ask about any differences.
One important safety step: before you wire money for closing, call your title company or attorney at a phone number you already know to confirm the instructions. Scammers sometimes send fake wiring emails that look real.
Frequently asked questions
When should a first-time home buyer get pre-approved?
Before you start touring seriously. It tells you what you can afford and makes your offers stronger.
Do I need a real estate attorney to buy a house?
It depends on your state and your situation. In some states attorneys usually handle closings. In others they're optional but helpful for complicated deals.
How much should I budget for closing costs?
It varies by state, loan type and price. Your lender's Loan Estimate gives you an early figure. Ask your lender and agent what's typical in your area.
Should I skip the home inspection to make my offer stronger?
That's risky, especially for first-time buyers. Talk with your agent about other ways to strengthen an offer before giving up an inspection.
List your business for free
Create a verified listing on Listings Junkie and give the customers in your area one more place to find your business name, address, phone and website.
