{"id":23119,"date":"2026-03-02T01:15:32","date_gmt":"2026-03-02T06:15:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/blog\/steps-to-buying-a-house-copy\/"},"modified":"2026-04-07T17:21:32","modified_gmt":"2026-04-07T21:21:32","slug":"first-time-home-buying-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/new2026\/blog\/first-time-home-buying-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"Top 15 First-Time Home Buying Tips"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"23119\" class=\"elementor elementor-23119\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-d40f7ae elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"d40f7ae\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-4da68b2\" data-id=\"4da68b2\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0cf31e8 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"0cf31e8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Buying your first home is a milestone moment, but it\u2019s also one of the biggest financial decisions you\u2019ll ever make. With so many moving parts, including <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">credit scores<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">down payments<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">mortgage options<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, inspections, and negotiations, it\u2019s easy to feel overwhelmed before you even start.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The good news is that a little preparation goes a long way. Here are 15 of the most important <\/span><em><strong>first-time home buying tips<\/strong><\/em><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to consider, so you can avoid common mistakes, strengthen your offer, and move through the process with clarity and confidence.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5bc7853 elementor-widget elementor-widget-boomdevs-toc-widget\" data-id=\"5bc7853\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"boomdevs-toc-widget.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t        \n            \n            <div class=\"fit_content\">\n                <div class=\"bd_toc_container\" data-fixedWidth=\"\">\n                    <div class=\"bd_toc_wrapper\" data-wrapperPadding=\"90px\">\n                        <div class=\"bd_toc_wrapper_item\">\n                            <div class=\"bd_toc_header active\" data-headerPadding=\"2px\">\n                                <div class=\"bd_toc_header_title\">\n                                    Table of Contents                                <\/div>\n                                <div class=\"bd_toc_switcher_hide_show_icon\">\n                                    <span class=\"bd_toc_arrow\"><\/span>                                <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"bd_toc_content list-type-none\">\n                                <div class=\"bd_toc_content_list \">\n                                    <div class='bd_toc_content_list_item'>    <ul>\n      <li class=\"first\">\n        <a href=\"#key-takeaways\">Key Takeaways<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#understanding-your-financial-situation-first-time-home-buying-tips-start-here\">Understanding Your Financial Situation: First-Time Home Buying Tips Start Here<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#tip-1-credit-score-importance\">Tip #1: Credit Score Importance<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#tip-2-debt-to-income-ratio-management\">Tip #2: Debt-To-Income Ratio Management<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#tip-3-build-your-down-payment-closing-costs\">Tip #3: Build Your Down Payment &amp; Closing Costs\n<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#tip-4-know-your-mortgage-loan-options\">Tip #4: Know Your Mortgage Loan Options<\/a>\n        <ul class=\"menu_level_2\">\n          <li class=\"first\">\n            <a href=\"#conventional-loans\">Conventional Loans<\/a>\n          <\/li>\n          <li>\n            <a href=\"#fha-loans\">FHA loans<\/a>\n          <\/li>\n          <li>\n            <a href=\"#va-loans\">VA loans<\/a>\n          <\/li>\n          <li class=\"last\">\n            <a href=\"#usda-loans\">USDA loans<\/a>\n          <\/li>\n        <\/ul>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#tip-5-preparing-for-homeownership\">Tip #5: Preparing For Homeownership<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#tip-6-mortgage-prequalification\">Tip #6: Mortgage Prequalification<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#tip-7-researching-neighborhoods\">Tip #7: Researching Neighborhoods<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#tip-8-home-buying-wish-list\">Tip #8: Home Buying Wish List\n<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#tip-9-finding-the-right-real-estate-agent\">Tip #9: Finding The Right Real Estate Agent\n<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#tip-10-house-hunting\">Tip #10: House Hunting<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#tip-11-making-an-offer-and-negotiating\">Tip #11: Making An Offer And Negotiating<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#tip-12-the-importance-of-home-inspections-and-appraisals\">Tip #12: The Importance Of Home Inspections And Appraisals<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#tip-13-understanding-home-insurance\">Tip #13: Understanding Home Insurance\n<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#tip-14-closing-process-and-moving-in\">Tip #14: Closing Process And Moving In\n<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#tip-15-long-term-home-ownership-success\">Tip #15: Long-Term Home Ownership Success\n<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#reach-out-to-a-trusted-real-estate-agent-to-start-the-journey\">Reach Out to a Trusted Real Estate Agent to Start the Journey\n<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li class=\"last\">\n        <a href=\"#faq-about-first-time-home-buying\">FAQ About First-Time Home Buying\n<\/a>\n        <ul class=\"menu_level_2\">\n          <li class=\"first\">\n            <a href=\"#what-credit-score-do-i-need-to-buy-a-house-for-the-first-time\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWhat credit score do I need to buy a house for the first time?\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n          <\/li>\n          <li>\n            <a href=\"#how-much-money-do-i-need-for-a-down-payment-on-a-home\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHow much money do I need for a down payment on a home?\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n          <\/li>\n          <li>\n            <a href=\"#what-is-debt-to-income-ratio-dti-and-why-does-it-matter\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWhat is debt-to-income ratio (DTI), and why does it matter?\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n          <\/li>\n          <li>\n            <a href=\"#what-s-the-difference-between-prequalification-and-preapproval\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWhat\u2019s the difference between prequalification and preapproval?\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n          <\/li>\n          <li>\n            <a href=\"#how-long-does-the-home-buying-process-take\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHow long does the home-buying process take?\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n          <\/li>\n          <li>\n            <a href=\"#what-are-closing-costs-when-buying-a-home\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWhat are closing costs when buying a home?\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n          <\/li>\n          <li>\n            <a href=\"#do-i-really-need-a-real-estate-agent-as-a-first-time-buyer\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tDo I really need a real estate agent as a first-time buyer?\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n          <\/li>\n          <li>\n            <a href=\"#what-home-buying-tips-should-i-prioritize-when-house-hunting\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWhat home-buying tips should I prioritize when house hunting?\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n          <\/li>\n          <li>\n            <a href=\"#is-a-home-inspection-necessary-when-buying-a-house\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIs a home inspection necessary when buying a house?\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n          <\/li>\n          <li>\n            <a href=\"#how-can-i-avoid-becoming-house-poor-when-buying-a-home\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHow can I avoid becoming \u201chouse poor\u201d when buying a home?\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n          <\/li>\n          <li>\n            <a href=\"#are-there-first-time-homebuyer-assistance-programs-available\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAre there first-time homebuyer assistance programs available?\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n          <\/li>\n          <li class=\"last\">\n            <a href=\"#what-expenses-should-i-plan-for-after-closing\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWhat expenses should I plan for after closing?\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n            <ul class=\"menu_level_3\">\n              <li class=\"first\">\n                <a href=\"#for-more-info\">For More Info:<\/a>\n              <\/li>\n              <li class=\"last\">\n                <a href=\"#for-expert-first-time-home-buyer-advice-contact-jake-maines-today\">For Expert First-Time Home Buyer Advice: Contact Jake Maines Today!<\/a>\n              <\/li>\n            <\/ul>\n          <\/li>\n        <\/ul>\n      <\/li>\n    <\/ul>\n<\/div>                                <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"layout_toggle_button\">\n                        <span class=\"bd_toc_arrow\"><\/span>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n\n    \t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c1aadfe elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"c1aadfe\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/www.youtube.com\\\/watch?v=4EC_atjNfUs&quot;,&quot;video_type&quot;:&quot;youtube&quot;,&quot;controls&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"video.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-wrapper elementor-open-inline\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-video\"><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c392eeb elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"c392eeb\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id='key-takeaways'  id=\"boomdevs_1\"><strong>Key Takeaways<\/strong><\/h2><ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before house hunting, evaluate your <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">credit score<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, debt-to-income ratio, assets, and monthly budget. Just because you\u2019re approved for a certain amount doesn\u2019t mean you should spend it.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A higher <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">credit score<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can mean better <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">interest rates<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, lower monthly payments, and smaller <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">down payment<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> requirements. Improving your credit before applying can save you thousands in the long term.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">lenders<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> prefer a total DTI under 45%, and the lower the better. Paying down debt before applying for a loan strengthens your approval odds and increases your financial comfort. Buyers should consult a mortgage lender who can advise on which debts to prioritize to make the biggest impact on DTI and credit score.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">First-time buyers may qualify for <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">down payments<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> as low as 3% (or even 0% with assistance programs), but <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">closing costs<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">upfront<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> expenses must also be budgeted for.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">FHA<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, VA, USDA, and <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">conventional loans<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> each offer unique benefits, and comparing APR, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">loan terms<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, fees, and <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">down payment<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> requirements helps you choose the best fit.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A mortgage prequalification letter clarifies your budget, strengthens your offer, and makes you more competitive in a tight market.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Consider schools, commute times, safety, market trends, and community atmosphere. Also, visit the area at different times of day to ensure it truly fits your lifestyle.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Create a practical wish list and avoid emotional decisions. Focus on location and layout, which are features you can\u2019t easily change.<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ab9c524 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"ab9c524\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id='understanding-your-financial-situation-first-time-home-buying-tips-start-here'  id=\"boomdevs_2\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Understanding Your Financial Situation: First-Time Home Buying Tips Start Here<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-05ec9a7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"05ec9a7\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1709\" src=\"https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/new2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/financial-situation.webp\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-23131\" alt=\"Reviewing finances and planning budget as a key tip for first time home buyers\" srcset=\"https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/new2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/financial-situation.webp 1920w, https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/new2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/financial-situation-300x267.webp 300w, https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/new2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/financial-situation-1024x911.webp 1024w, https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/new2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/financial-situation-768x684.webp 768w, https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/new2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/financial-situation-1536x1367.webp 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c6ac45e elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"c6ac45e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Buying your first home is such a special milestone! It\u2019s exciting, a little nerve-wracking, and full of possibility all at once. This season of life should feel empowering, not overwhelming, and with the right information for <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">first-time home buyers<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, you can move through the process feeling prepared, informed, and confident about every decision you make.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Becoming a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">homeowner<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for the first time isn\u2019t just about purchasing property. It\u2019s about creating a space that\u2019s truly yours and building long-term financial stability, all while investing in your future. If you\u2019re ready for a helpful overview of what the journey looks like, these<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/blog\/steps-to-buying-a-house\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">home buying steps<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> walk you through the process from start to finish so you know what to expect.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before you move too far ahead, take a thoughtful look at your current financial picture. This is one of the most important tips for buying a house. Ask yourself honest questions about where you stand today, and remember that <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">lenders<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> will focus on three main areas when reviewing your application: your credit history, your debt-to-income ratio, and your assets (like savings and investments).<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">That said, approval isn\u2019t the same thing as comfort. Even if you qualify for a $500,000 loan, that doesn\u2019t automatically mean you should spend $500,000. The most important number is the one that fits comfortably into your monthly budget while still supporting your other financial goals.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With a clear understanding of your finances and the right guidance along the way, you\u2019ll be well on your way to turning that first set of house keys into something truly meaningful.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bdfeb0d elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"bdfeb0d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id='tip-1-credit-score-importance'  id=\"boomdevs_3\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Tip #1: Credit Score Importance<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-94f9803 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"94f9803\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"911\" src=\"https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/new2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/credit-score-important-1024x911.webp\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-23132\" alt=\"Credit score report showing importance of credit for first time home buyers\" srcset=\"https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/new2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/credit-score-important-1024x911.webp 1024w, https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/new2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/credit-score-important-300x267.webp 300w, https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/new2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/credit-score-important-768x684.webp 768w, https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/new2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/credit-score-important-1536x1367.webp 1536w, https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/new2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/credit-score-important.webp 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1192b75 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"1192b75\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">first-time homebuyer<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, your <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">credit score<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> plays a bigger role than you might realize for getting you into your <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">new home<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Think of it as a snapshot of how reliably you\u2019ve handled credit in the past. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lenders<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> use this number to determine not only whether you qualify for a mortgage, but also how much it will cost you to borrow the money.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">credit score<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is strong, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">lenders<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> see you as a lower-risk <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">borrower<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and a more <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">serious buyer<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. That often means access to better <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">interest rates<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and, in some cases, a lower <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">down payment<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> requirement. Even a small improvement in your <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">interest rate<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can save you thousands of dollars over the life of your loan, which makes your <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">credit score<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> incredibly powerful.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">On the other hand, if your score is lower, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">lenders<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> may require a larger <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">down payment<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or offer a slightly higher <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">interest rate<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to offset their risk. Most <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">mortgage lenders<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> look for a minimum score somewhere in the 580 to 600 range, though higher scores typically unlock better <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">loan terms<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. While that doesn\u2019t affect the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">home price<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, it can have a significant effect on the overall price you pay for your loan.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One of the best <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">first-time home buyer tips<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is to focus on your credit before you start house hunting. Paying down balances, making on-time payments, and avoiding new debt can all help strengthen your score.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s also helpful to work with an experienced <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">loan officer<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> who can review your credit and guide you on smart next steps. A knowledgeable professional can offer personalized recommendations to help you improve your score as efficiently as possible and position you for success when you\u2019re ready to apply.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6735833 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"6735833\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id='tip-2-debt-to-income-ratio-management'  id=\"boomdevs_4\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Tip #2: Debt-To-Income Ratio Management<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-eb97497 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"eb97497\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"911\" src=\"https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/new2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/debt-to-income-ratio-1024x911.webp\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-23133\" alt=\"Managing debt-to-income ratio as an important tip for first time home buyers\" srcset=\"https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/new2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/debt-to-income-ratio-1024x911.webp 1024w, https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/new2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/debt-to-income-ratio-300x267.webp 300w, https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/new2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/debt-to-income-ratio-768x684.webp 768w, https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/new2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/debt-to-income-ratio-1536x1367.webp 1536w, https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/new2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/debt-to-income-ratio.webp 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-042b379 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"042b379\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">mortgage lenders<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> require a maximum debt-to-income ratio (DTI) of 45% to 55 %. That means the total amount of debt you have shouldn\u2019t be more than 45% to 55% of your income each month, and that includes your new mortgage payment. Your DTI is a good indication of how easily you can make those mortgage payments. If your DTI is high, it may make it hard for you to comfortably make payments each month.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As a result, before you apply for a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">home loan<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, make sure you can afford the monthly payment. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mortgage calculators<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can help you see where you\u2019re at, long before you get to the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">loan origination<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> stage. Look for ways to reduce your debt before you enter this process, as you don\u2019t want to borrow more than you can afford. In fact, many experts suggest keeping this figure below 25%, though for <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">first-time homebuyers<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, it\u2019s often expected to be higher.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You\u2019ll want to work closely with an experienced <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">loan officer<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to determine which debts you should pay down to give you a drop in your debt-to-income ratio if it\u2019s too high right now. When you get yourself in the best financial position possible to purchase a home, you can prove to <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">lenders<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that you can comfortably make <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">monthly mortgage payments<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ad703c1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"ad703c1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id='tip-3-build-your-down-payment-closing-costs'  id=\"boomdevs_5\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Tip #3: Build Your Down Payment &amp; Closing Costs\n<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b8e6350 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"b8e6350\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"911\" src=\"https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/new2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/down-payment-1024x911.webp\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-23148\" alt=\"Saving for a down payment and closing costs as a tip for first time home buyers\" srcset=\"https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/new2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/down-payment-1024x911.webp 1024w, https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/new2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/down-payment-300x267.webp 300w, https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/new2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/down-payment-768x684.webp 768w, https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/new2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/down-payment-1536x1367.webp 1536w, https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/new2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/down-payment.webp 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c089b50 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"c089b50\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/blog\/how-much-down-payment-on-a-house-do-you-need\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">down payment<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> on a house<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a big part of being able to afford it. While your current credit debt matters, you also need to have money in cash that you can use to pay towards the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">purchase price<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of the home. Having money in the bank opens up options for you, and most <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">lenders<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> require <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">down payments<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> because they reduce risk, and the more you put down, the better.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you have a good <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">down payment<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> you may qualify for:<\/span><\/p><ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lower <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">interest rates<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reduced <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">monthly mortgage payments<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Potentially avoiding the cost of <span>private mortgage insurance<\/span><span> (<\/span><span>PMI<\/span><span>)<\/span><\/li><\/ul><p>Historically, people believed that the only way to buy a home was to make a <span>down payment<\/span><span> of 20% of the <\/span><span>purchase price<\/span><span>, but that\u2019s just not true. Most first-time buyers qualify for far less, and even as low as 3%, depending on the <\/span><span>type of mortgage loan<\/span><span>.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some people may even qualify for <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">down payment<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> assistance, which means you could lower your <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">down payment<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> requirement to as low as 0% out-of-pocket. In recent years, the median <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">down payment<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">first-time homebuyers<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> was around 6%. In addition to the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">down payment<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, you\u2019ll need to pay <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">closing costs<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which generally include:<\/span><\/p><ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Real estate<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> appraisal<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Title fees<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Recording fees<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Title insurance<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Escrow<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> deposit details<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pest inspections<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Application fees<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Origination fees<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Survey fees<\/span><\/li><\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you don\u2019t have a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">down payment<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">closing costs<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> saved up, be aggressive about managing your financial health right now and work to build up your bank account. You can do a lot of things to improve your financial situation, including slashing any expenses you can to save more and budgeting carefully to minimize your monthly spending.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You may also want to lower your rent payments if you can and establish an <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">emergency fund<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, so you can use that to make emergency payments instead of using a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">credit card<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Additionally, take time to learn about state and local housing initiatives, as well as <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">down payment assistance programs<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that could help, and look into <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">FHA loans<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that have a lower required <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">down payment<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> amount.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-8cba0e2 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"8cba0e2\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-c69e311\" data-id=\"c69e311\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8c333c4 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"8c333c4\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id='tip-4-know-your-mortgage-loan-options'  id=\"boomdevs_6\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Tip #4: Know Your Mortgage Loan Options<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-518b502 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"518b502\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e7674b0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"e7674b0\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"911\" src=\"https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/new2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/mortgage-loan-options-1024x911.webp\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-23135\" alt=\"Understanding mortgage loan options as a helpful tip for first time home buyers\" srcset=\"https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/new2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/mortgage-loan-options-1024x911.webp 1024w, https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/new2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/mortgage-loan-options-300x267.webp 300w, https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/new2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/mortgage-loan-options-768x684.webp 768w, https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/new2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/mortgage-loan-options-1536x1367.webp 1536w, https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/new2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/mortgage-loan-options.webp 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e0c049a elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"e0c049a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b7d316b elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"b7d316b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are so many programs and grants available to first-time buyers, which is wonderful, but it can also feel a little overwhelming. The key is not to jump into a loan simply because it sounds appealing, since every program works a little differently, and what\u2019s right for someone else may not be the best fit for you. Taking time to understand how each option works, what it may cost over time, and what you personally qualify for will help you make a confident decision.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re buying in Virginia, there are numerous<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/blog\/first-time-home-buyers-va\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">first-time home buyer<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Virginia<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> programs to get you the support you need to buy a home, and of course, working with a knowledgeable <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">mortgage lender<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can make all the difference in understanding your <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">eligibility<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and comparing your <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">loan options<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> side by side. There are several loans to consider.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">first-time home buyers<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> choose <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">conventional loans<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. While they don\u2019t always include the same government-backed benefits as <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">FHA<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, USDA, or <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">VA loans<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, they can offer competitive <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">interest rates<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and flexible terms, especially if you have a stronger credit profile or a larger <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">down payment<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> saved.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As you compare mortgage quotes, pay close attention to details such as:<\/span><\/p><ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Annual Percentage Rate (APR) (the total cost of borrowing expressed as a rate)<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">loan term<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (how long you\u2019ll be paying it back)<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your monthly payment<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Down payment<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> requirements<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Closing costs<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Any points you might pay<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lender<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> fees<\/span><\/li><\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Looking at all of these pieces together will help you determine which loan offers the best overall value, not just the lowest <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">interest rate<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One of the most important tips for <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">first-time home buyers<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is to check whether your state offers official homebuyer programs. Many provide <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">down payment<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">closing cost<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> assistance, and some grants may not need to be repaid at all.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With the right guidance and a clear understanding of your options, you\u2019ll be able to choose a mortgage that supports both your <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">home ownership<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> dreams and your long-term financial well-being.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are numerous programs and grants available to first-time buyers, but you shouldn\u2019t simply choose one without considering how they work, what they could cost you, and what you qualify for overall.<\/span><\/p><h3 id='conventional-loans'  id=\"boomdevs_7\"><strong>Conventional Loans<\/strong><\/h3><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Conventional loans<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are the most common <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">type of mortgage<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in the U.S. and are often used by people buying <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">real estate<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> with a good <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">down payment<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and an excellent <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">credit score<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. The most important things to know about these loans are:<\/span><\/p><ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Down payments<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are typically as low as 3% to 5% (though some may be much larger depending on the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">lender<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You need a good <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">credit score<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You need a lower debt-to-income ratio.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you put down less than 20%, you\u2019ll need to use <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">private mortgage insurance<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">PMI<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">) to minimize <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">lenders<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8216; risk.<\/span><\/li><\/ul><h3 id='fha-loans'  id=\"boomdevs_8\"><strong>FHA loans<\/strong><\/h3><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">FHA loans<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are government-backed <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">mortgage loans<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">real estate<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that offer lower barriers to entry. Because <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">FHA loans<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are backed by the federal government, you may qualify with lower <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">credit scores<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> than what other lending programs require. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">FHA<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">mortgage loans<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> will come with some <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">eligibility<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> stipulations. Key features of these specific loans include:<\/span><\/p><ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can have a higher debt-to-income ratio than with other types of loans.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can have lower <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">credit scores<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and still qualify. The general qualification range is between 500 and 579, with a higher <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">down payment<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You will need a 3.5% <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">down payment<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> if your <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">credit score<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is 580 or higher, but if your score is lower, you may need a larger <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">down payment<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li><\/ul><h3 id='va-loans'  id=\"boomdevs_9\"><strong>VA loans<\/strong><\/h3><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">VA loans<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are backed by the federal government through the VA. These loans are available to current and retired members of the US Armed Forces and provide numerous benefits, including:<\/span><\/p><ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">down payment<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> requirement.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Interest rates<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> tend to be much lower.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can use this type of loan many times (not just as a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">first-time home buyer<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/li><\/ul><h3 id='usda-loans'  id=\"boomdevs_10\"><strong>USDA loans<\/strong><\/h3><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">USDA loans<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can be an option for those entering the housing market in more rural areas, and many suburban areas may qualify. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">USDA loans<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> offer:<\/span><\/p><ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lower mortgage rates than other loans.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Easier borrowing criteria, including lower <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">down payment<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> requirements, which can help when buying your first house.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Low <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">credit scores<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> may still qualify, depending on how much mortgage <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">down payment<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> you make.<\/span><\/li><\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As you explore <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">mortgage options<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, be sure to work with a local agent who can give you the insight you need within any area. A good <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">real estate agent<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can help you find out which regions in your area qualify for <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">USDA loans<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, along with providing helpful tips for <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">first-time home buyers<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8627188 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"8627188\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id='tip-5-preparing-for-homeownership'  id=\"boomdevs_11\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Tip #5: Preparing For Homeownership<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-aa0086f elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"aa0086f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c710e9b elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"c710e9b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"911\" src=\"https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/new2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/homeownership-1024x911.webp\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-23136\" alt=\"Preparing for homeownership as an essential tip for first time home buyers\" srcset=\"https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/new2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/homeownership-1024x911.webp 1024w, https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/new2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/homeownership-300x267.webp 300w, https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/new2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/homeownership-768x684.webp 768w, https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/new2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/homeownership-1536x1367.webp 1536w, https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/new2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/homeownership.webp 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d5a259a elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"d5a259a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-cf9dde6 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"cf9dde6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As we navigate <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">first-time home-buying tips<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, you don\u2019t want to overlook the importance of preparing to be a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">homeowner<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. To do that effectively, you\u2019ll need insight into what you can expect. Some of the recommendations to consider include:<\/span><\/p><ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use resources like <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/mortgage-calculator\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">our affordability calculator<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. This will help you set realistic homebuying budgets based on your current personal finances.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Talk to your <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">real estate agent<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> about the realistic budget for the type and size of home that best suits your needs in various neighborhoods.<\/span><\/li><\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don\u2019t rush into buying a home, as that can leave you short of savings for a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">down payment<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or for <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">closing costs<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fe74f5a elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"fe74f5a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id='tip-6-mortgage-prequalification'  id=\"boomdevs_12\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Tip #6: Mortgage Prequalification<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b92f95d elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"b92f95d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e4fd22c elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"e4fd22c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"911\" src=\"https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/new2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/mortgage-1024x911.webp\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-23151\" alt=\"Mortgage prequalification process as a helpful tip for first time home buyers\" srcset=\"https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/new2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/mortgage-1024x911.webp 1024w, https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/new2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/mortgage-300x267.webp 300w, https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/new2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/mortgage-768x684.webp 768w, https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/new2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/mortgage-1536x1367.webp 1536w, https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/new2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/mortgage.webp 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-efaf752 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"efaf752\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-45e4320 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"45e4320\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mortgage prequalification is the first step to obtaining a mortgage. It involves a comprehensive process in which your <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">loan officer<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> gathers and verifies all your financial documents and credit details. Once they have this information, they can provide you with a detailed, tentative loan approval, meaning that as long as these elements stay the same (such as your income, credit, and expenses), you can expect to qualify for this loan.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Make sure you\u2019re clear on your<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/blog\/how-much-home-can-i-afford\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">first-time home buyer<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> budget<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> as you move through the prequalification process, though, to ensure you\u2019ll have some money left over for emergencies after you get your mortgage. This is one of the most important tips for buying a house.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you get a mortgage prequalification letter, it comes directly from your <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">mortgage lender<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and creates a way for you to communicate with the home seller that you have the availability of financing to purchase the home and, likely, can make the purchase within a matter of weeks or months.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are numerous advantages to having a prequalification letter when approaching a home to buy, including:<\/span><\/p><ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It clarifies <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">loan terms<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for you<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It can help speed up the home closing process<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It aids in understanding budget constraints early on in the home search process<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It helps to give the seller confidence that you have the means to purchase the home if you make an offer (which could make your offer competitive in a limited market).<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It gives you a competitive edge within the marketplace.<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7fc29af elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"7fc29af\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id='tip-7-researching-neighborhoods'  id=\"boomdevs_13\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Tip #7: Researching Neighborhoods<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-62023ec elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"62023ec\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2da8fea elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"2da8fea\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2ea9d25 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"2ea9d25\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"911\" src=\"https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/new2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/researching-neighbourhood-1024x911.webp\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-23138\" alt=\"first-time home buying tips choosing neighborhoods\" srcset=\"https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/new2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/researching-neighbourhood-1024x911.webp 1024w, https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/new2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/researching-neighbourhood-300x267.webp 300w, https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/new2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/researching-neighbourhood-768x684.webp 768w, https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/new2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/researching-neighbourhood-1536x1367.webp 1536w, https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/new2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/researching-neighbourhood.webp 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2a02970 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"2a02970\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-920760a elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"920760a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While your focus may be on lower monthly payments and <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">interest rates<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">home loan<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, don\u2019t overlook the importance of finding the perfect community to call home when buying a first house. You\u2019ll want to do your research in areas such as:<\/span><\/p><ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Local entertainment options<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">School ratings<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Commute times to and from places you visit<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The local <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">real estate<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> pricing trends within the area<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Demographic data that may be important to you<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Neighborhood ambiance and traffic<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Noise levels<\/span><\/li><\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once you have an idea of how well the community fits your needs, you\u2019ll want to determine whether it\u2019s a good investment. To do that, consider the local <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">real estate<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> market trends (are home values growing?) and economic factors that might impact you, like the local job market.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Also, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/virginia-beach-neighborhoods\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">check out the neighborhoods<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in person: walk through them to get a feel for them, and visit at various times of day to get a realistic sense of the area.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7b311a9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"7b311a9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id='tip-8-home-buying-wish-list'  id=\"boomdevs_14\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Tip #8: Home Buying Wish List\n<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f2884f6 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"f2884f6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-94e9217 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"94e9217\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"911\" src=\"https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/new2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/home-buying-wish-list-1024x911.webp\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-23139\" alt=\"Creating a home buying wish list as a helpful tip for first time home buyers\" srcset=\"https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/new2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/home-buying-wish-list-1024x911.webp 1024w, https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/new2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/home-buying-wish-list-300x267.webp 300w, https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/new2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/home-buying-wish-list-768x684.webp 768w, https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/new2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/home-buying-wish-list-1536x1367.webp 1536w, https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/new2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/home-buying-wish-list.webp 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-03c48df elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"03c48df\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-06c6e59 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"06c6e59\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Creating your home-buying wish list is one of the most exciting parts of the journey. It\u2019s where you get to imagine your future, but one of the smartest tips for <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">first-time home buyers<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is learning how to separate what you truly <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">need<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> from what would simply be <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">nice to have<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Start by thinking about your real-life day-to-day needs, and consider both your current lifestyle and where you see yourself in the next five years. Will your family grow? Do you work from home? Is being close to schools, work, or family important to you? These practical factors will shape what makes a home truly functional for you.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As you build your list, think about:<\/span><\/p><ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The number of bedrooms and bathrooms you genuinely need<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The amount of square footage that feels comfortable<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The type of home (single-family, townhouse, condo) that best fits your lifestyle<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The neighborhood and commute that support your routine<\/span><\/li><\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s completely natural to feel excited when you walk into a house that\u2019s beautifully staged or has that \u201cwow\u201d factor. But try not to let emotions take the lead too quickly. In <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">competitive markets<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, especially, emotional decisions can lead to stretching beyond your budget or making rushed offers.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Instead, ask if the home supports your needs for the next several years<\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> If the answer is yes, that\u2019s a strong sign you\u2019re on the right track.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you finalize your wish list, clearly separate your \u201cneeds\u201d from your \u201cwants.\u201d Your needs should always be justifiable and non-negotiable. Your wants are bonuses, and if you find a home that checks both boxes, that\u2019s something truly special.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2cb11f7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"2cb11f7\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id='tip-9-finding-the-right-real-estate-agent'  id=\"boomdevs_15\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Tip #9: Finding The Right Real Estate Agent\n<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-34db460 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"34db460\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-dec4767 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"dec4767\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"911\" src=\"https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/new2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/real-estate-agent-1024x911.webp\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-23147\" alt=\"Choosing the right real estate agent as an important tip for first time home buyers\" srcset=\"https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/new2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/real-estate-agent-1024x911.webp 1024w, https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/new2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/real-estate-agent-300x267.webp 300w, https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/new2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/real-estate-agent-768x684.webp 768w, https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/new2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/real-estate-agent-1536x1367.webp 1536w, https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/new2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/real-estate-agent.webp 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4ab6d36 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"4ab6d36\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4d38c26 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"4d38c26\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Real estate agents<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are the backbone of the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">home-buying process<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. They\u2019re critical advocates who work by your side, and they\u2019re knowledgeable about the local area and the market, making them critically important to <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">first-time homebuyers<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> who may be just starting out.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The relationship between a homebuyer and their agent should be founded on trust and comfort, ensuring a collaborative and stress-free home-buying journey. To do that, learn as much as you can about the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">real estate agent<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, including:<\/span><\/p><ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Local track record within the community<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Any online reviews of the agent<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Their online presence (how well they are known in the community)<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How do they communicate, and does that fit your needs?<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do they have specific expertise in the type of home that is right for you (such as investment properties or a network of available sellers in a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">competitive market<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)?<\/span><\/li><\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Carefully reviewing the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">real estate agent<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2019s contract, including commission rates and duration terms, can also help protect your interests and should ideally be limited to six months or less.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b4f5f78 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"b4f5f78\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id='tip-10-house-hunting'  id=\"boomdevs_16\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Tip #10: House Hunting<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8ed1369 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"8ed1369\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-99b9fb4 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"99b9fb4\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"911\" src=\"https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/new2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/house-hunting-1024x911.webp\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-23140\" alt=\"first-time home buying tips house hunting\" srcset=\"https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/new2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/house-hunting-1024x911.webp 1024w, https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/new2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/house-hunting-300x267.webp 300w, https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/new2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/house-hunting-768x684.webp 768w, https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/new2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/house-hunting-1536x1367.webp 1536w, https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/new2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/house-hunting.webp 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c576b96 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"c576b96\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-381eb5f elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"381eb5f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Armed with a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">real estate agent<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and a good idea of how the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">home-buying process<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> works, the next step is to start the process of finding your ideal home. To make that possible, you\u2019ll want to carefully consider:<\/span><\/p><ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Look at properties just below your price limit to give yourself some wiggle room when you bid. You don\u2019t want to choose a budget beyond your personal financial means.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stick to your budget to minimize house payment stress and the risk of being house poor.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Be patient as you navigate the market. The <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">right home<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is out there, but finding it isn&#8217;t always easy.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Visit open houses to learn more about the various homes, styles, and features you can expect to find locally. Also, consider the home&#8217;s noise level, the amount of work that needs to be done, and any safety concerns.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Take virtual tours, but do the in-person tour to get a better sense of the home\u2019s flow.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sometimes it\u2019s great to look at homes with unrealized potential, especially when you\u2019re handy and on a budget.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Consider the home\u2019s age and condition, including what may need to be repaired or replaced in the coming months and the first few years. This may include elements like electrical, plumbing, and roofing.<\/span><\/li><\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are benefits to using a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">real estate agent<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8216;s multiple listing service (MLS) to find available homes that may not be readily available online. This could give you access to some great deals that may not be easy to find on your own<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I always tell clients that location and layout are the two most important things to consider. They\u2019re the only things you won\u2019t be able to change in the home. Everything else, like paint color and flooring, can be changed much more easily. In fact, I have plenty of contractors in my rolodex that I can refer you to, and they can get wholesale discounts on paint, flooring, cabinets, countertops, and more!<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5fd1ede elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"5fd1ede\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id='tip-11-making-an-offer-and-negotiating'  id=\"boomdevs_17\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Tip #11: Making An Offer And Negotiating<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1325524 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"1325524\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1d950e3 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"1d950e3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"911\" src=\"https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/new2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/offer-and-negotiation-1024x911.webp\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-23141\" alt=\"Making an offer and negotiating price as a tip for first time home buyers\" srcset=\"https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/new2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/offer-and-negotiation-1024x911.webp 1024w, https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/new2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/offer-and-negotiation-300x267.webp 300w, https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/new2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/offer-and-negotiation-768x684.webp 768w, https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/new2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/offer-and-negotiation-1536x1367.webp 1536w, https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/new2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/offer-and-negotiation.webp 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1263536 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"1263536\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-36d062f elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"36d062f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You found the home that just feels right. Now it\u2019s time to shift from dreaming to strategizing and put together a strong, thoughtful offer. If you\u2019re buying in a seller\u2019s market, competition can be tight. In those situations, making a competitive offer might mean:<\/span><\/p><ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Offering above the listing price<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Putting down a larger earnest money deposit to show you\u2019re serious<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Including an escalation clause to stay competitive if multiple offers come in<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Limiting certain contingencies that could slow down the sale<\/span><\/li><\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don\u2019t worry, though, because you won\u2019t have to figure this out alone. One of the best home-buying tips is to lean on your <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">real estate agent<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2019s expertise. They\u2019ll help you craft a negotiation strategy that aligns with market conditions and your comfort level.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sometimes, strong negotiation isn\u2019t just about price. It can also mean being flexible with the seller\u2019s preferred closing date, especially if they need extra time to move. Small gestures, like not asking for furniture or overlooking minor cosmetic repairs, can also make your offer more appealing without significantly affecting you in the long term.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At the same time, it\u2019s completely normal to negotiate. Price, repair requests, and appraisal gaps are all common discussion points, especially depending on local market conditions. The goal is to find a balance that feels fair and manageable for everyone involved.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">And don\u2019t forget about <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">closing costs<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">! These are the fees required to finalize your mortgage and typically range from 2% to 6% of your <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">loan amount<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Planning for them ahead of time ensures there are no surprises and keeps your purchase affordable and comfortable.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5561576 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"5561576\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id='tip-12-the-importance-of-home-inspections-and-appraisals'  id=\"boomdevs_18\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Tip #12: The Importance Of Home Inspections And Appraisals<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b1fc2f3 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"b1fc2f3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a3bebef elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"a3bebef\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"438\" src=\"https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/new2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/inspection-1024x438.webp\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-23153\" alt=\"Home inspection and appraisal process as an important tip for first time home buyers\" srcset=\"https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/new2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/inspection-1024x438.webp 1024w, https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/new2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/inspection-300x128.webp 300w, https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/new2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/inspection-768x329.webp 768w, https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/new2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/inspection-1536x658.webp 1536w, https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/new2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/inspection.webp 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-091e6fb elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"091e6fb\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-79642e9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"79642e9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">home inspection<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> assesses a property\u2019s condition and can uncover potential issues, offering you valuable insight about your potential <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">new home<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. An inspection should include a review of the home\u2019s structural integrity, a check of all major systems, and additional specialized checks for anything not otherwise covered, including pest inspections.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lenders<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> require a home appraisal for all mortgages to ensure the offered loan matches the property\u2019s value. Appraisals mitigate financial risk in case of loan default, because the appraisal process assesses a home\u2019s market value based on location, condition, and comparisons with recently sold similar properties, usually after an offer is accepted. You need the home\u2019s value to be high enough in the eyes of appraisers to secure the loan.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b5d03d6 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"b5d03d6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id='tip-13-understanding-home-insurance'  id=\"boomdevs_19\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Tip #13: Understanding Home Insurance\n<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fc05678 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"fc05678\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1893ea9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"1893ea9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"911\" src=\"https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/new2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/home-insurance-1024x911.webp\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-23143\" alt=\"Understanding home insurance coverage as an important tip for first time home buyers\" srcset=\"https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/new2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/home-insurance-1024x911.webp 1024w, https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/new2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/home-insurance-300x267.webp 300w, https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/new2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/home-insurance-768x684.webp 768w, https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/new2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/home-insurance-1536x1367.webp 1536w, https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/new2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/home-insurance.webp 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-906f198 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"906f198\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2f7c415 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"2f7c415\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Home insurance is a critical financial tool to protect your investment, and if your home is lost due to a covered risk, like a fire, insurance can help cover the costs of repairing or replacing both the home and the belongings inside.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not only that, but your home insurance also provides liability coverage, which can help cover your costs if a person claims you hurt them (such as someone falling in your home) or your dog bites them.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The amount of coverage you need shouldn\u2019t be based on the current value of the home, but on the cost to rebuild it and replace all ofyour belongings. You should also have additional insurance coverage for any highly valuable assets, such as art collections or jewelry.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before you choose an insurance policy, you need the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">right home<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> insurance provider. Compare local professionals before you select one, and also note that insurance premiums can be lowered by increasing your deductible (the amount you\u2019ll pay out before insurance kicks in).<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You may also want to look for ways to improve your home&#8217;s safety, such as adding security measures. Look for discounts on home insurance, too, like bundling it with your car insurance, and make sure you conduct regular policy reviews to ensure the policy you chose continues to meet your goals.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2dfa423 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"2dfa423\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id='tip-14-closing-process-and-moving-in'  id=\"boomdevs_20\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Tip #14: Closing Process And Moving In\n<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8d1244b elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"8d1244b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-27afbe2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"27afbe2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"911\" src=\"https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/new2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/moving-in-1024x911.webp\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-23144\" alt=\"first-time home buying tips closing and moving in\" srcset=\"https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/new2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/moving-in-1024x911.webp 1024w, https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/new2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/moving-in-300x267.webp 300w, https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/new2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/moving-in-768x684.webp 768w, https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/new2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/moving-in-1536x1367.webp 1536w, https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/new2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/moving-in.webp 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c13d4a7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"c13d4a7\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-73ea711 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"73ea711\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After all the searching, planning, and paperwork, you\u2019re about to officially become a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">homeowner<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. The final step is called closing, and it\u2019s when you sign the legal and financial documents that transfer ownership from the seller to you.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">On closing day, you\u2019ll meet with the appropriate parties (often your <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">lender<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and a title representative) to review and sign the final documents. Be sure to bring a valid photo ID and any items your <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">lender<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> has asked for in advance. It can feel like a lot of paperwork, but take your time and read everything carefully. This is <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">your <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">home and <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">your <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">investment, and you deserve to fully understand what you\u2019re signing.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">On average, the full closing timeline takes around 30 to 45 days from contract to keys, so patience and attention to detail really pay off. Once the documents are signed and the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">lender<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> funds the loan, the title officially transfers, and just like that, you\u2019re a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">homeowner<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. It\u2019s a pretty incredible moment.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After closing, a new chapter begins. You\u2019ll want to plan for things like moving expenses, any renovations or updates you\u2019d like to complete before moving in, and your longer-term improvement goals. Also, don\u2019t forget to consider ongoing costs like utilities, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">property taxes<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">homeowners\u2019 insurance<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, as well as regular home maintenance to protect your investment.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Creating a simple maintenance schedule for major systems like HVAC, roofing, and plumbing can help you stay organized and avoid costly surprises down the road, as well.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c666131 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"c666131\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id='tip-15-long-term-home-ownership-success'  id=\"boomdevs_21\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Tip #15: Long-Term Home Ownership Success\n<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-cbe598c elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"cbe598c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-25956fb elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"25956fb\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"911\" src=\"https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/new2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/long-term-homeownership-1024x911.webp\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-23145\" alt=\"first-time home buying tips long term success\" srcset=\"https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/new2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/long-term-homeownership-1024x911.webp 1024w, https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/new2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/long-term-homeownership-300x267.webp 300w, https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/new2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/long-term-homeownership-768x684.webp 768w, https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/new2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/long-term-homeownership-1536x1367.webp 1536w, https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/new2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/long-term-homeownership.webp 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d3cf6ec elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"d3cf6ec\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-34c02ef elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"34c02ef\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once you\u2019ve moved in, don\u2019t stop working to maintain the value of your home. There are several big steps to take at this point, including taking on repairs. To get started, find out what routine maintenance tasks are required based on the system\u2019s manufacturer guidelines, including for your home\u2019s HVAC and appliances.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Remember, don\u2019t wait. The sooner you take on those repairs, the lower your overall costs are likely to be. Then, you can focus on prevention strategies, too, as keeping what you\u2019ve bought in good shape is among the most important home-buying tips.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You\u2019ll need to create a budget that reflects the current costs of owning your home, which can change every few months, because your budget needs to factor in the following:<\/span><\/p><ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mortgage payments<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Insurance costs<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Property taxes<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Utility costs<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Homeowner<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> association fees<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Routine maintenance costs<\/span><\/li><\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Making additional payments on the mortgage principal or refinancing to a shorter <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">loan term<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can build equity more quickly and save on interest, and even making just a few extra payments a year can make a huge difference in what you pay to buy your home over time.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6ccc1cb elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"6ccc1cb\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id='reach-out-to-a-trusted-real-estate-agent-to-start-the-journey'  id=\"boomdevs_22\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Reach Out to a Trusted Real Estate Agent to Start the Journey\n<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a780074 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"a780074\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1c0a7fd elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"1c0a7fd\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re wondering<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/blog\/rent-vs-buy-how-first-time-buyers-decide\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">should you rent or buy first<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, you\u2019re not the only one, but working with the right professionals can give you answers and help make your <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">home ownership<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> dreams come true. You need the<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">top <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">real estate agent<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in Virginia Beach<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> as your <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Realtor<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and that would be me! Get in touch today to learn more about how I can help you at every stage of the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">home-buying process<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9ca1239 elementor-author-box--layout-image-left elementor-widget elementor-widget-author-box\" data-id=\"9ca1239\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"author-box.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-author-box\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/author\/jake\/\" class=\"elementor-author-box__avatar\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/new2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Jake-Maines-Virginia-Beach-Realtor-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"Picture of Jake Maines, Virginia Beach Realtor\" loading=\"lazy\">\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-author-box__text\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/author\/jake\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h4 id='jake-maines-virginia-beach-realtor'  id=\"boomdevs_23\" class=\"elementor-author-box__name\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tJake Maines, Virginia Beach Realtor\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h4>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-author-box__bio\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Are you ready to embrace these steps to buying a house? Virginia Beach real estate and homes for sale are exciting opportunities, but expertise in the market is essential.<br \/>\nJake Maines is a Virginia Beach Realtor known for his market knowledge and exceptional client service. His real estate journey, beginning in 2020, showcases a successful transition from marketing to realty and investing, marked by a passion for helping clients find their dream homes. Recognized as one of Inside Business 40 Under 40 and ranking in the top 8% of Hampton Roads Realtors in his first year, Jake's accolades affirm his expertise. A member of NAR and HRRA, he upholds the highest ethical standards. Community involvement and continuous professional development make him a trusted, authoritative Virginia Beach real estate expert.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-author-box__button elementor-button elementor-size-xs\" href=\"https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/about\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tLearn More\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bb712c1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"bb712c1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-01d1e35 elementor-invisible elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"01d1e35\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;_animation&quot;:&quot;fadeIn&quot;,&quot;_animation_delay&quot;:&quot;100&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id='faq-about-first-time-home-buying'  id=\"boomdevs_24\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">FAQ About First-Time Home Buying\n<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e8194d4 elementor-widget elementor-widget-accordion\" data-id=\"e8194d4\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"accordion.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-accordion\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-accordion-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 id='what-credit-score-do-i-need-to-buy-a-house-for-the-first-time'  id=\"boomdevs_25\" id=\"elementor-tab-title-2431\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"1\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-2431\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon elementor-accordion-icon-left\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-closed\"><i class=\"fas fa-plus\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-opened\"><i class=\"fas fa-minus\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-accordion-title\" tabindex=\"0\">What credit score do I need to buy a house for the first time?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-2431\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"1\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-2431\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">lenders<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> look for a minimum <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">credit score<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> between 580 and 600 to qualify for a mortgage, though requirements vary by loan type. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Conventional loans<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> typically require higher scores (often 620+), while <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">FHA loans<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> may allow lower scores with a larger <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">down payment<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. A higher <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">credit score<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> helps you qualify for better <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">interest rates<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and lower monthly payments.<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-accordion-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 id='how-much-money-do-i-need-for-a-down-payment-on-a-home'  id=\"boomdevs_26\" id=\"elementor-tab-title-2432\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"2\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-2432\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon elementor-accordion-icon-left\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-closed\"><i class=\"fas fa-plus\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-opened\"><i class=\"fas fa-minus\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-accordion-title\" tabindex=\"0\">How much money do I need for a down payment on a home?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-2432\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"2\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-2432\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The amount depends on the loan program. Some <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">conventional loans<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> allow as little as 3% down, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">FHA loans<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> typically require 3.5%, and VA or <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">USDA loans<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> may offer 0% down for qualified buyers. However, you\u2019ll also need to budget for <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">closing costs<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which usually range from 2% to 6% of the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">loan amount<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-accordion-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 id='what-is-debt-to-income-ratio-dti-and-why-does-it-matter'  id=\"boomdevs_27\" id=\"elementor-tab-title-2433\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"3\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-2433\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon elementor-accordion-icon-left\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-closed\"><i class=\"fas fa-plus\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-opened\"><i class=\"fas fa-minus\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-accordion-title\" tabindex=\"0\">What is debt-to-income ratio (DTI), and why does it matter?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-2433\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"3\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-2433\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your debt-to-income ratio compares your monthly debt payments to your gross monthly income. Most <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">lenders<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> prefer a DTI below 45%, and lower is better. Lower DTI shows <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">lenders<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that you can comfortably handle a mortgage payment.<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-accordion-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 id='what-s-the-difference-between-prequalification-and-preapproval'  id=\"boomdevs_28\" id=\"elementor-tab-title-2434\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"4\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-2434\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon elementor-accordion-icon-left\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-closed\"><i class=\"fas fa-plus\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-opened\"><i class=\"fas fa-minus\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-accordion-title\" tabindex=\"0\">What\u2019s the difference between prequalification and preapproval?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-2434\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"4\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-2434\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prequalification is an initial estimate of how much you may be able to borrow based on self-reported financial information. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Preapproval<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a more in-depth process where a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">lender<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> verifies your income, assets, and credit. A <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">preapproval letter<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> carries more weight when making an offer on a home.<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-accordion-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 id='how-long-does-the-home-buying-process-take'  id=\"boomdevs_29\" id=\"elementor-tab-title-2435\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"5\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-2435\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon elementor-accordion-icon-left\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-closed\"><i class=\"fas fa-plus\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-opened\"><i class=\"fas fa-minus\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-accordion-title\" tabindex=\"0\">How long does the home-buying process take?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-2435\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"5\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-2435\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">On average, the closing process takes about 30 to 45 days after your offer is accepted. The entire process, from financial preparation to move-in, can take several months depending on your readiness and the local market conditions.<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-accordion-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 id='what-are-closing-costs-when-buying-a-home'  id=\"boomdevs_30\" id=\"elementor-tab-title-2436\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"6\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-2436\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon elementor-accordion-icon-left\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-closed\"><i class=\"fas fa-plus\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-opened\"><i class=\"fas fa-minus\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-accordion-title\" tabindex=\"0\">What are closing costs when buying a home?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-2436\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"6\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-2436\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Closing costs<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are fees required to finalize your mortgage and transfer ownership of the home. They may include appraisal fees, title insurance, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">lender<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> fees, inspections, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">escrow<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> deposits, and recording fees. These costs typically range from 2% to 6% of your <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">loan amount<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-accordion-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 id='do-i-really-need-a-real-estate-agent-as-a-first-time-buyer'  id=\"boomdevs_31\" id=\"elementor-tab-title-2437\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"7\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-2437\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon elementor-accordion-icon-left\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-closed\"><i class=\"fas fa-plus\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-opened\"><i class=\"fas fa-minus\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-accordion-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Do I really need a real estate agent as a first-time buyer?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-2437\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"7\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-2437\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While it\u2019s not legally required, working with an experienced <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">real estate agent<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can make the process much smoother. An agent helps you navigate negotiations, paperwork, inspections, and local market conditions, which is especially helpful if you\u2019re buying your first home. Plus, your buyer\u2019s agent can typically negotiate their fees to be paid by the seller, so you don\u2019t have to come out of pocket for their assistance!<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-accordion-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 id='what-home-buying-tips-should-i-prioritize-when-house-hunting'  id=\"boomdevs_32\" id=\"elementor-tab-title-2438\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"8\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-2438\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon elementor-accordion-icon-left\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-closed\"><i class=\"fas fa-plus\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-opened\"><i class=\"fas fa-minus\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-accordion-title\" tabindex=\"0\">What home-buying tips should I prioritize when house hunting?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-2438\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"8\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-2438\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Focus on location and layout first, because those are the hardest things to change. Cosmetic features like paint, flooring, and fixtures can be updated later. Create a clear list of \u201cneeds\u201d versus \u201cwants\u201d to avoid emotional decisions.<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-accordion-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 id='is-a-home-inspection-necessary-when-buying-a-house'  id=\"boomdevs_33\" id=\"elementor-tab-title-2439\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"9\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-2439\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon elementor-accordion-icon-left\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-closed\"><i class=\"fas fa-plus\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-opened\"><i class=\"fas fa-minus\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-accordion-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Is a home inspection necessary when buying a house?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-2439\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"9\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-2439\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">home inspection<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is an important part of the home-buying process that helps uncover potential structural, mechanical, or safety issues before you finalize the purchase. It provides peace of mind and may give you leverage to negotiate repairs or credits.<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-accordion-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 id='how-can-i-avoid-becoming-house-poor-when-buying-a-home'  id=\"boomdevs_34\" id=\"elementor-tab-title-24310\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"10\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-24310\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon elementor-accordion-icon-left\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-closed\"><i class=\"fas fa-plus\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-opened\"><i class=\"fas fa-minus\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-accordion-title\" tabindex=\"0\">How can I avoid becoming \u201chouse poor\u201d when buying a home?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-24310\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"10\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-24310\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Just because a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">lender<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> approves you for a certain amount doesn\u2019t mean you should spend it. One of the biggest home-buying tips is to choose a home with a monthly payment that comfortably fits within your budget while still allowing room for savings, emergencies, and lifestyle expenses.<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-accordion-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 id='are-there-first-time-homebuyer-assistance-programs-available'  id=\"boomdevs_35\" id=\"elementor-tab-title-24311\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"11\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-24311\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon elementor-accordion-icon-left\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-closed\"><i class=\"fas fa-plus\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-opened\"><i class=\"fas fa-minus\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-accordion-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Are there first-time homebuyer assistance programs available?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-24311\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"11\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-24311\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many state and local programs offer <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">down payment<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> assistance, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">closing cost<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> grants, or special <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">loan options<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for first-time buyers. Some grants do not require repayment. Speak with a knowledgeable <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">loan officer<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to explore what\u2019s available in your area.<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-accordion-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 id='what-expenses-should-i-plan-for-after-closing'  id=\"boomdevs_36\" id=\"elementor-tab-title-24312\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"12\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-24312\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon elementor-accordion-icon-left\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-closed\"><i class=\"fas fa-plus\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-opened\"><i class=\"fas fa-minus\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-accordion-title\" tabindex=\"0\">What expenses should I plan for after closing?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-24312\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"12\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-24312\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Beyond the mortgage, one of the biggest tips for first-time home buyers is to budget for <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">property taxes<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">homeowners\u2019 insurance<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, utilities, maintenance, repairs, and possibly HOA fees. Setting aside funds for ongoing upkeep is essential for long-term <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">homeownership<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> success.<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-666bef9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"666bef9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-1dbf769 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"1dbf769\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-6fd3e57\" data-id=\"6fd3e57\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-23fcdea elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"23fcdea\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h4 id='for-more-info'  id=\"boomdevs_37\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-xxl\">For More Info:<\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2d8d18c elementor-align-center elementor-widget__width-initial fw-form elementor-hidden-desktop elementor-hidden-tablet elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"2d8d18c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-button-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-md\" href=\"tel:(757)%20453-3730\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">Call Jake<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e6a707d elementor-align-center elementor-widget__width-initial fw-form elementor-hidden-desktop elementor-hidden-tablet elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"e6a707d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-button-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-md\" href=\"\/contact\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">Email Jake<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-08e30dc elementor-hidden-mobile elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"08e30dc\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-be7df82\" data-id=\"be7df82\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-dc404ad elementor-align-center elementor-widget__width-initial fw-form first-cta elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"dc404ad\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-button-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-md\" href=\"tel:(757)%20453-3730\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">Call Jake<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-7a0b303\" data-id=\"7a0b303\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4bf42fd elementor-align-center elementor-widget__width-initial fw-form elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"4bf42fd\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-button-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-md\" href=\"\/contact\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">Email Jake<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-ac9d5f9 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"ac9d5f9\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-cfe016d\" data-id=\"cfe016d\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-db176ec elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"db176ec\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h4 id='for-expert-first-time-home-buyer-advice-contact-jake-maines-today'  id=\"boomdevs_38\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">For Expert First-Time Home Buyer Advice: Contact Jake Maines Today!<\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b654b34 elementor-widget-divider--view-line elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider\" data-id=\"b654b34\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"divider.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-divider\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-divider-separator\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f8c45b2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-html\" data-id=\"f8c45b2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"html.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<script type=\"text\/javascript\">\n\/* <![CDATA[ *\/\nvar gform;gform||(document.addEventListener(\"gform_main_scripts_loaded\",function(){gform.scriptsLoaded=!0}),document.addEventListener(\"gform\/theme\/scripts_loaded\",function(){gform.themeScriptsLoaded=!0}),window.addEventListener(\"DOMContentLoaded\",function(){gform.domLoaded=!0}),gform={domLoaded:!1,scriptsLoaded:!1,themeScriptsLoaded:!1,isFormEditor:()=>\"function\"==typeof InitializeEditor,callIfLoaded:function(o){return!(!gform.domLoaded||!gform.scriptsLoaded||!gform.themeScriptsLoaded&&!gform.isFormEditor()||(gform.isFormEditor()&&console.warn(\"The use of gform.initializeOnLoaded() is deprecated in the form editor context and will be removed in Gravity Forms 3.1.\"),o(),0))},initializeOnLoaded:function(o){gform.callIfLoaded(o)||(document.addEventListener(\"gform_main_scripts_loaded\",()=>{gform.scriptsLoaded=!0,gform.callIfLoaded(o)}),document.addEventListener(\"gform\/theme\/scripts_loaded\",()=>{gform.themeScriptsLoaded=!0,gform.callIfLoaded(o)}),window.addEventListener(\"DOMContentLoaded\",()=>{gform.domLoaded=!0,gform.callIfLoaded(o)}))},hooks:{action:{},filter:{}},addAction:function(o,r,e,t){gform.addHook(\"action\",o,r,e,t)},addFilter:function(o,r,e,t){gform.addHook(\"filter\",o,r,e,t)},doAction:function(o){gform.doHook(\"action\",o,arguments)},applyFilters:function(o){return gform.doHook(\"filter\",o,arguments)},removeAction:function(o,r){gform.removeHook(\"action\",o,r)},removeFilter:function(o,r,e){gform.removeHook(\"filter\",o,r,e)},addHook:function(o,r,e,t,n){null==gform.hooks[o][r]&&(gform.hooks[o][r]=[]);var 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76, 229;--gf-color-primary-contrast: #fff;--gf-color-primary-contrast-rgb: 255, 255, 255;--gf-color-primary-darker: #001AB3;--gf-color-primary-lighter: #527EFF;--gf-color-secondary: #fff;--gf-color-secondary-rgb: 255, 255, 255;--gf-color-secondary-contrast: #112337;--gf-color-secondary-contrast-rgb: 17, 35, 55;--gf-color-secondary-darker: #F5F5F5;--gf-color-secondary-lighter: #FFFFFF;--gf-color-out-ctrl-light: rgba(17, 35, 55, 0.1);--gf-color-out-ctrl-light-rgb: 17, 35, 55;--gf-color-out-ctrl-light-darker: rgba(104, 110, 119, 0.35);--gf-color-out-ctrl-light-lighter: #F5F5F5;--gf-color-out-ctrl-dark: #585e6a;--gf-color-out-ctrl-dark-rgb: 88, 94, 106;--gf-color-out-ctrl-dark-darker: #112337;--gf-color-out-ctrl-dark-lighter: rgba(17, 35, 55, 0.65);--gf-color-in-ctrl: #fff;--gf-color-in-ctrl-rgb: 255, 255, 255;--gf-color-in-ctrl-contrast: #112337;--gf-color-in-ctrl-contrast-rgb: 17, 35, 55;--gf-color-in-ctrl-darker: #F5F5F5;--gf-color-in-ctrl-lighter: #FFFFFF;--gf-color-in-ctrl-primary: #204ce5;--gf-color-in-ctrl-primary-rgb: 32, 76, 229;--gf-color-in-ctrl-primary-contrast: #fff;--gf-color-in-ctrl-primary-contrast-rgb: 255, 255, 255;--gf-color-in-ctrl-primary-darker: #001AB3;--gf-color-in-ctrl-primary-lighter: #527EFF;--gf-color-in-ctrl-light: rgba(17, 35, 55, 0.1);--gf-color-in-ctrl-light-rgb: 17, 35, 55;--gf-color-in-ctrl-light-darker: rgba(104, 110, 119, 0.35);--gf-color-in-ctrl-light-lighter: #F5F5F5;--gf-color-in-ctrl-dark: #585e6a;--gf-color-in-ctrl-dark-rgb: 88, 94, 106;--gf-color-in-ctrl-dark-darker: #112337;--gf-color-in-ctrl-dark-lighter: rgba(17, 35, 55, 0.65);--gf-radius: 3px;--gf-font-size-secondary: 14px;--gf-font-size-tertiary: 13px;--gf-icon-ctrl-number: url(\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg width='8' height='14' viewBox='0 0 8 14' fill='none' xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%3E%3Cpath fill-rule='evenodd' clip-rule='evenodd' d='M4 0C4.26522 5.96046e-08 4.51957 0.105357 4.70711 0.292893L7.70711 3.29289C8.09763 3.68342 8.09763 4.31658 7.70711 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#112337;--gf-ctrl-choice-size: var(--gf-ctrl-choice-size-md);--gf-ctrl-checkbox-check-size: var(--gf-ctrl-checkbox-check-size-md);--gf-ctrl-radio-check-size: var(--gf-ctrl-radio-check-size-md);--gf-ctrl-btn-font-size: var(--gf-ctrl-btn-font-size-md);--gf-ctrl-btn-padding-x: var(--gf-ctrl-btn-padding-x-md);--gf-ctrl-btn-size: var(--gf-ctrl-btn-size-md);--gf-ctrl-btn-border-color-secondary: #686e77;--gf-ctrl-file-btn-bg-color-hover: #EBEBEB;--gf-field-img-choice-size: var(--gf-field-img-choice-size-md);--gf-field-img-choice-card-space: var(--gf-field-img-choice-card-space-md);--gf-field-img-choice-check-ind-size: var(--gf-field-img-choice-check-ind-size-md);--gf-field-img-choice-check-ind-icon-size: var(--gf-field-img-choice-check-ind-icon-size-md);--gf-field-pg-steps-number-color: rgba(17, 35, 55, 0.8);}<\/style>\n                        <div class='gform_heading'>\n                            <p class='gform_description'><\/p>\n                        <\/div><form method='post' enctype='multipart\/form-data'  id='gform_1'  action='\/new2026\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23119' data-formid='1' novalidate>\n                        <div class='gform-body gform_body'><div id='gform_fields_1' class='gform_fields top_label form_sublabel_above description_above validation_below'><div id=\"field_1_17\" class=\"gfield gfield--type-honeypot gform_validation_container field_sublabel_above gfield--has-description field_description_above field_validation_below gfield_visibility_visible\"  ><label class='gfield_label gform-field-label' for='input_1_17'>Email<\/label><div class='gfield_description' id='gfield_description_1_17'>This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.<\/div><div class='ginput_container'><input name='input_17' id='input_1_17' type='text' value='' autocomplete='new-password'\/><\/div><\/div><fieldset id=\"field_1_1\" class=\"gfield gfield--type-name gfield--input-type-name gfield_contains_required field_sublabel_hidden_label gfield--no-description field_description_above hidden_label field_validation_below gfield_visibility_visible\"  ><legend class='gfield_label gform-field-label gfield_label_before_complex' >Name<span class=\"gfield_required\"><span class=\"gfield_required gfield_required_text\">(Required)<\/span><\/span><\/legend><div class='ginput_complex ginput_container ginput_container--name no_prefix has_first_name no_middle_name no_last_name no_suffix gf_name_has_1 ginput_container_name gform-grid-row' id='input_1_1'>\n                            \n                            <span id='input_1_1_3_container' class='name_first gform-grid-col gform-grid-col--size-auto' >\n                                                    <input type='text' name='input_1.3' id='input_1_1_3' value=''   aria-required='true'   placeholder='Your Name' autocomplete=\"given-name\" \/>\n                                                    <label for='input_1_1_3' class='gform-field-label gform-field-label--type-sub hidden_sub_label screen-reader-text'>First<\/label>\n                                                <\/span>\n                            \n                            \n                            \n                        <\/div><\/fieldset><div id=\"field_1_2\" class=\"gfield gfield--type-email gfield--input-type-email gfield_contains_required field_sublabel_above gfield--no-description field_description_above hidden_label field_validation_below gfield_visibility_visible\"  ><label class='gfield_label gform-field-label' for='input_1_2'>Email<span class=\"gfield_required\"><span class=\"gfield_required gfield_required_text\">(Required)<\/span><\/span><\/label><div class='ginput_container ginput_container_email'>\n                            <input name='input_2' id='input_1_2' type='email' value='' class='large'   placeholder='Your Email' aria-required=\"true\" aria-invalid=\"false\"  \/>\n                        <\/div><\/div><div id=\"field_1_4\" class=\"gfield gfield--type-phone gfield--input-type-phone gfield--width-full gfield_contains_required field_sublabel_above gfield--no-description field_description_above hidden_label field_validation_below gfield_visibility_visible\"  ><label class='gfield_label gform-field-label' for='input_1_4'>Phone<span class=\"gfield_required\"><span class=\"gfield_required gfield_required_text\">(Required)<\/span><\/span><\/label><div class='ginput_container ginput_container_phone'><input name='input_4' id='input_1_4' type='tel' value='' class='large'  placeholder='Your Phone' aria-required=\"true\" aria-invalid=\"false\"   \/><\/div><\/div><div id=\"field_1_3\" class=\"gfield gfield--type-textarea gfield--input-type-textarea gfield_contains_required field_sublabel_above gfield--no-description field_description_above hidden_label field_validation_below gfield_visibility_visible\"  ><label class='gfield_label gform-field-label' for='input_1_3'>Message<span class=\"gfield_required\"><span class=\"gfield_required gfield_required_text\">(Required)<\/span><\/span><\/label><div class='ginput_container ginput_container_textarea'><textarea name='input_3' id='input_1_3' class='textarea medium'    placeholder='Your Message' aria-required=\"true\" aria-invalid=\"false\"   rows='10' cols='50'><\/textarea><\/div><\/div><div id=\"field_1_6\" class=\"gfield gfield--type-hidden gfield--input-type-hidden gform_hidden field_sublabel_above gfield--no-description field_description_above field_validation_below gfield_visibility_visible\"  ><div class='ginput_container ginput_container_text'><input name='input_6' id='input_1_6' type='hidden' class='gform_hidden'  aria-invalid=\"false\" value='' \/><\/div><\/div><div id=\"field_1_8\" class=\"gfield gfield--type-hidden gfield--input-type-hidden gform_hidden field_sublabel_above gfield--no-description field_description_above field_validation_below gfield_visibility_hidden\"  ><div class='ginput_container ginput_container_text'><input name='input_8' id='input_1_8' type='hidden' class='gform_hidden'  aria-invalid=\"false\" value='' \/><\/div><\/div><div id=\"field_1_9\" class=\"gfield gfield--type-hidden gfield--input-type-hidden gform_hidden field_sublabel_above gfield--no-description field_description_above field_validation_below gfield_visibility_hidden\"  ><div class='ginput_container ginput_container_text'><input name='input_9' id='input_1_9' type='hidden' class='gform_hidden'  aria-invalid=\"false\" value='' \/><\/div><\/div><div id=\"field_1_10\" class=\"gfield gfield--type-hidden gfield--input-type-hidden gform_hidden field_sublabel_above gfield--no-description field_description_above field_validation_below gfield_visibility_hidden\"  ><div class='ginput_container ginput_container_text'><input name='input_10' id='input_1_10' type='hidden' class='gform_hidden'  aria-invalid=\"false\" value='' \/><\/div><\/div><div id=\"field_1_11\" class=\"gfield gfield--type-hidden gfield--input-type-hidden gform_hidden field_sublabel_above gfield--no-description field_description_above field_validation_below gfield_visibility_hidden\"  ><div class='ginput_container ginput_container_text'><input name='input_11' id='input_1_11' type='hidden' class='gform_hidden'  aria-invalid=\"false\" value='' \/><\/div><\/div><div id=\"field_1_12\" class=\"gfield gfield--type-hidden gfield--input-type-hidden gform_hidden field_sublabel_above gfield--no-description field_description_above field_validation_below gfield_visibility_hidden\"  ><div class='ginput_container ginput_container_text'><input name='input_12' id='input_1_12' type='hidden' class='gform_hidden'  aria-invalid=\"false\" value='' \/><\/div><\/div><div id=\"field_1_13\" class=\"gfield gfield--type-hidden gfield--input-type-hidden gform_hidden field_sublabel_above gfield--no-description field_description_above field_validation_below gfield_visibility_hidden\"  ><div class='ginput_container ginput_container_text'><input name='input_13' id='input_1_13' type='hidden' class='gform_hidden'  aria-invalid=\"false\" value='' \/><\/div><\/div><div id=\"field_1_14\" class=\"gfield gfield--type-hidden gfield--input-type-hidden gform_hidden field_sublabel_above gfield--no-description field_description_above field_validation_below gfield_visibility_hidden\"  ><div class='ginput_container ginput_container_text'><input name='input_14' id='input_1_14' type='hidden' class='gform_hidden'  aria-invalid=\"false\" value='' \/><\/div><\/div><div id=\"field_1_15\" class=\"gfield gfield--type-hidden gfield--input-type-hidden gform_hidden field_sublabel_above gfield--no-description field_description_above field_validation_below gfield_visibility_hidden\"  ><div class='ginput_container ginput_container_text'><input name='input_15' id='input_1_15' type='hidden' class='gform_hidden'  aria-invalid=\"false\" value='' \/><\/div><\/div><div id=\"field_1_16\" class=\"gfield gfield--type-hidden gfield--input-type-hidden gform_hidden field_sublabel_above gfield--no-description 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Look no further. As a trusted Virginia Beach Realtor, I offer services for experienced investors and those buying their first home. My specialty is supporting the entire process of purchasing and selling <a href=\"https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/homes-for-sale-virginia-beach\/\">Virginia Beach Homes For Sale<\/a> while providing helpful advice.<\/p><p>I\u2019m here to help first-time home buyers every step of the way through the process. This guide has discussed numerous tips based on my experience and understanding gained from years of training and experience.\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Discover practical first-time home buying tips to help you prepare financially, compare loan options, avoid costly mistakes, and buy with confidence.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":30861,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[122],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-23119","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-first-time-home-buyers"},"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/new2026\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23119","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/new2026\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/new2026\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/new2026\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/new2026\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=23119"}],"version-history":[{"count":47,"href":"https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/new2026\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23119\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":32390,"href":"https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/new2026\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23119\/revisions\/32390"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/new2026\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/30861"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/new2026\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23119"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/new2026\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=23119"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jakemainesrealtor.com\/new2026\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=23119"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}