Buyer Resources

Everything first-time home buyers need to know, all in one place

First-Time Home Buyer Guide

Your roadmap from dreaming about homeownership to holding the keys

Assess Your Finances

Review your income, savings, debts, and monthly expenses. Determine how much you can comfortably afford for a monthly mortgage payment.

Check Your Credit

Review your credit report for errors. Aim for a score of 680+ for better rates. Pay down debts and avoid new credit inquiries.

Get Pre-Approved

Shop lenders, compare rates, and get a pre-approval letter. This shows sellers you're serious and helps define your budget.

Define Your Needs

List your must-haves vs. nice-to-haves. Consider location, size, school districts, commute, and future growth potential.

Make an Offer

When you find the right home, we'll help craft a competitive offer based on market analysis and negotiation strategy.

Close the Deal

Navigate inspections, appraisals, and final paperwork. We coordinate everything to ensure a smooth closing day.

Mortgage Basics

Fixed-Rate Mortgages: Your interest rate stays the same for the entire loan term (typically 15 or 30 years). This provides predictable monthly payments and protection against rate increases.

Adjustable-Rate Mortgages (ARM): Start with a lower rate that adjusts periodically. Can be beneficial if you plan to move or refinance within a few years.

FHA Loans: Government-backed loans with lower down payment requirements (3.5%) and more flexible credit standards. Great for first-time buyers.

VA Loans: Available to eligible veterans and service members with 0% down payment and no private mortgage insurance required.

USDA Loans: For eligible rural and suburban areas with 0% down payment options. Some areas near Sacramento qualify.

Credit Tips

1.Check your credit report from all three bureaus annually for errors

2.Pay all bills on time — payment history is 35% of your FICO score

3.Keep credit card balances below 30% of your limit

4.Don't close old credit accounts — length of history matters

5.Avoid opening new credit accounts before applying for a mortgage

6.Pay down existing debt to improve your debt-to-income ratio

7.Set up automatic payments to avoid missed due dates

8.Dispute any errors on your credit report immediately

9.Consider a secured credit card if you're building credit from scratch

10.Be patient — credit improvement takes time but is worth it

Free First-Time Buyer Checklist

Get our comprehensive step-by-step checklist delivered to your inbox. Stay organized throughout your home buying journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still Have Questions?

Every journey is unique. Let's talk about your specific situation and create a personalized plan.

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