Buying your first home, explained one decision at a time.
You do not need to master the whole process today. Start with the next question.
Illustrative photography. The people shown are not QHM clients.
Most first-time buyers begin with the same questions: Can I afford this? How much money will I need? Is my credit ready? What happens after I find a home? This guide walks through those questions in the order they usually come up.
How much money will I need upfront?
The down payment is only one part of the upfront cost. You may also need money for closing costs, inspections, an appraisal, prepaid taxes or insurance, and moving. It is also wise to keep a safety cushion after you get the keys.
Need help with the down payment?
You may have more than one path. Depending on eligibility and where you are buying, we can compare lower-down-payment loans and current California or Nevada assistance programs. We’ll also explain any income limits, education requirements, second loans, or repayment terms before you rely on the assistance.
What does getting pre-approved mean?
A pre-approval is an early review of your income, monthly debts, credit, savings, and expected down payment. It helps estimate a price and payment range before you shop. It is not a guarantee: the home, updated paperwork, and final lender review still matter.
How does credit affect the plan?
Credit can affect which loans are available and what they may cost. You do not need perfect credit to ask questions. Start by checking your reports for errors, keeping payments current, and avoiding new accounts or large purchases while preparing to buy.
What happens after I find a home?
- You and your real estate agent decide whether to make an offer.
- Once the offer is accepted, we’ll update the loan using that home’s price, taxes, insurance, and other details.
- You review the official loan disclosures and decide whether to move forward.
- The home is reviewed through the appraisal, title work, insurance, and any inspections you choose.
- The lender completes its final review. You may be asked for updated or clearer paperwork; that is common.
- Before closing, you review the final numbers, send the required funds safely, sign, and receive the keys after the transaction records.
What should I avoid while buying?
- Opening new credit or making a major purchase without checking first.
- Changing jobs or how you are paid without checking with us first.
- Moving large amounts of money between accounts without keeping a clear record.
- Missing payments or spending money set aside for closing.
You are allowed to begin with questions
You do not need a chosen home, perfect credit, or every document before the first conversation. Share what you hope to buy, what you have saved, how you are paid, and what worries you. We can help you decide what to work on now and what can wait.
Touring is easier when you already know what the payment means
A pre-approval gives you a starting range. Your own comfort level decides which homes deserve your time. Before you make an offer, we update the estimate for that property’s price, taxes, insurance, homeowners association dues if any, and expected cash needed.
- Ask what may need repair instead of focusing only on finishes.
- Keep the inspection and appraisal separate in your mind: they answer different questions.
- Call before changing jobs, opening credit, or moving large amounts of money.