First-Time Homebuyers

If you’re new to buying a home, here’s what you can expect and how to navigate the process

Latest First-Time Homebuyer Articles

How to shop for a mortgage without hurting your credit score

A drop is inevitable, but you can minimize it.

7 min read Jun 27, 2025
Guide to no-down-payment mortgages: Am I eligible?

Some options if you want a house but your savings are small.

6 min read Jun 26, 2025
Private mortgage insurance (PMI): What it is and how it works

Hard to avoid it if your down payment is low. But must you pay this extra fee forever?

7 min read Jun 26, 2025
20% of aspiring homeowners think they’ll never save enough to buy. Can rent-to-own help?

Learn the pros and cons of a rent-to-own agreement.

9 min read Jun 24, 2025
Guide to first-time homebuyer grants

There’s one key fact that separates first-time homebuyer grants from other forms of help.

7 min read Jun 23, 2025
FHA 203(k) loans: What they are and how they work

This type of mortgage lets you pay for a home and renovations with a single loan.

6 min read Jun 20, 2025
Documents needed for mortgage preapproval

Here’s a checklist of what you need to get a mortgage preapproval letter.

6 min read Jun 20, 2025
How much is a down payment on a house?

The down payment question may sound like a simple one, but it has many answers.

9 min read Jun 19, 2025
What is mortgage insurance?

While mortgage insurance primarily benefits the lender, it does serve a purpose for the borrower.

4 min read Jun 19, 2025
What is mortgage interest and how does it work?

Here’s everything to know about mortgage interest charges and rates.

5 min read Jun 18, 2025

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