The 6 steps to buying your first home
From credit check to closing day — here is exactly what to expect.
Check your credit score
Pull your free credit report and review it for errors. Your score determines which loan programs you qualify for and what rate you receive. Give yourself 3-6 months to improve it if needed.
Get pre-approved
Submit a pre-approval application with your income, employment, and asset documents. We check rates across 50+ lenders and issue a pre-approval letter within 24-48 hours.
Find a home with an agent
Work with a buyer's agent (their fee is typically paid by the seller) to tour homes within your pre-approved budget. Your pre-approval letter goes with every offer you make.
Go under contract
Once your offer is accepted, you're under contract. You'll pay earnest money (1-2% of the purchase price) to secure the home while we process your loan.
Loan processing & appraisal
We order the appraisal and submit your complete file to underwriting. This is where the lender verifies everything and issues final approval. Typically takes 2-3 weeks.
Close and get your keys
You'll sign final documents, pay your down payment and closing costs, and receive the keys. Our average closing timeline is 30 days or less from application.
Loan programs for first-time buyers
We compare all options and recommend the one that saves you the most money.