First-time home buyers

Featured resources

Man in white shirt smiling, sitting in front of sage green house.

5-minute read

8 tax deductions for homeowners: Your breaks and benefits

If you own your home, you can save money when on income tax by deducting specific expenses. Get the most value from your home with these 8 tax deductions.

A couple viewing information together on a laptop.

6-minute read

The Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) explained

RESPA protects prospective home buyers by increasing lender transparency and outlawing certain predatory real estate practices.

Mother looking at baby being held by father in their cozy home.

9-minute read

What credit score do you need to buy a house?

Wondering what credit score you need to buy a house? There’s often no hard answer, but higher scores will always mean more options. Check out practical ad...

7-minute read

The costs of buying a house that first-time home buyers should prepare for

There are many ongoing and up-front costs associated wit...

6-minute read

What are prepaid costs of buying a home?

Learn what prepaid costs are, why they matter, and how to plan ahead for them – so you can approach closing day with clarity, confidence, and no surprises...

A couple reading, potentially exploring information related to homeownership or mortgages.

6-minute read

What is the average down payment on a house?

The average down payment on a house isn’t 20%. How much you put down depends on your loan and situation. Here’s what to know before applying for a m...

A woman and child sitting in a room, engrossed in conversation and surrounded by cozy furniture.

5-minute read

What is a down payment and how does it work?

A down payment is the percentage of a home's purchase price you pay up front. Learn how down payments work and how much you should put down on a house.

A happy couple moving into their new place surrounded by boxes.

4-minute read

First-time home buyers classes: A guide

A first-time home buyers class can help you feel better-prepared for the home buying process. See what you can expect from a class for first-time home buyers...

Couple looking over documents for house with Realtor in front of property for sale.

9-minute read

13 common first-time home buyer mistakes and how to avoid them

First-time buyers often make mistakes when looking at homes, but this doesn’t have to be you. Learn how to avoid common first-time home buyer mistakes....

Man pouring food into a crock pot from a cast iron pan.

5-minute read

First-time home buyer qualifications: What to know

First-time home buyers should learn what lenders require to get a mortgage as well as the resources available to help making buying a home more affordable.

Man and woman going over details of partnership at kitchen table.

7-minute read

What is a buyer consultation?

In a buyer consultation, you’ll meet your potential real estate agent to discuss your needs and review the buying process. Learn what to expect.

An African American family holding new keys, symbolizing the purchase or acquisition of a new home.

7-minute read

How special-purpose credit programs can help achieve homeownership

Special-purpose credit programs allow borrowers from underserved populations a chance for certain benefits in qualifying for a mortgage. Read on for details!...

A neighborhood view with rows of suburban houses, tree-lined streets, and parked cars.

4-minute read

Zoom towns are on the rise: Is this lifestyle right for you?

The COVID-19 pandemic led to the rise of zoom towns as remote workers desired new living situations. Find out if buying a house in a zoom town is right for y...

Woman writing on packing boxes, potentially depicting the process of packing or moving belongings.

4-minute read

What age can you buy a house? A legal and practical look at the question

In most states you must be 18 in order to buy a house. Learn some of the considerations you need to be aware of as a home buyer.

A couple looking out of a window, symbolizing contemplation or envisioning their future home.

4-minute read

First-time home buyers and down payments: 73% of buyers put down less than you think

Many believe they need a 20% down payment to buy a house, but is that true? Let’s look at the actual data surrounding first-time home buyers and down p...

Real estate agent with young couple on front lawn of house.

6-minute read

What does 'pending' mean in real estate?

If you’ve been house hunting, you might have wondered “what does ‘pending’ mean on a real estate listing?” Read on to discover ...

Kitchen appliances in a modern kitchen setting, highlighting various appliances.

3-minute read

When you buy a house, does it come with appliances?

It’s never too early to start negotiating the appliances that may or may not come with your home. Learn what’s non-negotiable and how to best pla...