Thinking about buying a home and don't know where to start?
Buying is an incredibly rewarding experience, and Keyes is here to make it as stress-free as possible. Our expert Realtors® are dedicated to simplifying the complex process and guiding you every step of the way.
Great moves start here
Here’s what your journey home will look like:
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Timing your purchase
Determining your financial and emotional readiness is a crucial first step in buying your first home.
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Hire a Realtor
Not all Realtors® have access to the latest real estate technology or the expertise needed to guide you. A Keyes Realtor® brings both, ensuring you have the support you need to buy your home.
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Get pre-approved
Getting pre-approved shows sellers how much you can likely afford and confirms you’re a serious buyer.
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Start your search
Your Keyes Realtor® has access to the newest listings and valuable insights, including connections that might help you find homes not yet on the market or about to be available again if an offer falls through.
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Find your home
Amazing homes are out there waiting for you, and the right Realtor® will help you find them and guide you in making the best possible offer.
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Make an offer
Your Keyes Realtor® will help you craft a smart, competitive offer that catches the seller’s eye. If your first offer isn’t accepted, don’t worry—your perfect home is still out there, and you’ll find it!
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Perform due diligence
Due diligence includes inspections, title searches, and appraisals. Your Keyes Realtor® will guide you through the process to ensure you make the right choice. For more info, see our “Due Diligence” section below.
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Secure financing
There are various mortgage options based on your unique situation. Your Keyes Realtor® and mortgage partner will help you find the best fit. Explore the basic loan types here!
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Close the deal
Keep your finances steady throughout the transaction process so that your mortgage approval comes through. Understand your escrow and closing costs, and make sure to safely send them to your title company.
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Protect your investment
Whether homeowners, flood, or other insurances and upkeep, make sure you take care of your home. When you do this, it will take care of you and provide value and security for years to come.
What do you need to secure financing
Different lenders need different documents, depending on their lending criteria. Below is a list of what you will likely need available during the application process.
- Pay stubs for each applicant reflecting a minimum of 30 days of income.
- Names/addresses of employers during the previous two years.
- W-2s for the previous two years.
- One or two (or more) years of tax returns.
- IRS Form 4506-T or 4506T-EZ
- Two or three (or more) months of bank statements.
If you have other forms of income or are self-employed, you will need to provide proof of income. Your lender will also request information on outstanding debts like auto or student loans and credit cards. As they review your application, your lender will likely request other documents.
Pre-Qualification vs. Pre-Approval
Many lenders use these terms interchangeably, but what you provide for a pre-qualification and pre-approval may differ. Either way, it is important that you and your Realtor® position you to show sellers that you will be able to secure financing once you enter into a contract to buy their home.
Pre-qualification usually requires that you supply your income, assets, debts and credit score to a lender, but doesn’t require full documentation of your financial history. This means that they won’t check the full accuracy of what you report. Pre-approval requires this documentation to verify that what you report is correct. It will also often require a credit check and corresponding hard inquiry on your credit report.
Because of this, pre-approvals may be seen as a more definitive ability to get approved for a mortgage. If you report your financial history accurately, a pre-qualification will report the same or similar amount when it comes to the loan a lender will approve.
Either way, once you receive your pre-qualification or pre-approval it’s important to make sure you don’t do anything that will negatively affect you when it comes time to officially apply for financing.
FAQs
While these may not answer all of your questions, they’ll give you valuable insight to help you move forward. If you still have more, we’re here to help.
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Your situation is unique. If you are seriously asking yourself this question, chances are, probably! To find out definitively, let’s discuss your situation and whether it’s time to start the homebuying process.
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Requirements are determined by the mortgage lender and are typically 3 - 20% of the purchase price. However, there are specific loan options with up to 100% financing available.
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Due to constant home appreciation, tax benefits and a true sense of personal satisfaction of owning something that is truly yours, buying a home is typically better than renting in the long term.
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Mortgage interest and real estate taxes may generally be deductible on your annual taxes, subject to eligibility requirements and applicable tax laws. Please consult your tax advisor or accountant to determine your specific eligibility.
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It takes time, effort, knowledge, and, of course, money to buy a home. However, it doesn’t have to be difficult. Using the right agent and having a clear view of the whole process truly helps. Breaking it all down into small parts such as being financially ready, deciding on the type of home and having a clear view of all timelines helps immensely, making the process rewarding and exciting at the same time.
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Homeownership isn’t just about the traditional single-family purchase. Here are three alternative paths that can make buying your first home more affordable and financially strategic:
Primary Multi-Family: Buy a multi-unit property with only 5% down, live in one unit, and rent out the others. The rental income can help offset your mortgage, making homeownership more affordable.
Co-Buying: Partner with friends or family to buy a home together. You’ll split the down payment, mortgage, and maintenance costs—while also sharing in the home’s appreciation over time.
Rentvesting: Purchase a home in a growing market and rent it out (short- or long-term) while you continue renting where you live. This strategy helps you build equity while keeping your living situation flexible.
Our partner, Nestment, specializes in helping first-time buyers explore these options. Whether you're considering co-buying, house hacking, or rentvesting, Nestment provides the tools, resources, and expert guidance to make it happen.
What goes into due diligence?
Inspection
Once your offer is accepted by the seller, you will want to hire an inspection company to walk through the home. They will let you know more about the appliances, HVAC, roof, foundation, and more.
Title Search
In addition to holding down payment and other closing funds in escrow, your title company will complete records searches and other details to make sure no other parties can claim ownership, liens, or debts on the property.
Insurance
Your insurance provider will request the details of the inspection to quote your homeowner’s insurance policy details. If your property requires flood insurance, that will be included as well.
Appraisal
Your mortgage partner will have an appraiser review recent sales in the area to determine the value of the home they will use to approve the mortgage loan.
HOA Approval
Some subdivisions with a homeowners association require that you get HOA approval before closing on your home. Make sure you or your Realtor® connect with the association to find their requirements and restrictions early on in the process.
