Thinking about buying your first home in 2025? It’s an exciting goal—but if you’re not sure where to start, don’t worry! Taking the right steps now will set you up for success and make the process way less overwhelming. Here’s what you need to do first:

1. Check Your Credit Score

Your credit score plays a huge role in what kind of mortgage you qualify for and the interest rate you’ll get. Most lenders want to see at least a 620, but if you can get your score above 740, you’ll unlock the best rates (which means lower monthly payments!). If your score needs some love, focus on paying down debt, making on-time payments, and avoiding any new credit inquiries before applying for a loan.

2. Start Saving for a Down Payment

The amount you’ll need depends on the type of loan you’re getting. A conventional loan typically requires 3%–20% down, while FHA loans allow for 3.5% down. If you qualify for a VA or USDA loan, you might not need a down payment at all! Keep in mind, the more you put down, the lower your monthly payment will be.

One of the most important aspects of buying a home is focusing on a monthly payment you’re comfortable with. This avoids becoming "house poor"—a term used to describe a situation where you’re spending so much on your mortgage and home-related expenses that you have little left for anything else. Together with my expert mortgage lenders, we’ll make sure you find a home that fits within your budget, so you can still enjoy life beyond your new front door.

3. Plan for Closing Costs

On top of your down payment, you’ll also need to budget for closing costs, which in Florida usually range from 2% to 5% of the home’s price. This includes lender fees, realtor fees, title insurance, taxes, and prepaid expenses like homeowners insurance and property taxes. For a $400,000 home, that could be $8,000–$20,000—but some of these costs can be negotiated or covered by seller concessions. You’ll discover exactly how much your closing costs will be on the final statement provided by the title company, just days before closing.

4. Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage

Before you start house hunting, talk to a lender and get pre-approved. This will tell you exactly how much home you can afford and help you stand out to sellers when you make an offer. Pre-approval does not impact your credit score, and makes the process so much smoother. If you are financing your home purchase, it is required at the time you submit an offer on a house.

5. Figure Out What You’re Looking for in a Home (But Stay Flexible!)

Time to start dreaming! Think about what’s most important to you—location, home size, number of bedrooms, and must-have features like a backyard, pool, or office space. Also, consider things like HOA vs. non-HOA communities, commute times, and nearby shopping and restaurants.

But here’s the thing—no home is perfect. It’s just as important to be clear about your priorities as it is to recognize that some things are wants, not needs. The goal is to find a home that checks your biggest boxes while staying realistic about what’s available in your budget. In my experience working with first-time buyers, this is the biggest reason many struggle to become homeowners. Maybe that dream kitchen can wait, or you can add a fence later rather than holding out for the perfect yard. Knowing what you can and can’t compromise on will make your search much easier (and way less stressful!).

6. Work with a Realtor Who Has Your Back

Having the right real estate agent (hi, it’s me! 👋) makes all the difference. When you work with someone who specializes in first-time buyers, you get personalized, hands-on attention throughout the entire process. I’ll have more time for you—answering your questions, responding quickly to communications, and showing you homes.

Unlike working with agents who rely on showing assistants and coordinators, I’ll be there with you every step of the way, making the process more personal and stress-free.

Plus, you can’t afford to work with someone who isn’t experienced in negotiating closing cost assistance and other concessions for first-time buyers. These are crucial tools in making homeownership more affordable and achievable. I’ll help you secure the best deal possible so you don’t miss out on opportunities that could make a significant difference in your homebuying journey.

My goal is to ensure you feel supported, informed, and confident as we navigate this exciting journey together—so you can focus on the excitement of buying your new home!

If 2025 is your year to become a homeowner, grab my First-Time Buyer Guide—it’ll walk you through everything you need to know before you take the leap!

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