First Time Home Buyer

Find Your Home

Do you know how the mortgage loan process works? I want you to be educated on the process so you fully understand step by step how we are going to get you in the home of your dreams. I have a unique tool built specifically to help you understand the mortgage loan process from start to finish!

Buying a home for the first time can be an intimidating process with confusing terms and can be stressful with bidding for a house and putting a large down payment. However, the Zack Seidman Team is here to help you through every step of the process and make it as smooth and easy as possible. Below are 10 great tips to keep in mind when going through the home buying process for the first time.

Determine a Budget

When determining your budget, it’s a great idea to talk to a lender, such as the Zack Seidman Team. The price of a house isn’t the only expense you’ll have. Some other expenses include taxes, appraisals, closing fees, home insurance, etc. Also, sticking to your budget is important, just because you may be approved for a $500,000 loan but it doesn’t mean you should go higher than your budget.

Find out what loans and programs are available

First time home-buyers typically know what a mortgage is, but don’t know the different types of home loans available and how they differ. Some clients may fit a FHA loan better than a conventional loan. It always a great idea to ask your lender what loans are available to you and how they differ.

Also, there are assistance programs that first-time homeowners can take advantage of in California. The program helps people get government-insured, fixed-rate loans while having the option to roll down payments into the loan. Other programs focus on assisting home-buyers with down payments for those who may not have the resources to put down such a big payment.

Find an Agent you trust

It’s very important to find an agent that can trust while looking for a home. It’s one of the biggest purchases a person can make and you want to be able to trust and openly talk to your agent. Take your time finding the perfect agent and find one who will listen to you as well as explain each step in the process.

The Zack Seidman Team is always happy to assist all first-time home buyers in the process of buying their home. We are there every step of the way! Contact us today to get help buying your first home.

Don't purchase too big

A common mistake that a first-time home buyers make is not getting pre-approved for their home loan. They put an unrealistic price and size for their house before they know how big of a home they can actually get. Just because you have an increased income and down payment, it doesn’t always mean you’ll get approved for the loan.

Figure out what you want in your home

While most home-buyers look for a house with a specific number of rooms, bathrooms, and the quality of the house interior. When buying a home, it’s always a good idea to consider the area and what’s around as well as the house itself. Is the house near a good school? Is this an area you can afford to live in? And any other such questions should be considered.

Save up for your Down Payment

It’s very common to put a 20% down payment on a home, but with first-time home buying programs it’s possible to only put down 3% for your home. The flip side to this though, is that a down payment that is less than 20% means you are required to pay private mortgage insurance. Despite the low percentage for first-time home buyers, it’s still a hefty amount for a down payment. As an example, 4% of a $250,000 home loan is $10,000.

The sooner you save the sooner you can get your home. This also includes people who are in their 20’s. It is considered impossible to get a home with static wages, student debt and a tough job market. With enough savings and first-time home buying programs, it’s definitely possible to get a home!

what's next?

Once you get your new loan after purchasing or refinancing your home, you may think that everything is up to you to figure. Typically it is, but with the Zack Seidman team, you will be supported and educated on how to manage your mortgage. “The Homeowner Playbook” is a home ownership program available to our clients that will guide you after you already have your home. We offer this as part of our “Next-Level” service so you have consistent expert guidance, always have a perfect mortgage experience and proactively maintain your home, which increases your home value over time! Contact the Zack Seidman team today to learn more about mastering “The Homeowner Playbook”.

All loans are subject to underwriting or investor approval. Other restrictions may apply. This is not an offer of credit or a commitment to lend. Guidelines and products subject to change.

Ready to Apply?

Start your journey toward the right home loan for you by filling out our simple online application.

Want a Rate Quote?

Start your journey toward the right home loan for you by filling out our simple online application.