What First-Time Buyers Should Know Before Starting
Get the basics to kick off your home-buying journey confidently
with Seeking Agents™—your guide to a smooth start.
Your First Steps Matter
Buying your first home is exciting, but it’s easy to feel overwhelmed without the right prep. Knowing the basics—like your budget, the process, and who to trust—sets you up for success. Seeking Agents™ is here to help you start strong, connecting you with pros who simplify the journey and save you time and money.
Let’s break down what you need to know before diving in, so you can move forward with confidence.
The Must-Know Basics
Here’s what every first-time buyer should understand before starting:
- Your Budget: It’s more than just the home price. Factor in down payments (3-20%, or $6,000-$40,000 on a $200,000 home), closing costs (2-5%), and monthly expenses like mortgage, taxes, and insurance.
- The Process: It’s a marathon, not a sprint—pre-approval, house hunting, offers, inspections, and closing can take 30-60 days or more. Patience pays off.
- Your Team: A great agent is your MVP. They’ll guide you, negotiate, and spot red flags. Picking the wrong one? That’s where stress and extra costs sneak in.
Get these right, and you’ll avoid rookie mistakes that derail dreams.
How Seeking Agents™ Gets You Ready
Seeking Agents™ connects buyers and sellers with agents who compete to deliver great service and savings, preparing you for a confident home-buying or selling experience. Here’s how they help:
- Cost Transparency: Agents explain all expenses upfront so you can plan your budget. You can ask about loan options or assistance programs if eligible.
- Clear Process: They guide you through each step—from pre-approval to closing—ensuring you understand what’s next.
- Competitive Savings: Agents offer lower commissions (e.g., 1-2% instead of 3%) through competition, helping you keep more money.
Example: On a $250,000 home, a 3% commission costs $7,500. With an agent from Seeking Agents™ at 1.5%, you pay $3,750—saving $3,750 for moving costs or home upgrades.
Your Pre-Start Checklist
Seeking Agents™ helps first-time home buyers kick things off right by connecting you with agents who simplify the essentials. Here’s what to tackle before diving in:
- Know Your Finances: Agents outline costs like down payments and fees, and can point you to first-time buyer loans or grants if eligible.
- Secure Pre-Approval: They’ll guide you to lenders for pre-approval, clarifying your budget and boosting your offer’s strength.
- Maximize Savings: With agents competing, you’ll often get lower commissions (e.g., 1-2%), keeping more money in your pocket.
Example: For a $250,000 home, a standard 3% commission is $7,500. At 1.5% through Seeking Agents™, you’d pay $3,750, freeing up funds for your new space.
Start Confidently Today
Ready to kick off your home-buying journey? Seeking Agents™ connects you with agents who make the basics easy and affordable. Take the first step now and build your dream on solid ground.
Dive deeper: The Home-Buying Process: What to Expect
More First-Time Buyer Tips
- The Home-Buying Process: What to Expect
- What First-Time Buyers Should Know Before Starting
- Questions First-Time Buyers Should Ask Their Agent
- How to Set a Realistic Budget for Your First Home
- Saving for Your Down Payment and Closing Costs
- Understanding Loan Options for First-Time Buyers
- Steps to Get Pre-Approved for Your First Mortgage
- How to Find and Choose Your First Home
- Common Mistakes First-Time Buyers Should Avoid