First-time Homebuyer Guides
Quick visual guides to help you understand the homebuying process and prepare for your mortgage. (Information is general and may vary by lender and scenario.)
Step 1: Get Preapproved for a Home Loan
A simple visual overview of how the homebuying process starts with a preapproval.
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Key Players in the Home Buying Process
Who does what during a purchase: loan officer, agent, insurance, title/escrow, inspector, appraiser.
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Dream Home Checklist
A worksheet-style checklist for features, price range, and neighborhood preferences.
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Holiday Loan Checklist (24–48 Hours)
A fast-start checklist of items to gather when you begin the loan process.
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New Homebuyer Mortgage Checklist
Application and property information commonly needed for a new purchase loan.
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Top 10 Don’ts During the Home Loan Process
Key things to avoid that can delay or derail underwriting.
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Do’s & Don’ts During the Loan Process
Helpful guidance on behaviors that can help (and hurt) approvals.
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Do’s & Don’ts for New Homebuyers
A quick reference list for first-time buyers during escrow.
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Understanding Closing Costs
What closing costs are and the major categories (lender + third-party fees).
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How Much Mortgage Can You Afford Each Month?
A rule-of-thumb guide and table to estimate a comfortable housing payment.
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