First-time home buyers
First home.
Know the real monthly cost before you fall in love with a listing.
Start with a place.
Type a town, county or ZIP and the search opens on it.
Rather have it done for you? Put Scott to work
Your first home, with the process visible.
You do not need to know everything before you begin. You need the next decision, the real cost and the right professional for each question.
Cash-to-close map
The down payment is only one line.
Ask a qualified lender and attorney to build the property-specific figure. Use this list to make sure the conversation is complete.
- Down payment
- Lender and appraisal charges
- Attorney and title items
- Inspections
- Prepaids and reserves
What matters most.
Comfort before maximum
The lender’s approval ceiling is not the same as a monthly payment that leaves room for maintenance, savings and daily life.
The right lender relationship
Rate matters, and so do communication, closing reliability, program knowledge and a clear explanation of cash needed.
Condition in context
An inspection is not pass or fail. It helps separate routine ownership, near-term projects and risks that may change the decision.
The detail, when you want it.
The step-by-step process
- 01Readiness and budgetReview savings, credit, income stability, cash to close, reserves and a monthly ownership range that feels sustainable.
- 02Pre-approval and lender choiceCompare qualified lenders on terms, responsiveness and experience with relevant programs. Pre-approval supports the search; it is not a promise to borrow.
- 03Realistic monthly ownership costAdd taxes, insurance, utilities, maintenance and any association cost to principal and interest.
- 04Search and offerLearn the market through real listings, then write an offer around budget, condition, competition and the terms that protect the decision.
- 05Inspection and due diligenceUse qualified professionals to understand systems, structure, defects and documents before the applicable deadlines.
- 06Appraisal and financingKeep lender conditions, appraisal, insurance and cash requirements moving while understanding the options if a material issue appears.
- 07Closing costsReview lender charges, attorney and title items, prepaids and reserves early enough that the final cash figure is not a surprise.
- 08Walkthrough and closingConfirm the property’s condition and agreed work, review final documents with the right professionals and complete the transfer.
How Scott helps
- Explain the sequence before the first showing.
- Build a search around payment and practical tradeoffs.
- Keep lender, attorney and inspection questions organized.
- State what is known, what is assumed and who should verify it.
Common questions
- How much do I need for a down payment?
- It depends on the loan program and your finances. A qualified lender can compare options, cash requirements, mortgage insurance and the effect on monthly payment.
- Should I wait for rates or prices to change?
- No one can guarantee future rates or prices. A useful decision starts with present affordability, available inventory and how long the home needs to work for you.
- What if the inspection finds problems?
- Findings can lead to further evaluation, negotiation, acceptance or ending the transaction when the contract allows. Your attorney and inspectors should advise within their roles.
- What happens at the final walkthrough?
- The walkthrough is a final opportunity to observe whether the property is in the expected condition and agreed items appear complete before closing.
Educational information only, not a lending, legal, tax, appraisal or inspection opinion. Programs, rates, costs, property condition and contract rights vary. Rely on licensed professionals who can review your specific situation.