{"id":104274,"date":"2026-07-30T17:30:30","date_gmt":"2026-07-31T00:30:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/?p=104274"},"modified":"2026-07-30T17:11:58","modified_gmt":"2026-07-31T00:11:58","slug":"first-time-homebuyer-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/tips-for-first-time-homebuyers\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Essential Tips for First-Time Homebuyers: Key Advice to Keep in Mind"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n<h3><b>Key takeaways:<\/b><\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Get your finances in order: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Having a clear picture of your finances, including how much you have saved for a down payment, current credit score, and overall budget can help streamline the process and reduce unexpected expenses.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Work with a trusted real estate agent: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An experienced agent can offer helpful guidance through the buying process in addition to negotiating on your behalf.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Don\u2019t be afraid to negotiate: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Buyers have the upper hand in <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/news\/buyers-vs-sellers-june-2026\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">roughly 70% of U.S. housing markets<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, so don\u2019t be afraid to negotiate on price, repairs, closing costs, or timeline.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The U.S. housing market has been stuck in a slow and expensive holding pattern for years, which has kept many homebuyers on the sidelines waiting for conditions to improve. But because <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/news\/data-center\/buyers-sellers\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">buyers are so hard to come by<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, they tend to have negotiating power in most cities. Especially in the Southern third of the country, many sellers are struggling to attract offers and are willing to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/news\/home-seller-concessions-record-high-rate\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">give concessions to attract buyers<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Depending on the location, now may seem like an ideal opportunity for new homebuyers to step into the market and see what\u2019s out there. In Newark, San Francisco, San Jose, and Nassau County, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/news\/most-competitive-housing-markets-2026\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">more than half of homes are selling above asking price<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. However, less than 10% of homes are selling above asking price in Florida and Texas, giving buyers a considerable leg-up on negotiation.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether you\u2019re just starting out on your homebuying journey or you\u2019ve been through the process several times, these 14 first-time homebuyer tips will give you the wisdom to navigate the homebuying process with ease.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"944\" height=\"630\" class=\"wp-image-104279\" src=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/shutterstock_1937913955-944x630.jpg\" alt=\"A gray two-story house.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/shutterstock_1937913955-944x630.jpg 944w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/shutterstock_1937913955-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/shutterstock_1937913955-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/shutterstock_1937913955-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/shutterstock_1937913955-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/shutterstock_1937913955-scaled.jpg 1798w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/shutterstock_1937913955-225x150.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/shutterstock_1937913955-449x300.jpg 449w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 944px) 100vw, 944px\" \/><\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1. Take a homeownership course<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Homeownership courses can help clarify each part of the<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/home-buying-process-timeline\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">homebuying process<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. They cover topics like budgeting, building credit, mortgage options, house hunting, and closing.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you&#8217;re unsure where to start, check with HUD-approved counseling agencies like <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.balancepro.org\/\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">BALANCE<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.greenpath.com\/\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">GreenPath<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, or <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/credit.org\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Credit.org<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. You can also check with non-profit organizations and local housing authorities to find available courses. Along with the expertise you\u2019ll receive, some programs or lenders may offer incentives for completing courses such as lower interest rates and down payment assistance.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2. Look into first-time homebuyer benefits<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/first-time-home-buyer-benefits\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">first-time homebuyer programs<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are designed to make homeownership more accessible by reducing upfront costs, lowering monthly payments, and helping with mortgage qualification.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>State and local programs:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Cities and states may offer down payment assistance, forgivable loans, or closing cost help. Check with your state\u2019s housing finance agency for options.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Federal loan options:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Government-backed loans like FHA, VA, and USDA loans are popular among first-time buyers, offering flexible credit and down payment requirements.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/homepath.fanniemae.com\/homebuyers\/how-much-can-i-borrow\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"><b>Fannie Mae\u2019s HomePath Ready Buyer\u2122 Program<\/b><\/a><b>:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> This offers up to 3% in closing cost assistance when purchasing a HomePath property and completing a homeownership course.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hud.gov\/program_offices\/housing\/sfh\/reo\/goodn\/gnndabot\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"><b>Good Neighbor Next Door<\/b><\/a><b>:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Offered by HUD, teachers, law enforcement, firefighters, and EMTs may receive a 50% discount on eligible homes in revitalization areas.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Mortgage Credit Certificates (MCC):<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Some state programs offer MCCs, which provide a federal tax credit for a portion of annual mortgage interest.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While these programs can be helpful, many have eligibility rules based on income, location, or occupation. It\u2019s best to start your research early and gather the required forms and documentation ahead of time.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3. Save up for a down payment and closing costs<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s important to start saving early for a down payment \u2014 ideally 20%. With 20% down, you can qualify for a lower interest rate and avoid<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/what-is-pmi-insurance\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">private mortgage insurance (PMI)<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. If a 20% down payment isn\u2019t realistic, it\u2019s worth checking state and local<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/guides\/first-time-home-buyer-programs\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">first-time homebuying programs<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for down payment assistance.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Best practices for saving include budgeting, opening a separate savings account with automatic monthly payments, reducing major expenses, and monitoring your spending to determine where you need to cut back.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In addition to a down payment, you\u2019ll also want to anticipate <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/what-are-closing-costs\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">closing costs<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Closing costs are fees and expenses you\u2019ll pay when finalizing the home purchase. These typically range between 2-5% of the home\u2019s purchase price. On a home purchased for $350,000, closing costs could run anywhere from $7,000 to $17,500.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re looking to save, consider asking the seller for<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/seller-concessions-101\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">concessions<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, exploring lender credits, or looking into assistance programs that cover closing costs.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Common closing cost fees include:<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Application fee:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Up to $500<\/span><\/li>\r\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Appraisal fees:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> $300-$500<\/span><\/li>\r\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Title insurance:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> 0.5% to 1% of the loan amount<\/span><\/li>\r\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Escrow fees:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> 1% of the home sale price<\/span><\/li>\r\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Recording fees:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> $125<\/span><\/li>\r\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Property taxes:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Varies<\/span><\/li>\r\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Homeowner\u2019s insurance premiums:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Varies<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4. Determine how much house you can realistically afford<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before you start browsing listings, it\u2019s important to understand what fits comfortably within your budget. A home<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/how-much-house-can-i-afford\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">affordability calculator<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can help you estimate your price range based on your income, debts, down payment, and projected expenses. While you may have heard not to spend more than one-third of your income on housing, that may be unreasonable depending on your household income. A household earning the average U.S. income would <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/news\/income-needed-to-buy-home-declines\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">need to spend 40% to afford a median-priced home<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, so take the one-third rule with a grain of salt. What\u2019s more important is that your home doesn\u2019t become an excessive financial burden.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You don\u2019t need to have everything fully figured out, but start with an amount that feels realistic for your savings goals. From there, you can adjust as needed while weighing monthly mortgage payments, taxes, insurance, and other homeownership costs.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5. Factor in home maintenance costs<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Every home has one thing in common: they require ongoing maintenance. When preparing your finances, be sure to budget for regular upkeep and repairs. A good rule of thumb is to set aside 1% to 4% of your home\u2019s value in a maintenance fund. This will help you keep your home in good shape, prioritizing routine maintenance and home repairs as they occur.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cWhen I bought my first house, the only thing I was worried about was whether I could afford the mortgage payment. After I needed to repair my HVAC unit, replace my roof and furnish my entire home, I quickly realized that the mortgage is only one piece of the homeownership puzzle.\u201d &#8211; Andy Hill, finance podcaster,<\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/marriagekidsandmoney.com\/\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Marriage, Kids, and Money<\/span><\/a><\/p>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">6. Shop around to compare lenders and loan terms<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Comparing mortgage lenders and terms can save you thousands of dollars over the life of your loan, so don\u2019t settle for the first offer. Experts generally recommend <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rocketmortgage.com\/learn\/how-to-choose-a-mortgage-lender\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">applying to several lenders before deciding<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/types-of-home-loans-for-first-time-buyers\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Loan types for first-time homebuyers<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> include:<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rocketmortgage.com\/learn\/conventional-mortgage\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"><b>Conventional Loan<\/b><\/a><b>:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Offers flexible down payment options as low as 3% with private mortgage insurance (PMI). These require a higher credit score and must fall within conforming loan limits.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rocketmoney.com\/learn\/homeownership\/fha-loan\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"><b>FHA Loan<\/b><\/a><b>:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Designed for buyers with lower credit scores. These require just 3.5% down, but includes mortgage insurance for the life of the loan.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rocketmortgage.com\/home-loans\/va-loan\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"><b>VA Loan<\/b><\/a><b>:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Available to eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and family members. No down payment or mortgage insurance is needed, often with lower interest rates.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rocketmortgage.com\/learn\/usda-loans\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"><b>USDA Loan<\/b><\/a><b>:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Ideal for buyers purchasing in eligible rural or suburban areas. No down payment is required, but income limits apply based on location and household size.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rocketmortgage.com\/learn\/adjustable-rate-mortgage\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"><b>Adjustable-Rate Mortgage (ARM)<\/b><\/a><b>:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Starts with a lower fixed rate, then adjusts based on market trends. ARMs can help you save early on, but carry the risk of rate increases.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rocketmortgage.com\/learn\/fixed-rate-mortgage\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"><b>Fixed-Rate Mortgage<\/b><\/a><b>:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Offers predictable monthly payments and a stable interest rate for the loan\u2019s duration. This is ideal for buyers who plan to stay in their home long-term.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When choosing a mortgage, consider your credit score, down payment savings, income stability, and location to find the best fit for your financial needs.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">7. Get preapproved before you start house hunting<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before finding your dream home, take the important step of getting <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/mortgage-pre-approval\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">preapproved for a mortgage<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Preapproval will signal you\u2019re a serious buyer and help you understand how much you can borrow.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before getting preapproved, it\u2019s a good idea to spend some time <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/how-to-improve-your-credit-score-to-buy-a-house\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">improving your credit score<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. A higher credit score leads to better mortgage interest rates, saving you thousands over time. And while you\u2019re at it, avoid making any large purchases like a new car before buying a home as it can impact your credit.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s important to note that <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/prequalified-vs-preapproved\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">preapproval and prequalification<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are different: Preapproval is a conditional offer from a lender of how much they\u2019re likely to lend you based on your financial situation, while prequalification is an estimate of how much you might be able to borrow based on provided financial information. Preapproval holds more weight than a prequalification.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What you\u2019ll need to provide for mortgage preapproval:<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Proof of income<\/span><\/li>\r\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Employment verification<\/span><\/li>\r\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Recent pay stubs<\/span><\/li>\r\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">W-2 forms<\/span><\/li>\r\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Photo ID<\/span><\/li>\r\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Social security number<\/span><\/li>\r\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Credit history<\/span><\/li>\r\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Debt-to-income ratio (DTI)<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-104296 size-blog-post\" src=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/shutterstock_2014230224-945x630.jpg\" alt=\"Checking out the kitchen during a home tour.\" width=\"945\" height=\"630\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/shutterstock_2014230224-945x630.jpg 945w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/shutterstock_2014230224-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/shutterstock_2014230224-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/shutterstock_2014230224-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/shutterstock_2014230224-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/shutterstock_2014230224-scaled.jpg 1800w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/shutterstock_2014230224-225x150.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/shutterstock_2014230224-450x300.jpg 450w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 945px) 100vw, 945px\" \/><\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">8. Make a priority checklist<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before house hunting, it\u2019s time to evaluate your preferences with a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/house-hunting-checklist\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">priority checklist<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. You\u2019ll want to separate must-haves from nice-to-haves. For example, the number of bedrooms and location of the home might be essentials, while quartz countertops might simply be a nice addition.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When crafting your list, think long-term. Consider how your needs might change in 5 to 10 years. Will you need more space? Will a large yard feel like too much upkeep?<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Also, think about practical details beyond the home itself, such as <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/news\/moving-reasons-safety-survey-2024\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">neighborhood safety<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, commute times, school district ratings, and parking options. These can greatly affect your daily life and future resale value.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">9. Do your homework during the home search<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once you have your list, it\u2019s research time. Be sure to consider the following when searching for homes:<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Neighborhood:<\/b> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/news\/most-neighborly-cities-2026\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some neighborhoods are more neighborly than others<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, so exploring the neighborhood in-person is a great way to get a feel for the community and daily life. Take note of things like traffic flow, noise levels, and if possible, try to talk to some of the neighbors.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Local market:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> It\u2019s a good idea to check the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/news\/data-center\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">local housing market<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to get a sense of pricing, competition, and how much room you have to negotiate.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Future development:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Check city planning or zoning websites for upcoming residential and commercial developments. A new park might boost property value, while a highway expansion could impact quality of life.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>School zones:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Even if you don\u2019t have children, school ratings are important for resale and property value. Use<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.greatschools.org\/\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">online tools<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and local school district sites to compare options. You can also find information about school districts directly on a listing on <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Redfin.com<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">10. Work with a trusted real estate agent<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/real-estate-agents\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">local real estate agent<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can guide you through the buying process, offering expert advice and negotiating on your behalf. It\u2019s best to connect with at least a few agents before selecting one. Like other professionals, agents have unique skills and personalities, so it\u2019s worth finding one who\u2019s compatible with you.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Select an agent who:<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Has a compatible schedule<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to meet for showings, reviewing contracts, and discussions.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Has a similar communication style<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that suits your preferences.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Feels comfortable and trustworthy<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, so you feel supported during the homebuying process.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Has local market knowledge<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of current trends, property value, and neighborhoods.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">11. Make an offer you feel comfortable with<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you\u2019re ready to<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/making-an-offer-on-a-house\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">make an offer<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, pay attention to more than just the list price. Recent sales, market trends, and the home\u2019s condition should all contribute to your offer. Lean on your real estate agent to help you make an informed decision.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Include key<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/contingencies-in-real-estate\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">contingencies<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> like a home inspection, appraisal, and financing. These protect your interests and give you an out if something unexpected pops up. In a competitive market, some buyers waive contingencies to stand out, but it\u2019s a risk worth weighing carefully.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You\u2019ll also submit<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/what-is-earnest-money\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">earnest money<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, a small deposit showing you&#8217;re serious. It\u2019s typically applied to your down payment or closing costs if the deal moves forward.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">12. Negotiate with the seller<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once your offer is submitted, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/how-to-negotiate-on-house-price\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">don\u2019t be afraid to negotiate<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Right now, buyers have the upper hand in <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/news\/buyers-vs-sellers-june-2026\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">roughly 70% of U.S. housing markets as of July 2026<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Your agent can help you understand where you have room to negotiate, but here are a few areas to focus on:<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Price:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> If the home is overpriced, your real estate agent can help you with a counter offer based on comparable sales. Many sellers are still overpricing, leading to stale or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/news\/delistings-relistings-april-2026\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">canceled listings<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Repairs:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Use your home inspection report to negotiate. You can request that the seller makes repairs before closing or ask for a credit so you can handle them after moving in.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\r\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Closing costs:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> It\u2019s common to ask the seller to cover some of the closing costs. This can ease upfront costs, but some lenders put a cap on how much a seller can contribute.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Timeline:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Flexibility can work in your favor. You might offer to adjust the closing date to meet the seller\u2019s needs in exchange for other concessions.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">13. Hire a home inspector and appraiser<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/home-inspection\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">home inspection<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and appraisal are essential steps before finalizing your purchase. A licensed home inspector will evaluate the property\u2019s condition, checking for issues like structural damage, plumbing concerns, or roofing problems.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/home-appraisal\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">appraiser<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, on the other hand, will assess the home\u2019s market value. This protects you and your lender from overpaying. Together, these steps help ensure you\u2019re making a smart investment and give you a chance to renegotiate or back out if major issues arise.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">14. Save physical copies of everything<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once you close, stay organized by keeping all your key documents in one place. A dedicated folder or a secure digital system should do the job.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This paperwork is essential for tax purposes, future refinancing, or if you decide to sell. Keep copies of your purchase agreement, loan documents, appraisal, inspection report, title insurance policy, and closing disclosure. Having everything on hand will save time and stress down the road.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">First-time home buying tips: What comes next?<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your journey doesn\u2019t end at closing. Stay ahead by keeping up with home maintenance, saving for unexpected repairs, and building a go-to list of local pros. Now that you have the information you need, you can feel confident and prepared for life as a new homeowner.<\/span><\/p>\r\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Buying your first home? Here are 14 essential tips all homebuyers should know to help you search, tour, offer, and close with confidence. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":816,"featured_media":104279,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"default","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[34276],"tags":[34629],"coauthors":[36415,35750],"class_list":["post-104274","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-buying-a-home","tag-first-time-homebuyer"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v24.7 (Yoast SEO v28.1) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>14 Essential Tips for First-Time Homebuyers | Redfin<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Buying your first home? Here are 14 essential tips all homebuyers should know to help you search, tour, offer, and close with confidence.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/tips-for-first-time-homebuyers\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"14 Essential Tips for First-Time Homebuyers: Key Advice to Keep in Mind\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Buying your first home? Here are 14 essential tips all homebuyers should know to help you search, tour, offer, and close with confidence.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/tips-for-first-time-homebuyers\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Redfin | Real Estate Tips for Home Buying, Selling &amp; More\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/redfin\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-07-31T00:30:30+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/shutterstock_1937913955-scaled.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1798\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1200\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Sarah Ford, Jeremy Steckler\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@redfin\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@redfin\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Sarah Ford, Jeremy Steckler\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"11 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.redfin.com/blog\\\/tips-for-first-time-homebuyers\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.redfin.com/blog\\\/tips-for-first-time-homebuyers\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Sarah Ford\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.redfin.com/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/c48f0724702a73767a2f555cc25b20d2\"},\"headline\":\"14 Essential Tips for First-Time Homebuyers: Key Advice to Keep in Mind\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-07-31T00:30:30+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.redfin.com/blog\\\/tips-for-first-time-homebuyers\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":2351,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.redfin.com/blog\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.redfin.com/blog\\\/tips-for-first-time-homebuyers\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.redfin.com/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/shutterstock_1937913955-scaled.jpg\",\"keywords\":[\"first time homebuyer\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Buying a Home\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"copyrightYear\":\"2026\",\"copyrightHolder\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.redfin.com/blog\\\/#organization\"}},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.redfin.com/blog\\\/tips-for-first-time-homebuyers\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.redfin.com/blog\\\/tips-for-first-time-homebuyers\\\/\",\"name\":\"14 Essential Tips for First-Time Homebuyers | Redfin\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.redfin.com/blog\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.redfin.com/blog\\\/tips-for-first-time-homebuyers\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.redfin.com/blog\\\/tips-for-first-time-homebuyers\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.redfin.com/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/shutterstock_1937913955-scaled.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-07-31T00:30:30+00:00\",\"description\":\"Buying your first home? Here are 14 essential tips all homebuyers should know to help you search, tour, offer, and close with confidence.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.redfin.com/blog\\\/tips-for-first-time-homebuyers\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.redfin.com/blog\\\/tips-for-first-time-homebuyers\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.redfin.com/blog\\\/tips-for-first-time-homebuyers\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.redfin.com/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/shutterstock_1937913955-scaled.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.redfin.com/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/shutterstock_1937913955-scaled.jpg\",\"width\":1798,\"height\":1200},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.redfin.com/blog\\\/tips-for-first-time-homebuyers\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.redfin.com/blog\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"14 Essential Tips for First-Time Homebuyers: Key Advice to Keep in Mind\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.redfin.com/blog\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.redfin.com/blog\\\/\",\"name\":\"Redfin | Real Estate Tips for Home Buying, Selling &amp; More\",\"description\":\"Real estate on Wall Street, Main Street and your street.\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.redfin.com/blog\\\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.redfin.com/blog\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.redfin.com/blog\\\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Redfin\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.redfin.com/blog\\\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.redfin.com/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.redfin.com/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2020\\\/03\\\/Redfin-logo-512x512-1.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.redfin.com/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2020\\\/03\\\/Redfin-logo-512x512-1.jpg\",\"width\":512,\"height\":512,\"caption\":\"Redfin\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.redfin.com/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/redfin\",\"https:\\\/\\\/x.com\\\/redfin\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.instagram.com\\\/redfinrealestate\\\/\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.linkedin.com\\\/company\\\/redfin\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.pinterest.com\\\/redfin\\\/\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.youtube.com\\\/channel\\\/UCMIuo1QSGcmWnevT9jdC_Ow\",\"https:\\\/\\\/en.wikipedia.org\\\/wiki\\\/Redfin\"]},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.redfin.com/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/c48f0724702a73767a2f555cc25b20d2\",\"name\":\"Sarah Ford\",\"description\":\"Sarah is a Content Marketing Coordinator at Redfin. In her free time, she enjoys reading, taking walks at the lake, watching movies, and spending time with her friends and family. Her dream home is a French country-style house surrounded by nature.\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.redfin.com/blog\\\/author\\\/sarah-fordredfin-com\\\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"14 Essential Tips for First-Time Homebuyers | Redfin","description":"Buying your first home? Here are 14 essential tips all homebuyers should know to help you search, tour, offer, and close with confidence.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/tips-for-first-time-homebuyers\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"14 Essential Tips for First-Time Homebuyers: Key Advice to Keep in Mind","og_description":"Buying your first home? Here are 14 essential tips all homebuyers should know to help you search, tour, offer, and close with confidence.","og_url":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/tips-for-first-time-homebuyers\/","og_site_name":"Redfin | Real Estate Tips for Home Buying, Selling &amp; More","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/redfin","article_published_time":"2026-07-31T00:30:30+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1798,"height":1200,"url":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/shutterstock_1937913955-scaled.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Sarah Ford, Jeremy Steckler","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@redfin","twitter_site":"@redfin","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Sarah Ford, Jeremy Steckler","Est. reading time":"11 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/tips-for-first-time-homebuyers\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/tips-for-first-time-homebuyers\/"},"author":{"name":"Sarah Ford","@id":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/c48f0724702a73767a2f555cc25b20d2"},"headline":"14 Essential Tips for First-Time Homebuyers: Key Advice to Keep in Mind","datePublished":"2026-07-31T00:30:30+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/tips-for-first-time-homebuyers\/"},"wordCount":2351,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/tips-for-first-time-homebuyers\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/shutterstock_1937913955-scaled.jpg","keywords":["first time homebuyer"],"articleSection":["Buying a Home"],"inLanguage":"en-US","copyrightYear":"2026","copyrightHolder":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/#organization"}},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/tips-for-first-time-homebuyers\/","url":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/tips-for-first-time-homebuyers\/","name":"14 Essential Tips for First-Time Homebuyers | Redfin","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/tips-for-first-time-homebuyers\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/tips-for-first-time-homebuyers\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/shutterstock_1937913955-scaled.jpg","datePublished":"2026-07-31T00:30:30+00:00","description":"Buying your first home? Here are 14 essential tips all homebuyers should know to help you search, tour, offer, and close with confidence.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/tips-for-first-time-homebuyers\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/tips-for-first-time-homebuyers\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/tips-for-first-time-homebuyers\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/shutterstock_1937913955-scaled.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/shutterstock_1937913955-scaled.jpg","width":1798,"height":1200},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/tips-for-first-time-homebuyers\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"14 Essential Tips for First-Time Homebuyers: Key Advice to Keep in Mind"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/","name":"Redfin | Real Estate Tips for Home Buying, Selling &amp; More","description":"Real estate on Wall Street, Main Street and your street.","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/#organization","name":"Redfin","url":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Redfin-logo-512x512-1.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Redfin-logo-512x512-1.jpg","width":512,"height":512,"caption":"Redfin"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/redfin","https:\/\/x.com\/redfin","https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/redfinrealestate\/","https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/redfin","https:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/redfin\/","https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCMIuo1QSGcmWnevT9jdC_Ow","https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Redfin"]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/c48f0724702a73767a2f555cc25b20d2","name":"Sarah Ford","description":"Sarah is a Content Marketing Coordinator at Redfin. In her free time, she enjoys reading, taking walks at the lake, watching movies, and spending time with her friends and family. Her dream home is a French country-style house surrounded by nature.","url":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/author\/sarah-fordredfin-com\/"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/104274","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/816"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=104274"}],"version-history":[{"count":17,"href":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/104274\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":111139,"href":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/104274\/revisions\/111139"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/104279"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=104274"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=104274"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=104274"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=104274"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}