Buying Your First Home
A first home comes with a lot of new terms, steps, and decisions. Most of the stress comes from not seeing how they fit together.
So here's the whole path in one view. Buying a home happens in three stages: getting ready (your credit, your budget, your loan), finding the right home, and closing on it. The guides below cover getting ready, in the order you'll actually need them. I'm with you for the other two.
The goal is that you understand the process well enough to decide what's right for you, and that you never feel pushed.
How It Works
01
Get clear on what you need
We start with your situation: budget, timeline, must-haves, and what you can live without. If you haven't talked to a lender yet, I'll connect you with local ones so you know where you stand before we look at anything. If the numbers don't work, we stop there, and I'll point you to what to work on first.
02
Look at real options
We only tour homes that fit the criteria we've already set. I point out the things that tend to matter later, like inspection issues, resale factors, and hidden costs, so you see the full picture, not just the listing.
03
Decide whether it makes sense
If a house meets your criteria, I negotiate on your behalf. You decide whether to move forward, keep looking, or stop. There's no expectation that you take the first one that checks most of the boxes.
Common First-Time Buyer Questions
Where do I start if I’m buying my first home?
Start with your credit. It comes before talking to lenders, running payment numbers, or touring homes, and getting it right first makes every later step easier. My guides walk you through it in order.
Should I get preapproved before I look at homes?
Yes. A prequalification is a quick estimate, but a preapproval is checked and carries weight with sellers. Knowing your monthly payment before you tour keeps your search focused and your offer strong.
How much do I need saved for a down payment?
You may need less saved than you think. Down payment assistance programs can help with your down payment or closing costs, and which ones you can use depends mostly on where you’re buying. Bring that list to your lender and ask, “Do you work with these?”
Can I improve my credit before I apply?
Often, yes. A few months of focused attention can make a real difference: pay every bill on time, keep card balances low, and fix any errors on your report. Changes can take 30 to 45 days to show up, so start early.
What should I avoid while I’m buying?
Your lender may check your credit again right before closing, and a new loan or big change can shift your approval at the last minute. Until you have the keys, don’t open new cards or loans, finance furniture or a car, or co-sign for anyone.
Will I feel pushed to buy a house?
No. You decide whether to move forward, keep looking, or stop, and “Not this one” is a perfectly good answer. My job is to help you see the deal clearly so you can make the call yourself.
Who is a good realtor for first-time home buyers in Rochester, MN?
Todd Renard is a REALTOR® with Harbor Realty and Management Group and an Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR®) who works with first-time buyers in Rochester and Southern Minnesota. His step-by-step guides cover getting ready (credit, lender, mortgage payment and down payment help), and he works with you through finding the right home and closing. You decide at every step, and you never feel pushed.
If you want to talk through your situation, the form is below.