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Deschutes County

Deschutes

Bend

Oregon

Marion County

salem

Salem

Clackamas County

Portland (OR) Metropolitan Area

Oregon City

Wilsonville

Multnomah County

Gresham

Lake Oswego

Portland

Washington County

Beaverton

Hillsboro

King County

Seattle Metropolitan Area

Enumclaw

Washington

Pierce County

Puyallup

Yes you can own a home, it starts with conversation and planning let&rsquo;s do it! &nbsp; Here are the key first steps when planning to buy your first home: 	1.	Check your credit score &mdash; Lenders use this to determine your mortgage rate. Aim for 620+ (conventional) or 580+ (FHA). Dispute any errors you find. 	2.	Calculate what you can afford &mdash; A common guideline is keeping housing costs under 28% of your gross monthly income. Factor in taxes, insurance, and HOA fees, not just the mortgage. 	3.	Save for a down payment &mdash; Typical targets are 3&ndash;20% of the home price. Also budget for closing costs (2&ndash;5% of the loan), moving expenses, and an emergency fund for repairs. 	4.	Research loan types &mdash; Compare conventional, FHA, VA, and USDA loans. First-time buyer programs often offer lower down payments or closing cost assistance. 	5.	Get pre-approved for a mortgage &mdash; Shop at least 2&ndash;3 lenders. Pre-approval gives you a realistic budget and makes you a stronger buyer when you make an offer. 	6.	Define your must-haves &mdash; Location, commute, school districts, size, and deal-breakers. Separate needs from wants before you start touring. 	7.	Find a real estate agent &mdash; Look for someone experienced with first-time buyers in your target area. As the buyer, their commission is typically paid by the seller. 	8.	Learn the local market &mdash; Are you in a buyer&rsquo;s or seller&rsquo;s market? Understanding inventory, average days on market, and price trends helps you make competitive offers. 	9.	Get familiar with ongoing costs &mdash; Property taxes, homeowner&rsquo;s insurance, utilities, and maintenance (budget ~1% of home value per year) all add up quickly. 	10.	Avoid major financial changes &mdash; Don&rsquo;t open new credit cards, take on new debt, or change jobs during the home-buying process, as it can affect your mortgage approval.&#8203;&#8203;&#8203;&#8203;&#8203;&#8203;&#8203;&#8203;&#8203;&#8203;&#8203;&#8203;&#8203;&#8203;&#8203;&#8203;

First time home buyers 

Yes you can own a home, it starts with conversation and planning let’s do it!  Here are the key first steps when planning to buy your first home:	1...

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