Stepping Stones to Your Home: Crucial Steps Every First-Time Homebuyer Should Know

Buying your first home is a major life milestone. It's an exciting time, but it can also be overwhelming. There's so much to learn and so many decisions to make. If you're a first-time homebuyer in South Dakota, here are some crucial steps you should know:

1. Get your finances in order.

Before you start looking at homes, it's important to understand your finances. This includes knowing your income, debt, and credit score. Determine how much you can comfortably allocate for a mortgage payment each month. Remember that you'll also need to budget for property taxes, insurance, and maintenance costs.

You'll also need to save for a downpayment. The downpayment you need will vary based on the loan type, but it's usually 3-5% of the home's purchase price. You can use our eligibility quiz to check your qualifications for First-time Homebuyer loans.

2. Get pre-approved for a mortgage.

Once your finances are in order, you should get pre-approved for a mortgage. This will give you an idea of how much money you can borrow, your monthly mortgage payments, and current mortgage rates. It will also make you more competitive when you're putting in offers on homes. Contact a mortgage lender who can help you find the best rates and terms for your financial situation.

3. Find a real estate agent.

A good real estate agent can be invaluable when buying your first home. They can help you find homes that meet your needs and budget and guide you through the buying process.

4. Start looking at homes.

You can start looking at homes once you have a real estate agent. Be sure to visit each home in person and inspect for any signs of damage or repairs that require attention.

5. Make an offer.

Once you find a house that you love, you'll need to make an offer. Your real estate agent can help you negotiate with the seller for the best price.  Be prepared for counteroffers and be willing to compromise to reach a fair deal.

6. Get a home inspection.

Once you accept the offer, you'll need to arrange a home inspection. This is important to ensure the home is in good condition and has no major problems. A professional inspector will assess the property's condition and identify any potential issues or repairs needed. This information can be crucial for negotiating with the seller or deciding whether to proceed with the purchase.

7. Close on the loan.

Once the home inspection is complete and you're satisfied with the results, you'll need to close on the loan. This is when you'll sign all the necessary paperwork and officially become the homeowner!

Buying your first home can be a complex process, but it's also very rewarding. Follow these steps, get help from real estate professionals, and confidently make your dream of owning a home come true.

Here are some additional tips for first-time homebuyers:

Take advantage of First-time Homebuyer programs. Several programs are available to help first-time homebuyers save money on their downpayment and closing costs.

• Be prepared to compromise. You may not be able to find the perfect home, so be prepared to compromise on some things.

• Use assistance. Many people can help you through the home-buying process, including real estate agents, mortgage lenders, and financial advisors.

Homebuying doesn't need to be stressful. We hope these tips can help ensure a successful and easy homebuying experience!