What is the first step in your home buying journey?

What’s the First Step in Buying a Home? Let’s Break It Down

So, you’ve decided it’s time to stop renting or maybe upgrade your current space—and now you’re ready to start the home-buying journey. That’s exciting! But before you get lost in Zillow scrolls or start attending open houses, you might be wondering: What’s the very first step in buying a home?

The answer? Get pre-approved for a mortgage.

Why Pre-Approval Comes First

Before you start falling in love with dream homes, it’s important to know what you can afford. Getting pre-approved gives you a clear picture of your budget, your monthly payment range, and what kind of loan programs you qualify for.

In short, it takes the guesswork out of shopping and helps you focus your search on homes that make financial sense.

What Does Pre-Approval Involve?

To get pre-approved, you’ll reach out to a lender or mortgage broker and provide some financial info. They’ll typically ask for:

• Recent pay stubs or proof of income

• Bank statements

• Tax returns (especially if you’re self-employed)

• Credit history

Based on that, they’ll determine how much you’re eligible to borrow—and give you a pre-approval letter. That letter is your golden ticket when it comes time to make an offer.

Why Sellers Care About It

In a competitive market, sellers want to know that any offer they accept is solid. A pre-approval letter shows them you’re serious, financially prepared, and less likely to hit financing roadblocks later. Without it, your offer might not be taken seriously, or worse, you could miss out on the home altogether.

Bonus: It Helps You Plan

Beyond helping you shop smarter, getting pre-approved can also help you:

• Identify and fix any credit issues early

• Understand your down payment options

• Explore different loan types and interest rates

• Set realistic goals and timelines

What Happens Next?

Once you’re pre-approved, the fun begins. You’ll start working with a real estate agent, touring homes, and making offers when you find the one. But that pre-approval? It’s your foundation. It helps you start strong and keeps your home search focused and informed.

Final Thoughts

The first step in buying a home isn’t just dreaming, it’s preparing. A pre-approval helps set the tone for a smoother, more confident buying process. So, before you get too attached to that cute house with the wraparound porch, take the time to talk to a lender.