First-Time
Home Buyer’s Guide
Everything you need in one place — budget worksheets, home checklists, loan document checklist, mortgage do’s & don’ts, transaction steps, moving checklist, and a live mortgage calculator. No fluff, no pressure.
What Can You Afford?
Use this worksheet to calculate how much you can comfortably spend on housing each month. Fill in your real numbers — this stays in your browser and is never sent anywhere.
💡 Texas Tip: Texas has no state income tax but property taxes average 1.8–2.5% of assessed value annually — one of the highest in the nation. On a $350,000 home, budget $525–$730/month for taxes alone. Use our Texas Mortgage Calculator to estimate your full payment before filling in the mortgage line above.
Home Buyer’s Checklist
Identify your must-haves, desired features, and nice-to-haves before you start house hunting. Print or fill this out digitally.
Ready to Get Pre-Approved?
Pre-approval is the most important first step. Adam & Team will evaluate your goals and shop multiple lenders — no obligation, no upfront credit check.
LET’S TALKLoan Application Checklist
Have these documents ready before you apply. Being prepared upfront speeds up your approval and avoids delays.
Mortgage Do’s & Don’ts
Your credit, income, and assets are verified after you submit your application — and sometimes right before closing. Follow these rules carefully.
✅ DO
- Call Adam & Team if you’re unsure whether something will impact your loan.
- Keep original documents — all pay stubs, bank statements, and financial records.
- Pay all bills on time — late payments damage your credit score.
- Continue working at your current job until after closing.
- Respond quickly to any requests from your loan processor.
- Keep bank accounts stable — avoid large unexplained deposits or withdrawals.
❌ DON’T
- Apply for new credit or increase credit limits during the loan process.
- Max out credit cards — keep balances below 30% of your limits.
- Consolidate debt or close credit card accounts.
- Make large purchases — cars, furniture, appliances, or anything financed.
- Change jobs or positions without consulting your lender first.
- Co-sign on another person’s loan or change your name/address.
Steps in a Real Estate Transaction
What happens from start to finish when buying your home — from first consultation to getting your keys.
Get Pre-Approved
Connect with Adam & Team to get pre-approved first — this tells sellers you’re serious and ready to buy, and gives you a firm budget to shop within.
Connect with a Realtor
Find a licensed real estate professional to represent your interests. A buyer’s agent is typically free to you — their commission is paid by the seller.
Find Your Home
Work with your realtor to find and make an offer on the right home. Your pre-approval letter strengthens your offer in competitive Texas markets.
Sign the Contract
Sign the purchase contract and submit your earnest money deposit (typically 1–3% of the purchase price). This kicks off the official process.
Inspections
Order a home inspection and termite inspection to assess the property’s condition. This protects you from unexpected problems after closing.
Title Process
The title company opens your file, orders a title commitment, and reviews for any defects or liens against the property that must be resolved before closing.
Loan Approval
Receive final loan approval from your lender. Your dedicated Adam & Team processor keeps you informed and coordinates with all parties throughout.
Closing Scheduled
Set your closing date with the escrow officer at the title company. Bring your government ID, cashier’s check or wire for closing costs, and proof of insurance.
Close & Get Your Keys! 🎉
Sign your closing documents, funds are distributed, and you receive the keys to your new home. Congratulations — you’re a homeowner!
Moving Checklist
Stay organized before and after your move with this checklist. Check off each item as you go.
🍼 Texas Homestead Exemption: After closing on your primary Texas residence, file for your Homestead Exemption with your county appraisal district. This can reduce your taxable property value and lower your annual tax bill by $1,000 or more. It does not happen automatically — you must apply. Veterans may qualify for additional exemptions based on disability rating.
Mortgage Payment Calculator
Estimate your monthly payment. Once you have a number, plug it into the mortgage line in the Budget Worksheet above to see if you can afford it.
Get an Exact Rate — Not Just an Estimate
The calculator gives you a ballpark. Adam & Team will shop multiple lenders to get you the real number — no obligation, no upfront credit check, no pressure.
LET’S TALKFirst-Time Buyer FAQ
Common questions answered in plain English. No jargon.
What is the first step to buying a home?
Get pre-approved before you start shopping. Pre-approval establishes your exact budget, strengthens your offer with sellers, and speeds up closing. Adam & Team can start this process with no upfront credit check — just an honest conversation about your goals. See our First-Time Homebuyer program page for Texas-specific assistance.
How much should I budget for a home?
A common guideline is to keep total housing costs below 28% of your gross monthly income. Use the budget worksheet above to calculate based on your actual numbers. In Texas, budget extra for property taxes — use the Texas Mortgage Calculator for a full payment estimate.
What documents do I need for a mortgage application?
You’ll typically need 2 years of tax returns, 30 days of pay stubs, 2 months of bank statements, W-2s, and a government-issued ID. Self-employed buyers may use bank statements instead of tax returns. See the full checklist in Section 3 above for the complete list.
What should I NOT do during the mortgage process?
Avoid applying for new credit, making large purchases, changing jobs, co-signing on another loan, or making large unexplained bank deposits. Any of these can change your credit score or debt-to-income ratio and delay or derail your loan. See Section 4 for the full Do’s & Don’ts list.
How long does it take to buy a home?
From accepted offer to closing typically takes 30–45 days. Getting pre-approved before you start house hunting significantly speeds the process. Total journey from first consultation to keys usually runs 60–90 days depending on how quickly you find the right home.
What is earnest money?
Earnest money is a deposit — typically 1–3% of the purchase price — submitted with your offer to show the seller you’re serious. It’s applied toward your down payment or closing costs at closing. If the deal falls through due to contingencies in the contract, it’s typically refunded.
Which home loan is best for first-time buyers in Texas?
It depends on your situation. VA loans are the best option for eligible veterans — $0 down, no PMI. FHA loans require only 3.5% down and are flexible on credit. Conventional loans start at 3% down for first-time buyers. Down payment assistance programs can help with any of these.
What is the difference between a home inspection and an appraisal?
A home inspection evaluates the physical condition of the property (roof, foundation, plumbing, electrical, HVAC) — done for your benefit so you know what you’re buying. An appraisal is ordered by your lender to confirm the home’s market value supports the loan amount. Both are typically required before closing.
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Adam Bartling & Team
Loan Officer · NMLS# 2213358
Retired Army Captain and veteran-owned mortgage broker. Adam brings an education-first approach to every transaction — helping first-time buyers in Texas and 30+ states understand their options before committing to anything. Licensed through Movement Mortgage (NMLS# 39179). No upfront credit check. We shop multiple lenders so you get the best rate available — not just one bank’s offer.
Ready to Start Your Home Buying Journey?
Adam & Team are here to guide every step — free consultation, no obligation, no upfront credit check. We shop multiple lenders so you get the best rate in Texas and 30+ states.
LET’S TALK🎆 Veteran-Owned | Serving Texas & 30+ States
Adam Bartling & Team | NMLS# 2213358 | Movement Mortgage NMLS# 39179 | Licensed in Texas & 30+ States. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a commitment to lend. Loan programs, rates, and terms are subject to change. All loans subject to credit approval. Equal Housing Lender.