Before you tour a single house, know what you can comfortably afford, which loan fits, and what you'll need to get approved.

Who this is for

• Renters ready to own but unsure where to start
• Buyers who want to know their real price range before shopping
• Anyone wondering whether down payment assistance applies to them

What to know

• Several loan programs are built for first-time buyers, including options with lower down payment requirements.
• Many states, , offer down payment assistance programs for eligible buyers. 
• A pre-approval tells sellers you're serious and tells you exactly where to shop.

FAQ

• Do I need perfect credit? No. Programs have different credit guidelines. We'll tell you where you stand and what could open up more options.
• Does talking to you affect my credit? A conversation doesn't. We'll tell you before any step requires a credit check.