The first-time homebuyer guide

Welcome to your future.

Owning a home is more than a place to live. It is an investment in your future and a foundation for the life you have imagined. This guide makes the path smooth, from the first budget to the keys, and we are always happy to help along the way.

7 steps · the document checklist · the do’s and don’ts

Homeownership changes everything

Here’s why.

Build wealth over time

  • Every mortgage payment you make increases your equity.
  • You benefit from rising property values, turning your home into a long-term financial asset.

Stability and freedom

  • Say goodbye to unpredictable rent increases.
  • Personalize your space to reflect your style and needs.

Tax benefits

  • Potential deductions on mortgage interest and property taxes.
  • Save money while investing in your future.

Community connections

  • Build lasting relationships and memories in your neighborhood.
  • A sense of belonging and stability for your family.

Predictable costs

  • With a fixed-rate mortgage, your monthly payments stay consistent.
  • Plan your finances with confidence and avoid rental surprises.

Pride of ownership

  • The joy of truly calling a place your own.
  • Memories in a home that grows with you.
Your path to homeownership

A step-by-step guide.

Seven steps, in order. Most buyers are surprised how much of this happens before they ever tour a house.

  1. 01

    Determine your budget

    • Assess your finances and set a budget.
    • Get pre-approved to understand your buying power and to show sellers you are a serious buyer.
    Get pre-qualified
  2. 02

    Find the right real estate agent

    • Partner with an experienced agent who knows the local market.
    • They will help you find homes that match your needs and budget.
  3. 03

    Search for your dream home

    • Make a list of must-haves and nice-to-haves.
    • Tour homes, compare options, and narrow down your choices.
  4. 04

    Make an offer

    • Once you have found the home, work with your agent to submit a competitive offer.
    • Negotiate terms, and when accepted, the home is officially under contract.
  5. 05

    Inspections and appraisal

    • Schedule a home inspection to check for potential issues.
    • Advisors arranges an appraisal to confirm the home’s value.
    What happens at each milestone
  6. 06

    Secure your financing

    • Finalize your mortgage loan with Advisors.
    • Submit all necessary documents and get ready for closing.
    Apply in the Lighthouse app
  7. 07

    Closing day

    • Review and sign all the required paperwork.
    • Bring a cashier’s check for closing costs and your down payment, and your photo ID.
    • Once everything is complete, the keys are yours.
Get your paperwork ready

Your mortgage application checklist.

These are the documents you need to get your application started. Round them up now and the pre-approval goes fast.

Apply in our Lighthouse app and Plaid can import the bank statements and pay stubs for you, straight from your bank.

How Plaid verification works
Start your application
  • A copy of your photo ID
  • Two most recent W-2s
  • Two most recent pay stubs
  • Two most recent and complete bank statements
  • Two most recent tax returns
While you are under contract

Do’s and don’ts when shopping for a home.

Your approval is based on a snapshot of your finances. Keep the picture the same until the keys are in your hand.

Do

  • Continue making your mortgage or rent payments
  • Stay current on all existing accounts
  • Keep working at your current employer
  • Keep your same insurance company
  • Continue living at your current residence
  • Call your loan officer if you have any questions

Don’t

  • Don’tfinance a major purchase (car, boat, jewelry, furniture)
  • Don’tapply for new credit, even if you seem pre-approved
  • Don’ttransfer balances from one account to another
  • Don’tclose any credit card accounts
  • Don’tmax out or over-charge your credit cards
  • Don’ttake out a new loan
  • Don’ttake cash advances on credit cards for closing funds
Free · No obligation

Overwhelmed? You do not have to figure this out alone.

A licensed local advisor walks you through it, from first question to closing — free, no obligation, no impact to your credit.

A mortgage family like no other.

At Advisors Mortgage, our goal is to make your loan process seamless and stress-free. We are a family-owned company that offers personalized service to each and every customer.

We take care of our family, who help us take care of our customers, which allows us to give back to the community.

Ready to see what you qualify for?

Talk to a local advisor or start your application online — it only takes a few minutes.