First Home Loan
Navigating the home-buying process can be tricky – especially if you’ve never done it before. The resources in this section will guide first-time homebuyers through the experience by tackling loan types, cost considerations, required documentation, contract terms, and more.
How To Buy Your First Home: Step-by-Step Guide
Clear, step-by-step guidance for first-time buyers: get mortgage-ready, compare loan options, estimate affordability, and close with confidence.
Why Mortgage Appraisals Take So Long (Timeline & Causes)
Why mortgage appraisals take so long: causes, typical timelines, and practical steps to reduce delays and protect your closing.
10 Essential Tips for First-Time Homebuyers
10 practical tips to help first-time buyers set a budget, improve credit, get preapproved, shop smarter, and lock a better mortgage rate.
Why Mortgage Appraisals Take So Long (Timeline & Causes)
Why mortgage appraisals take so long: causes, typical timelines, and practical steps to reduce delays and protect your closing.
10 Essential Tips for First-Time Homebuyers
10 practical tips to help first-time buyers set a budget, improve credit, get preapproved, shop smarter, and lock a better mortgage rate.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Buy a House?
See when you're legally able to buy and what lenders require: credit, income, DTI, down payment, plus practical tips to qualify as a young buyer.
How to Buy a House From Another State
Practical guide to buying a home from another state: remote pre-approval, finding agents, inspections, closings and smooth moving tips.
Condo Questionnaire: What It Is and Do You Need It?
Understand condo questionnaires: what lenders check, common red flags that can block financing, and how to prepare your HOA to avoid closing delays.
Documents Needed to Apply for a Mortgage
Complete mortgage document checklist: which income, asset, ID, condo & refinance papers to gather now to speed your loan approval.
Closing Disclosure: What It Is and How to Review
Understand your Closing Disclosure: what to check, how to compare it to your Loan Estimate, and quickly spot errors to avoid closing delays or extra costs
Earnest Money Deposit: What It Is and How It Works
Understand the earnest money deposit—what it is, typical 1–2% amounts, escrow/contingency refund rules, and tips to strengthen your offer.
How Real Estate Agents Get Paid: Commissions Explained
Understand how agents get paid—typical 4–6% commissions, who pays, 2024 NAR rule changes, and how fees may affect your home purchase.
Pennsylvania First-Time Homebuyer Grants And Assistance
PA first-time buyer assistance: programs that can cover down payment/closing costs—many offer up to $10,000, forgivable loans, and homebuyer counseling.