First-time Homebuyers Information

How to choose the right neighborhood when buying a house

Choosing the right neighborhood is one of the most important (and difficult) parts of buying a house. Here are some tips to help you make that decision.

Home by Summer - June To-Dos: Make a competitive offer

These days, bidding wars and homes that just fly off the market are very common. Here’s how to make a competitive offer so you can win your dream home.

How your property affects how much you can afford

You may have gotten pre-approved to buy a home, but the property itself can impact what house you can afford.

How to Pick a Real Estate Agent

If the real estate agent you pick could make the difference between landing your dream home in a few weeks or losing bids, why wouldn’t you shop around?

Home by Summer - May To-Dos: Assemble your Home Buying Team

Your home buying team is crucial in helping you make a winning offer on your dream home. Here's how to assemble the right home buying team.

Home by Summer - April To-Dos: Get your docs in a row

Is buying a home in 2018 one of your New Year’s resolutions? To help you prepare for it, here’s what you should do in April.

Q&A: How a first-time homebuyer beat the competition with less than 20% down

What do you do when there are multiple offers on your dream home? We asked a first-time homebuyer in Seattle who beat the competition with just 12.5% down.

What do mortgage lenders look for on your tax returns?

When you apply for a mortgage, your lender will ask for your tax returns. Here's exactly how those tax returns will affect your mortgage application.

Getting a mortgage with student loans

Can you still buy a home if you have student loan debt? Turns out you have some options. Here’s what you should know about getting a mortgage.

Home by Summer - March To-Dos: Mortgage Rates and Costs 101

Is buying a home in 2018 one of your New Year’s resolutions? To help you prepare for it, here’s what you should do in March.

How to budget for your monthly mortgage payment

Wondering how much house you can actually afford? One way to figure it out is seeing how much you can put toward a monthly mortgage payment.

Home by Summer - February To-Dos: Understand Financing Options

Is buying a home in 2018 one of your New Year’s resolutions? To help you prepare for it, here’s what you should do in February.

Should you add a co-borrower to your mortgage?

Buying a home with a significant other, family member, or close friend? Here’s how to decide whether or not to include them on the mortgage.

Home by Summer - January To-Dos: Know Your Numbers

Is buying a home in 2018 one of your New Year’s resolutions? To help you prepare for it, here’s what you should do in January.

Why a better mortgage includes a better approach to appraisals

Here’s everything you need to know about appraisals... and how we’re changing them to help first-time homebuyers get their dream homes.

What documents will I need for my mortgage?

Mortgage paperwork can often seem confusing, but this handy guide breaks down exactly what documents you’ll need.

How to find the mortgage that’s right for you

Mortgages aren’t one-size-fits-all. Here’s how to make sure you’re getting the best mortgage for you.

What is the total cost of a mortgage?

Mortgages can be confusing, even if you’ve gotten one before. Here’s a breakdown of all the costs that come with getting a mortgage.

How mortgage rates work

Whether you’re buying or refinancing a home, mortgage rates can seem confusing. Here’s a quick overview to help you shop rates with confidence.

The Better Guide to Buying a Home

Buying a home is a big deal. We’ve distilled our best advice into a slim and straightforward homebuying guide to help you prepare. Get the guide now.