Preparing to Buy a Home

Preparing to Buy a Home

Spring is here, which means the home buying season is beginning. In a tough real estate market, it's important to be prepared, especially if you're a first-time homebuyer. You may wonder – what do I need to do first? How do I prepare? OHFA can help. Here are a few tips to help make the home buying process a bit easier!

  1. Understand The Home Buying Process
    a. It's important to have an understanding of the home buying process before you enter the market. Click here to watch a video about the basic steps of purchasing a home, including how to secure financing, make an offer, and much more.

  2. Prepare For A Competitive Housing Market
    a. The housing market continues to be competitive, so it is important to have your finances in order before buying a home.

  3. Find A Real Estate Agent
    a. For first-time home buyers, it's important to have a Realtor® help you with the process. Learn more about the assistance a Realtor® can provide and find one in your area on the Ohio Association of Realtors website.

  4. Get Pre-Approved
    a. The mortgage pre-approval process determines how much money you can borrow to purchase a home. Pre-approval lets the seller know you are serious and it may offer an advantage when purchasing a home. You can find an OHFA-approved lender and begin this process by clicking here.

  5. Utilize First-Time Homebuyer Resources
    a. First-Time Homebuyers have opportunities to use programs that make home buying more affordable. At OHFA, we offer down payment assistance, mortgage tax credits, and interest rate discounts to first-time homebuyers. Click here to learn more about our programs.

  6. If you have more questions, our homebuyer guide provides more information to help you navigate the home buying process. Are you ready to get started? Contact an OHFA-approved lender today!