Maybe it was because you drove by, maybe you saw an ad, or maybe a friend happily referred you to us. Either way we’re happy we found each other as you are preparing to take a big step into the journey that will affect the rest of your life—buying a new home. Congratulations! This is just the beginning of your path to the sweet, sweet sound of you saying "this is mine."
But before you start pinning kitchen inspo and Googling “how to install a ceiling fan,” let’s talk about something less fun but totally necessary: your budget.
Buying your first home can feel a lot like planning a wedding and solving a Rubik’s Cube at the same time—there’s emotion, excitement, and, yes, financial gymnastics. But fear not, friend. We at Andries Builders have some tips you need to stay on track and buy smart.
Get Cozy With Your Credit Score
Your credit score is like your financial report card. Mortgage lenders peek at it to see if you’re a responsible borrower. The better your score, the better your loan terms (hello, lower interest rates!).
Quick Tips:
- Check your score (you can do this for free on many apps).
- Pay down credit card debt.
- Don’t open or close accounts during the home-buying process.
Determine What You Can REALLY Afford
Just because you can qualify for a $500,000 mortgage doesn’t mean you should stretch that far. The goal is to live comfortably—not become house-poor with instant ramen as your new roommate.
Rule of Thumb:
Keep your monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) under 30% of your gross income.
Budget for More Than Just the House
Spoiler alert: the down payment isn’t the only cost.
Here's what else to plan for:
- Closing costs (2–5% of purchase price)
- Moving expenses
- Home inspections and appraisals
- Homeowners insurance
- Property taxes
- Maintenance and repairs (your landlord won’t fix the sink now!)
Bonus Tip: Create a “new house” fund for furniture, paint, or that chic dining table you’ve been eyeing on Instagram.
Get Pre-Approved, Not Just Pre-Qualified
Pre-qualification is like a polite “maybe.”
Pre-approval is a confident “you’re good to go!” and shows sellers you’re serious.
Plus, it gives you a more accurate view of what you can borrow—so you don’t fall in love with a house that’s way out of range.
Choose the Right Loan (There Are Options!)
First-time buyers often qualify for special loan programs with lower down payments or flexible credit requirements.
Some options include:
- FHA loans: Great for lower credit scores
- VA loans: For eligible veterans (often no down payment!)
- USDA loans: For rural and suburban homes
- Conventional loans: Best for those with strong credit
Talk to your lender about what’s right for you.
Be Real About Your Lifestyle
This is one people don’t often consider. Love traveling? Obsessed with takeout? Have a shoe addiction? (No judgment.)
Make sure your home-buying budget leaves room for your lifestyle. A budget that ignores your real spending habits is a budget that’s doomed to fail.
Plan Smart, Dream Big
Buying your first home with Andries Builders is a big deal. It’s exciting, terrifying, empowering, and yes—expensive. But with a smart budget and the right expectations, you’ll be handing over the keys to your landlord and turning the key in your own front door in no time.
Breathe. Budget. Believe. You’ve got this!
Budgeting Tips for First Time Homebuyers
Maybe it was because you drove by, maybe you saw an ad, or maybe a friend happily referred you to us. Either way we’re happy we found each other as you are preparing to take a big step into the journey that will affect the rest of your life—buying a new home. Congratulations! This is just the beginning of your path to the sweet, sweet sound of you saying "this is mine."
But before you start pinning kitchen inspo and Googling “how to install a ceiling fan,” let’s talk about something less fun but totally necessary: your budget.
Buying your first home can feel a lot like planning a wedding and solving a Rubik’s Cube at the same time—there’s emotion, excitement, and, yes, financial gymnastics. But fear not, friend. We at Andries Builders have some tips you need to stay on track and buy smart.
Get Cozy With Your Credit Score
Your credit score is like your financial report card. Mortgage lenders peek at it to see if you’re a responsible borrower. The better your score, the better your loan terms (hello, lower interest rates!).
Quick Tips:
- Check your score (you can do this for free on many apps).
- Pay down credit card debt.
- Don’t open or close accounts during the home-buying process.
Determine What You Can REALLY Afford
Just because you can qualify for a $500,000 mortgage doesn’t mean you should stretch that far. The goal is to live comfortably—not become house-poor with instant ramen as your new roommate.
Rule of Thumb:
Keep your monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) under 30% of your gross income.
Budget for More Than Just the House
Spoiler alert: the down payment isn’t the only cost.
Here's what else to plan for:
- Closing costs (2–5% of purchase price)
- Moving expenses
- Home inspections and appraisals
- Homeowners insurance
- Property taxes
- Maintenance and repairs (your landlord won’t fix the sink now!)
Bonus Tip: Create a “new house” fund for furniture, paint, or that chic dining table you’ve been eyeing on Instagram.
Get Pre-Approved, Not Just Pre-Qualified
Pre-qualification is like a polite “maybe.”
Pre-approval is a confident “you’re good to go!” and shows sellers you’re serious.
Plus, it gives you a more accurate view of what you can borrow—so you don’t fall in love with a house that’s way out of range.
Choose the Right Loan (There Are Options!)
First-time buyers often qualify for special loan programs with lower down payments or flexible credit requirements.
Some options include:
- FHA loans: Great for lower credit scores
- VA loans: For eligible veterans (often no down payment!)
- USDA loans: For rural and suburban homes
- Conventional loans: Best for those with strong credit
Talk to your lender about what’s right for you.
Be Real About Your Lifestyle
This is one people don’t often consider. Love traveling? Obsessed with takeout? Have a shoe addiction? (No judgment.)
Make sure your home-buying budget leaves room for your lifestyle. A budget that ignores your real spending habits is a budget that’s doomed to fail.
Plan Smart, Dream Big
Buying your first home with Andries Builders is a big deal. It’s exciting, terrifying, empowering, and yes—expensive. But with a smart budget and the right expectations, you’ll be handing over the keys to your landlord and turning the key in your own front door in no time.
Breathe. Budget. Believe. You’ve got this!