H1: Best Places to Buy Rental Property in the USA (2025 Guide)

How to Buy Your First Home in the USA (Complete Guide) Buying your first home in the USA is one of the biggest financial decisions you will ever make — but it doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With the right steps, the process becomes simple, clear, and stress-free. Here’s your complete guide to buying your first home and getting the best deal. --- 1. Check Your Credit Score Your credit score decides: If you qualify for a mortgage What interest rate you get How much you can borrow For most lenders, a 620+ score is good, but a 700+ score gives you the best rates. Quick tip: Use free apps like Credit Karma to check your score. --- 2. Know What You Can Afford Use the 28/36 rule: Your mortgage shouldn’t be more than 28% of your monthly income All your debts combined shouldn’t be more than 36% This keeps your budget healthy and avoids stress. --- 3. Save for Your Down Payment You don’t always need 20% down. Loan options include: FHA loan: 3.5% Conventional loan: 3%–20% VA loan: 0% USDA loan: 0% Start saving small amounts weekly — it adds up fast. --- 4. Get Pre-approved Pre-approval tells sellers: ✔ You are serious ✔ You can afford the property ✔ Your offer is stronger Most sellers won’t accept an offer without pre-approval. --- 5. Work With a Real Estate Agent A trusted agent will help you: Find homes Negotiate Understand neighborhoods Avoid bad deals And the seller pays their commission — not you. --- 6. Choose the Right Home Look at: Schools Commute Crime data Property taxes Future value potential View at least 5–10 homes before deciding. --- 7. Inspect the Home A home inspection can catch: Roof leaks Plumbing issues Electrical problems Structural damage It protects you from expensive surprises. --- 8. Close the Deal Sign your documents, pay closing costs, and receive your keys — welcome home!