How to Prepare to Buy Your First Home This Year

With the right mindset and a team guiding you through the process, buying your first home might be easier than you think. Preparation is key!

It can be intimidating doing something that you’ve never done before but rest assured that we’ve helped dozens upon dozens of clients (with some who were likely in your current position) realize their dream of homeownership.

“It always seems impossible until it's done.” – Nelson Mandela

Hear what some of our clients have said about working with us:

“The staff was very helpful in guiding me through the whole process! As a first time home buyer I was nervous and did not know what to expect but they made it quick and smooth.”

– Misty K.

“I have had several mortgages over the decades. Benchmark was the first company to actually sit and really explain the process start to finish. Stay in contact during the process to help answer unforeseen or repeat questions, then follow up with the customer even after the papers are signed. Nice touch. Recommending a decent, intelligent real estate agent to help find a house in a good neighborhood was also very appreciated. Many thanks to Eric and his team.”

– Mark W.

“The first time I applied for a mortgage I was denied due to the type of job I have. My realtor reached out to Eric and he looked at my profile as a whole. Who I am, the industry I work in, my credit and past payments and was able to approve my loan. Now I am a first time home owner and could not be happier. Also being a first time buyer, I really enjoyed the fun quick informational videos Eric sends for each step of the process. If I ever had a question Eric and team were ready to help! I could not appreciate nor recommend this team more!”

– Jennifer R.

“Thank you Benchmark Mortgage for all of your excellent assistance in guiding us in the purchase of our new home! You all go above & beyond in helping your clients through an exciting & stressful time! Highly recommend you to others.”

– Christina H.

Check out more client testimonials here: https://ericalmquist.benchmark.us/testimonials

So how do you prepare for buying your first home? First let it be known in one way or another that you aspire to buy a home. Then write it down. Next, reach out to a mortgage lender about getting preapproved for a mortgage loan if you’re planning to take out a mortgage. Your mortgage lender will walk you through the preapproval process (or how to get started based on your situation), suggest mortgage loan options (conventional loan, FHA Loan, VA loan, etc.) and suggest options on how to clean up anything on the financial side that may cause issues with preapproval.

Once preapproved, be prepared to provide paperwork such as your credit report, financial and income statements, proof of address and residential history, assets, etc. To get the most of your first time home buying experience, it’s also a good idea to be prepared to work with a real estate agent to ensure you find the home that best fits your preapproval and budget.

Questions on preparing to buy your first home this year or in the future? Contact me directly at (402) 933-1141 (office)

Eric Almquist, Branch Manager (NMLS #623826)

Eric is a 20-year veteran of the mortgage industry who's blessed to have remarkable client relationships. These relationships have allowed him to be recognized in the Scotsman Guide as one of the “Top 200 Loan Originators in the Country” since 2008. By leveraging his team and building clients for life, he's fortunate enough to call myself a billion dollar producer!

Benchmark Mortgage, Ark-La-Tex Financial Services, LLC NMLS #2143, Equal Housing Opportunity

*All loans subject to borrower qualifying. This is not a commitment to lend. Other restrictions may apply. (https://benchmark.us)*