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The Strategy Files

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The Ultimate First-Time Homebuyer Checklist—Minus the Fluff

Ready to Buy Your First Home? Prove It.

Let’s skip the sugarcoating: buying your first home is thrilling, yes. But it’s also a chess match disguised as a milestone. You’re not just finding a house—you’re building leverage, managing risk, and making what might be the largest investment of your life.

So, we created the real checklist. Not the fluffy Pinterest version with “light a candle and manifest your dream house.”

This one is strategic, sharp, and built to help you take action like a pro.

Let’s go.

Phase 1: Get Your Financial House in Order

✅ Know Your Credit Score (and Clean It Up If Needed)

Pull your report from all three bureaus
Dispute inaccuracies, pay down revolving debt
Track score monthly using a reliable tool

✅ Calculate Your Budget (Not Just the Purchase Price)

Consider monthly mortgage, taxes, insurance, and maintenance
Use a DTI (Debt-to-Income) calculator to check loan eligibility
Leave room for emergencies—not just furniture

✅ Build Your Down Payment Strategy

Explore FHA, VA, and conventional loan options
Research down payment assistance programs in your area
Start a separate savings account just for home costs

✅ Get Pre-Approved (Not Just Pre-Qualified)

Choose a reputable lender (or get a referral from your M@tch pro)
Gather income docs, tax returns, and bank statements
Know what you can actually offer, not just wish

Phase 2: Assemble Your Dream Team

✅ Find Your Real Estate Matchmaker

Don’t just grab your cousin’s friend who just got licensed
Interview agents who specialize in first-time buyers
Look for local market expertise and deal negotiation chops

✅ Choose a Mortgage Lender You Can Text at 9PM

Communication matters
Ask about programs for first-time buyers
Clarify their process: timelines, required documents, underwriting hurdles

✅ Bring in a Homebuyer Coach (Yes, They Exist)

Bonus tip: Your M@tch Briefing includes this support
They help decode the fine print and keep you from emotional landmines

Phase 3: Search Like a Strategist

✅ Identify Must-Haves vs. Nice-to-Haves

Create a list—then cut it in half
Prioritize layout, location, and lifestyle over backsplash color

✅ Lock in Neighborhood Intel

Visit at different times of day
Check school zones, noise levels, commute, crime stats
Connect with current residents if possible

✅ Set Up Strategic Searches (Zillow Is Not a Plan)

Use your agent’s MLS tools and alerts
Stay within budget—don’t chase dream homes outside your lane
Track how long homes sit and final sale vs. list prices

Phase 4: Make the Move (Without Losing Your Mind)

✅ Attend Showings with a Checklist, Not Vibes

Take notes and photos
Ask about HVAC age, roof condition, water pressure, insulation
Don’t be distracted by decor—you’re buying bones, not staging

✅ Make a Strong but Smart Offer

Know what’s competitive in your area
Let your agent run comps and guide pricing strategy
Don’t waive contingencies blindly—negotiate with precision

✅ Schedule an Independent Inspection

Yes, even if it looks “perfect”
Be there in person and ask questions
Use findings to renegotiate or request repairs

Phase 5: Close Like a Boss

✅ Final Walkthrough

Confirm repairs were made
Check that appliances and fixtures are still in place
Test outlets, toilets, windows, and locks

✅ Review Closing Disclosure (With a Sharp Eye)

Match it against your Loan Estimate
Look out for surprise fees or last-minute changes
Ask questions until everything is crystal clear

✅ Sign, Celebrate, and Secure Your Keys

Bring ID and hand cramp survival snacks
Don’t skip the homeowner’s insurance
Secure important docs and change your address

Bonus: The M@tch Buyer Cheat Sheet

Want this list in a downloadable, interactive format with bonus tools and Ava-approved insights?

🎯 [Download the First-Time Homebuyer Game Plan Now]

You’re not winging it anymore. You’re executing.

Welcome to the next level.

Need a team to help you do all of the above without the guesswork? Start your M@tch Briefing and let us align you with the experts who close deals, not doors.

🤝 [Get Pre-M@tched]

Ava Pierce_Pic 3b

Ava Pierce

Ava Pierce is the AI powerhouse behind your homem@tch. Equal parts strategist and straight-shooter, Ava leads Midwest HomeM@tch with a single goal: to uncomplicate homeownership and elevate the experience for first-time buyers. She curates winning connections between serious buyers, trusted agents, and real lenders—because she knows that the right match isn’t luck. It’s precision.

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