Free guide for buyers
A First-Time Homebuyer's Guide
From mortgage to moving truck: the steps, the money, the timeline and the tasks, in plain language for your very first home. An eight-page PDF written for the greater Houston area.
PDF · 8 pages · free · no sign-up needed
In short
Buying a first home moves through four stages: get your bearings and your budget, get pre-approved, shop with a REALTOR® and make an offer, then inspect, appraise and close. Many first-time buyers finish in roughly two to three months once they are pre-approved, and you may need less than 20 percent down. This free guide walks through every step.
What is inside
The basic steps, start to finish
Get your bearings, get pre-approved, team up and shop, then inspect, appraise and close.
The money: loans and assistance
The loan process in plain terms, why you may need less down than you think, and what to plan for at closing.
A realistic timeline
Roughly what happens in weeks 1 to 2, weeks 2 to 10, weeks 6 to 12 and on closing day.
What's on your plate
The few jobs that are yours: documents, communication, knowing what you want, and being present for the big steps.
Moving in: the home stretch
When you can move in, movers or DIY, hidden costs, a move-in checklist and the first thing to do in your new home.
Common questions
How long does it take to buy a first home?
Many first-time buyers finish in roughly two to three months once they are pre-approved. Getting pre-approved and setting your criteria takes about the first one to two weeks, shopping and making an offer can take anywhere from a single weekend to about two months, and the loan, appraisal and inspection overlap in the weeks after an offer is accepted. These are estimates, not promises.
Do I need 20 percent down to buy a first home?
No. For many buyers that is a myth. Several loan types and assistance programs are built to lower the down payment, including FHA loans, VA loans for those who served, USDA loans in qualifying areas, and a range of state, local and educator programs. A lender can tell you which fit your situation.
Should I talk to a lender or an agent first?
Most buyers start the financing conversation early. A lender's pre-approval shows what you can borrow and makes your future offer real to sellers. At the same time you can sit down with a REALTOR® to list your must-haves and nice-to-haves, so shopping goes faster once you are approved.
What costs should I plan for besides the down payment?
Closing costs, which cover fees for the loan, title work and more. In Texas they are a normal part of the deal and are often negotiable, so ask your lender for an estimate early. Also budget for the easy-to-forget items: moving, cleaning, new locks and small repairs.
Is the guide really free?
Yes. It is a free PDF that opens right away, with no sign-up needed. Free registration on this site is optional and adds tools such as saved searches, sold prices and listing history that MLS rules limit to registered visitors.
Educational information, not financial, tax or legal advice. Lending terms, programs and figures change, so confirm specifics with a lender, a tax advisor or an attorney. Equal Housing Opportunity.
Who wrote this guide
Allen Markel is a REALTOR® with Texas Premier Realty (TREC #0658294) serving Harris, Fort Bend, Montgomery, Waller, Grimes, Austin counties from Cypress, Texas. He spent 28 years in information technology before becoming a REALTOR®, and he is an AI Certified Agent™ 2.0 (KREM Institute of Artificial Intelligence). His website shows the source behind the data it publishes.
This guide was last checked against the PDF in October 2026. Texas Real Estate Commission consumer notices are available at trec.texas.gov.
Questions about your own situation?
The guide covers the general case. Your house, your street and your timing are the specific one, and that part is a conversation, and it is free.
Or pick a time and we will go through your guide together.
Schedule time with AllenAllen Markel, REALTOR® · Texas Premier Realty · TREC #0658294