Buying
First-Time Homebuyer Guide
Buying your first home comes down to four things: understanding your budget, getting pre-approved, choosing a loan program that fits your savings and income, and knowing the costs beyond the down payment.
Start with pre-approval, not house hunting
A pre-approval tells you the price range you can realistically shop in and shows sellers you're prepared. It reviews your credit, income and assets before you fall in love with a listing.
In competitive Santa Barbara and Santa Maria markets, a strong pre-approval letter is often the difference between an offer being considered and being ignored.
What lenders actually look at
Credit history, stable income, the amount of debt you carry relative to that income, and the funds available for down payment and closing costs.
Perfect credit is not required. Different programs have different guidelines, which is why it helps to review your specific picture before assuming you don't qualify.
Budget beyond the down payment
Plan for closing costs, property taxes, homeowners insurance and, depending on the program, mortgage insurance. If the home is in an HOA, include those dues.
California also offers down payment assistance programs for qualifying buyers. Availability and funding change, so confirm current program details before counting on them.
Have a question about your situation?
General guidance only goes so far. Vicky will review your specifics and give you a straight answer.
Schedule a ConsultationNext step
Let's talk through your options.
A conversation costs nothing and clarifies everything. Tell Vicky where you are and she'll tell you honestly what's possible — including when waiting is the smarter move.
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