Buying your first home is exciting—but it can also feel like everyone is speaking a different language.
Pre-approvals. Earnest money. Closing costs. Debt-to-income ratios. It's a lot.
The good news? You don't have to figure it all out on your own.
My job is to walk you through every step, answer your questions (even the ones you think are silly), and make sure you feel confident before making one of the biggest purchases of your life.
This guide will help you understand the process from start to finish.
Before you start scrolling Zillow at midnight, let's figure out what buying a home actually looks like for you.
That doesn't necessarily mean you need perfect credit or a huge down payment. It simply means understanding where you are today so we can build the right plan.
Your credit score plays an important role in the loan programs available to you—but don't panic if it isn't perfect.
Many buyers assume they need a 700+ score to buy a home. That's simply not true.
Depending on the loan program, you may qualify with a much lower score.
If your credit needs some work, I'll tell you exactly what I'd recommend before you spend months guessing.
One of the biggest questions lenders ask is:
Can this monthly payment comfortably fit within your budget?
Your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio compares your monthly debt payments to your gross monthly income.
Don't worry about trying to calculate it yourself—that's part of my job. I'll review everything with you and explain what it means in plain English.
One of the biggest myths about buying a home is that you need 20% down.
In reality, many buyers qualify with much less, and some loan programs even offer down payment assistance.
We'll talk through:
Getting pre-approved is one of the smartest things you can do before shopping for a home.
It tells you:
Even if you're still a few months away from buying, getting pre-approved gives you a roadmap.
Now comes the fun part.
Once you're pre-approved, you can confidently start looking at homes that fit your budget instead of guessing what you might qualify for.
When you find "the one," we'll work closely with your real estate agent to keep everything moving smoothly.
After your offer is accepted, I'll guide you through:
I'll keep you updated throughout the process so you always know what's happening next.
Whether you're ready to buy now or you're just starting to explore your options, I'd love to help.
Click Apply Now to get pre-approved, or reach out with your questions. There's never any pressure — just honest advice and guidance.
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Gershman Mortgage: NMLS #138063
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The information provided on this site is not a commitment to lend. All loans are subject to approval, and rates and terms are subject to change without notice. Lending decisions are made based on underwriting guidelines and creditworthiness.
Opinions and Information:
The opinions expressed on this website are those of Krystyn Smink, Mortgage Loan Originator, and do not represent the views or guarantees of Gershman Mortgage. While we strive to provide accurate information, the content on this site should not be considered financial, legal, or tax advice. Always perform your own research and consult with professionals before making any financial decisions.
Research and Verification:
All information provided through our website is based on our understanding at the time of publication. Loan products, rates, and terms may change, and you should verify all information with us before making any decisions.
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