Buying your first home, one step at a time
Every step of your first purchase explained in plain English, at the moment it matters.
Your first home: what to know before you look
Buying your first home is exciting, and it comes with a lot of new words. Pre-approval. Buyer agency agreement. Earnest money. Due diligence period. Title company. You don't need to know them yet. You need someone who'll explain each one at the moment it matters.
First-time buyers often ask, "We can't find anything, so what's the point of getting pre-approved?" The point is that when the right home appears, you can move that day. On the Seacoast, the buyer who's ready usually beats the buyer who's still getting ready.
Start with what worries you
How my team helps first-time buyers
I'm Brenda Maggy, Principal Broker of Beach-Homes Realty and Lake Homes Realty. First-time buyers on my team often work with Haley Paradis, who is also our transaction coordinator, so the person helping you find a home is the same person who knows every deadline between your offer and your keys.
We'll start with a lender, so you know what you can comfortably afford, not only what you can borrow. First-time buyers may qualify for programs through New Hampshire Housing or MassHousing. Your lender can tell you which ones fit your situation.
Then we look at homes, and you'll hear what we really think of each one.
What the process looks like
- Talk to a lender and get pre-approved. See getting ready.
- Sign the Buyer Agency Agreement, after we've walked through every line.
- Learn what your budget buys in the towns you're considering. See what your budget buys.
- Tour the right homes, not every home.
- Make an offer with a clear explanation of every term.
- Due diligence, financing and closing, with every deadline tracked. See closing.
First homes in the towns I cover
See first-time buying in the towns I cover, including Dover, Newmarket, Seabrook and Salisbury, or start with buying a home.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do I need for a down payment?
It depends on your loan type and your lender. Some programs allow a smaller down payment than people expect. A lender will give you a real answer for your situation.
Are there first-time buyer programs in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire Housing offers programs for first-time buyers, and MassHousing does in Massachusetts. Your lender can tell you which you qualify for.
What's a due diligence period?
It's the window after your offer is accepted to inspect the home and look into anything that matters before you're fully committed. Its length is negotiated in each offer.
Keep exploring
Ready to make your move with Brenda Maggy Group?