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First-Time Buyer

First-time buyer? Start here.

Buying your first home feels like a lot because nobody hands you the map. Here's the map — in order, one step at a time.

Before you tour a single home

  • Your comfortable budget matters more than the maximum you could borrow.

  • You'll need cash for a down payment and closing costs — they're separate.

  • Getting your finances organized early makes every later step easier.

  • You don't have to understand every loan program — just your next step.

Your first-time buyer journey

Work through these in order, or jump to whatever's on your mind.

shopping

Purchase Playbook

I need to understand the homebuying process

Open the Playbook

Get financially ready first

Before deciding what mortgage you could qualify for, understand what homeownership means for your broader finances. That's what NorthReserve is for — we won't duplicate it here.

Check my readiness
Your next step

Do you know what you can comfortably afford?

Affordability

Important: Kawsah provides education and navigation tools. Nothing here is a loan offer, approval, or a guarantee of eligibility, savings, rates, or closing times. Consult a qualified professional about your specific situation.