First-Time Home Buyer Resources | Zillow

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First-Time Home Buyer Guide

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5 min read
Housing Market Predictions for 2025: What's Next for Buyers and Sellers
From pet-friendly rentals to new buyer markets, 2025 should be calmer and cozier on the home front.
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3 min read
What Causes Home Prices To Be So Expensive?
When buying a house feels unaffordable, knowing how your personal financial situation fits into the bigger picture can help inform your moving decisions.
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6 min read
The Most Affordable Places To Buy A Home
The share of homes that are affordable is growing across the country, due largely to lower mortgage interest rates and more homes listed for sale. In 12 markets, at least half of all homes for sale are considered affordable.
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7 min read
8 Psychological Traps in Home Buying and How to Avoid Them
Our brains can sometimes trick us into a buying a home that doesn't fit our needs. Following these tips could help minimize buyer's remorse.
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10 Steps to Buying a House

14 min read

10 Steps to Buying a House

Buying a house can be a complicated, stressful process. Here are 10 steps to help you confidently find your new home.

Decision-Making Guides

pros and cons of a house vs condo

8 min read

Should I Buy A Condo or a House?

Starter home vs forever home

7 min read

Should I Buy A Starter Home?

Strategies for when you disagree on a house

5 min read

A Therapist's 6 Tips on How to Compromise With Your Home-Shopping Partner

Budgeting for Your First Home

Closing Costs Explained: What Are Closing Costs and How Much Are They?

20 min read

Closing Costs Explained: What Are Closing Costs and How Much Are They?

What Are HOA Fees? A Guide to Homeowners Association Fees

5 min read

What Are HOA Fees? A Guide to Homeowners Association Fees

Costs of moving

6 min read

How Much Does It Cost to Move?

How much is a down payment on a house

7 min read

How Much Is a Down Payment on a House?

A local agent can help you stay competitive on a budget.

They’ll help you get an edge without stretching your finances.

Talk with a local agent

Financing 101

How to Get a Mortgage Pre-Approval

8 min read

How to Get a Mortgage Pre-Approval

What credit score is needed to buy a house

14 min read

What Credit Score Is Needed To Buy A House?

A woman on her cellphone learning how to get pre-qualified for a mortgage.

9 min read

How to Get Pre-Qualified for a Home Loan

Home Buying Terms to Know

What Is Earnest Money?

5 min read

What Is Earnest Money?

real estate terms

20 min read

100 Real Estate Terms and Expressions You Should Know

What is Loan-To-Vaue Ratio (LTV) And How Is It Calculated?

8 min read

What is Loan-To-Vaue Ratio (LTV) And How Is It Calculated?

First-Time Home Buyer Financing

Down payment assistance programs

6 min read

Down Payment Assistance: Mortgage Help for First-Time Home Buyers and How to Apply

first time home buyer programs

18 min read

A Guide to First-Time Home Buyer Programs

fha loans

11 min read

FHA Loans: A Comprehensive Guide to Federal Housing Administration Loans

Home Buying Hacks

Block of single family house exteriors with a front porch, driveway, and landscaped yard.

9 min read

What Is an Assumable Mortgage?

Saving money on your closing costs may require shopping around for your services.

4 min read

How to Reduce Closing Costs

What Are Mortgage Points?

6 min read

What Are Mortgage Points?

how to find cheap houses

6 min read

8 Tips for Finding a Bargain-Priced Home

Buyer's Agents

What to expect in your first call with an agent

5 min read

What to Expect in Your First Conversation With an Agent

Benefits of using a real estate agent to buy a home

6 min read

Benefits of Real Estate Agents for Home Buyers

Buyers agent meeting with buyers outside of a home

9 min read

How to Hire a Buyer’s Real Estate Agent

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