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 2026: What's Next for Buyers and Sellers
A more balanced market is predicted for 2026, bringing improved affordability for buyers and greater price stability for sellers.
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4 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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3 min read
The Most Affordable Places to Buy a Home in 2026
The share of affordable housing is rising. These US cities offer the best value for your budget, according to recent Zillow® data.
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8 min read
8 Psychological Traps in Home Buying and How to Avoid Them
Our brains can sometimes trick us into 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

9 min read

Should I Buy A Condo or a House?

Starter home vs forever home

8 min read

Should I Buy A Starter Home?

Strategies for when you disagree on a house

6 min read

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

Budgeting for Your First Home

What Are Closing Costs and How Much Will You Pay?

18 min read

What Are Closing Costs and How Much Will You Pay?

This list goes through most every cost you may face.

What Are HOA Fees? A Guide to Homeowners Association Fees

6 min read

What Are HOA Fees? A Guide to Homeowners Association Fees

Costs of moving

7 min read

How Much Does It Cost to Move?

How much is a down payment on a house

8 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

9 min read

How to Get a Mortgage Pre-Approval

What credit score is needed to buy a house

15 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.

10 min read

How to Get Pre-Qualified for a Home Loan

Home Buying Terms to Know

What Is Earnest Money?

6 min read

What Is Earnest Money?

real estate terms

21 min read

100 Real Estate Terms and Expressions You Should Know

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

9 min read

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

First-Time Home Buyer Financing

Down payment assistance programs

7 min read

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

first time home buyer programs

19 min read

A Guide to First-Time Home Buyer Programs

fha loans

12 min read

What Is an FHA Loan?

Home Buying Hacks

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

10 min read

What Is an Assumable Mortgage?

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

5 min read

How to Reduce Closing Costs

What Are Mortgage Points?

7 min read

What Are Mortgage Points?

how to find cheap houses

7 min read

8 Tips for Finding a Bargain-Priced Home

Buyer's Agents

What to expect in your first call with an agent

6 min read

What to Expect in Your First Conversation With an Agent

Benefits of using a real estate agent to buy a home

7 min read

Benefits of Real Estate Agents for Home Buyers

Buyers agent meeting with buyers outside of a home

10 min read

How to Hire a Buyer’s Real Estate Agent

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