How much house can you afford? What does a mortgage lender look for? And what actually happens between making an offer and getting the keys?
I've created this free, four-part video course to help first-time homebuyers understand the process, ask better questions, and approach one of life's biggest purchases with greater confidence.
All four lessons are now available! Watch them in order, revisit a topic whenever you need to, and learn at your own pace.
No classes to schedule, no complicated registration, and no pressure. Just helpful information whenever you need it.
Your Homebuying Journey Starts Here
Start with Part 1 or choose the lesson that fits where you are in your homebuying journey.
Learn the Homebuying Process Before You're in the Middle of It
There's a lot of advice online about buying a home. Unfortunately, not all of it is accurate, and some of it can be confusing.
The First-Time Homebuyer Academy is designed to give you clear, practical information so you can make informed decisions, feel more prepared, and avoid unnecessary surprises.
Watch in Order
Follow all four lessons, from getting started through closing day.
Explore the Resources
Use our free guides, home affordability calculator, and mortgage resources when you need them.
Ask Questions Anytime
Have something you're unsure about? Reach out and ask. You don't need all the answers to get started.
First-Time Homebuyer Academy Lessons
All four lessons are now available. Start at the beginning to follow the homebuying process step by step, or jump to a topic you'd like to understand better. You can watch each video as often as you'd like.
Part 1: Starting Your First-Time Homebuying Journey
Before you start shopping for homes, it's important to understand where to begin. In this introductory lesson, we discuss preparing financially, understanding your goals, and taking the first steps toward homeownership.
Part 2: Continuing Your Homebuyer Education
One of the most important questions new homebuyers have is how much money they really need to buy a home.
In this lesson, we look more closely at the financial side of the homebuying process, including costs buyers should understand before making an offer.
Part 3: Next Steps in the Homebuying Process
You've started preparing for homeownership and learned more about the financial side of buying a house. Now it's time to understand what happens as you move forward.
In this lesson, we explore the next stages of the homebuying journey, including working with real estate professionals, navigating the process, and preparing for the purchase of your home.
Part 4: From Contract to Closing , Getting the Keys!
You've found a home, made an offer, and the seller has accepted it. Congratulations! But what happens between getting under contract and receiving the keys?
In this final Academy lesson, Corey Moser walks you through the important steps leading to closing, including home inspections, appraisals, mortgage underwriting, the Closing Disclosure, and what to expect on closing day.
You'll also learn about common mistakes to avoid before closing and a few important responsibilities to remember after becoming a homeowner.
You've Finished the Academy. What's Next?
Congratulations on taking the time to learn about the homebuying process! Whether you're ready to purchase a home now or still planning for the future, understanding your options is an important first step.
You can continue exploring the free resources below, estimate a comfortable home price with our affordability calculator, or schedule a conversation with Corey to discuss your financing options.
Keep Learning With These Free Mortgage Resources
Completing the Academy is a great starting point, but there's plenty more information available throughout Utah Mortgage Options.
These resources can help you understand mortgage programs, calculate potential housing costs, and explore financing options for your next steps.
First-Time Homebuyer Guide
Explore important steps, mortgage terminology, financing options, and common questions as you prepare to purchase your first home.
Explore the Free Guide →Home Affordability Calculator
Wondering how much house you might be able to afford? Explore how income, debts, down payment, and estimated housing expenses may affect your homebuying budget.
Use the Home Affordability Calculator →FHA Mortgage Loans
Learn about FHA financing, down payment requirements, mortgage insurance, and program eligibility for qualified borrowers.
Learn About FHA Loans →Conventional Mortgage Loans
Explore conventional mortgage programs, down payment options, mortgage insurance considerations, and qualifying requirements.
Explore Conventional Loans →Buying a Home in Utah
Learn more about the purchase process, home financing options, and helpful resources for Utah homebuyers.
Explore the Purchase Guide →Current Utah Mortgage Rates
Follow updated mortgage rate snapshots, APRs, mortgage market commentary, and information about economic trends.
Explore Utah Mortgage Rates →Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some of the most common questions first-time buyers have about the homebuying process.
Is the First-Time Homebuyer Academy free?
Yes. All four video lessons and the educational resources are free to watch and explore. There is no registration requirement or obligation to apply for a mortgage.
Do I need to finish every lesson before applying for a mortgage?
No. The Academy is designed to help you understand the process at your own pace. You can watch the entire series before applying or revisit lessons as you move through the process.
How much money do I need to buy my first home?
The amount depends on the price of the home, your loan program, down payment, closing costs, and available assistance. Some qualified buyers may be eligible for low-down-payment or zero-down-payment programs.
Do I need perfect credit to buy a home?
No. Different mortgage programs have different credit requirements. Your credit score is important, but lenders also consider income, debts, assets, and other qualifying factors.
Should I get pre-approved before looking at homes?
Getting pre-approved before seriously shopping for a home can help you understand your potential financing options, set a comfortable budget, and prepare to make an offer when you find the right property.
Can I ask Corey questions without applying for a loan?
Absolutely. If you're trying to understand your options or aren't sure where to begin, you're welcome to schedule a conversation. There is no obligation to apply for a mortgage.
Thinking About Buying Your First Home? Let's Talk.
Whether you're just beginning to think about buying a home, working on your finances, or ready to get pre-approved, I'm happy to help you understand your next steps.
My goal is to make the mortgage process easier to understand so you can make informed decisions with confidence.
Educational Disclosure: The information provided in the First-Time Homebuyer Academy is for general educational purposes only. Mortgage requirements, loan programs, eligibility guidelines, interest rates, and financing options are subject to change. The content is not a commitment to lend, an offer of credit, or a guarantee of loan approval. All mortgage financing is subject to borrower qualifications, lender guidelines, and underwriting approval.
Corey Moser | Nationwide Loans, Inc. | NMLS #1799965 | Equal Housing Lender.