Your first-time homebuyer guide, from the first budget conversation to getting your keys.
Read it right here. No download, contact form, or email address required.
Created by Corey Moser, Mortgage Professional · Nationwide Loans, Inc.
10 Steps From Budget to Your New Front Door
Choose a full monthly payment that fits your life, not just your approval limit.
Review income, assets, credit, and loan options with your mortgage professional.
Find a trusted agent to guide your search and negotiate on your behalf.
Tour properties that meet your needs, priorities, and budget.
Your agent helps prepare an offer and negotiate contract terms.
Review the home's condition and any inspection deadlines in your contract.
Provide any requested documents and confirm your chosen loan terms.
Your lender typically orders an independent opinion of the property's value.
Your loan team verifies the file and resolves remaining conditions.
Review and sign documents, complete funding, and follow possession terms.
Remember: Some steps overlap, and timing varies by contract and loan. You do not have to navigate the process alone.
Budget, Loans & Upfront Costs
Understand your full payment and the money you may need at closing.
Choose a Comfortable Monthly Payment
Your housing payment may include principal, interest, property taxes, homeowners insurance, mortgage insurance, and HOA dues, when applicable.
Build room in your budget for maintenance, utilities, savings, and unexpected repairs.
Explore Loan Options
USDA
For eligible buyers and properties in qualifying areas.
Plan Your Upfront Costs
Down Payment
Your contribution toward the purchase price.
Earnest Money
A good-faith deposit, generally credited toward your closing amount.
Closing Costs
Lender, title, and other transaction-related fees.
Prepaid Items
Items such as initial insurance, interest, and escrow deposits.
Cash Reserves
Additional savings that may be required or simply wise to keep.
A 20% down payment is not always required. Assistance may be available.
What NOT to Do Before Closing
Keep your financial picture steady while your loan is in process.
Before any major financial move, call me first. Even an innocent change can affect underwriting.
Avoid These Without Discussing Them With Your Loan Officer
- Opening new credit cards or taking out new loans
- Financing furniture, appliances, or a vehicle
- Co-signing debt for someone else
- Changing jobs or income arrangements without a conversation
- Missing payments or increasing credit card balances
- Closing existing credit accounts unexpectedly
- Making large or unusual deposits without discussing documentation
- Moving significant funds without keeping a clear paper trail
Helpful habits instead: Keep bills current. Save bank records and pay statements. Respond quickly to your loan team. Ask before making changes, and document the source of large transfers or deposits.
When in doubt, ask before you act.
Ready to Get Started?
Clear answers, a realistic plan, and guidance along the way.
Ways I Can Help
- Pre-approval and buying-power review
- Comfortable monthly payment planning
- Loan and mortgage insurance comparisons
- Down payment and closing cost guidance
- A clear roadmap from contract to closing
Reach Out Anytime
Corey Moser (801) 810-9445 Utah Mortgage Options Nationwide Loans, Inc.
Have questions first? Call me. There are no stupid questions.
All loans are subject to qualification, verification, underwriting, and applicable program requirements.
From Pre-Approval to the Keys
Your next steps after receiving a pre-approval letter.
Stay within a comfortable payment range. Ask for property-specific payment and cash-to-close estimates before making an offer.
Send me the fully executed purchase contract, including all addenda, so we can confirm the loan details and closing timeline.
Provide requested documents promptly. Your appraisal, title work, insurance, and underwriting may move forward at the same time.
Review your Closing Disclosure. For most covered mortgages, it must be received at least three business days before consummation. Confirm your final funds and homeowners insurance.
Bring acceptable ID and follow settlement instructions. Verify any wiring instructions by calling a trusted, independently verified number.
Pre-approval is an important milestone, not a final loan commitment. Property eligibility, verification, and final underwriting approval still apply.
You Don't Have to Figure It All Out Alone.
Use this guide as often as you like. If a question comes up about your own situation, I'm happy to help you understand your options, without any obligation to apply.
Corey Moser · NMLS #274942 Nationwide Loans, Inc. · NMLS #1799965 Equal Housing Opportunity For informational purposes only. All loans are subject to qualification, verification, underwriting, and program requirements.