# How to Buy Your First House and Where to Start

By Mark Wilkins (@markwilkins) · Published 2026-10-19

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Buying your first house starts with two numbers: a monthly payment you can comfortably afford and the savings you can use without draining your emergency fund. Once you know those, a mortgage preapproval can help turn your plans into a realistic home search.

If you’re starting in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, here’s how to work through the process.

**Start with a comfortable monthly budget**

Look at your take-home pay, regular bills and savings goals. Decide what you can spend on housing while leaving room for everyday life.

Your [total housing budget](https://www.consumerfinance.gov/owning-a-home/prepare/figure-out-how-much-you-want-to-spend/) should account for mortgage principal and interest, property taxes, homeowners insurance, any mortgage insurance and HOA or condo fees. Add utilities, maintenance and money for repairs. Taxes and insurance can rise over time.

As you compare Bucks County homes, ask for a property-specific payment estimate. Two homes with similar asking prices can have different ownership costs. Keep your search tied to your comfortable payment, even if a lender preapproves you for more.

**Get preapproved before serious house hunting**

A lender reviews your income, credit, debts and available funds to assess your financing options. Ask what has actually been verified, since lenders use “prequalification” and “preapproval” differently.

[Preapproval](https://www.consumerfinance.gov/owning-a-home/explore/get-a-preapproval-letter/) can help you identify issues early and show sellers you’ve started arranging financing. It isn’t a guarantee of final approval. Your finances, the property and the loan still need to meet the lender’s requirements.

Your lender may request:

Recent pay stubs and W-2s

Bank and investment account statements

Identification and employment history

Tax returns or additional income records, especially if you’re self-employed

Documentation for gift funds or other money you plan to use

Ask for a [document checklist](https://www.consumerfinance.gov/owning-a-home/prepare/create-a-loan-application-packet/) specific to your situation, and use the lender’s secure upload process.

**Understand your down payment options**

You don’t always need 20% down. Depending on your qualifications and the property:

Some [conventional loan programs](https://singlefamily.fanniemae.com/originating-underwriting/mortgage-products/97-loan-value-options) allow as little as 3% down. Program rules can include first-time buyer, income or homebuyer education requirements.

[FHA loans](https://www.consumerfinance.gov/owning-a-home/fha-loans/) can allow 3.5% down for qualified borrowers and require mortgage insurance.

Eligible veterans, service members and certain surviving spouses may qualify for a [VA loan](https://www.va.gov/housing-assistance/home-loans/) without a down payment. A [funding fee](https://www.va.gov/housing-assistance/home-loans/funding-fee-and-closing-costs/) may apply unless exempt.

[USDA loans](https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/single-family-housing-programs/single-family-housing-guaranteed-loan-program) can offer no-down-payment financing for eligible buyers and homes in eligible rural areas, subject to income and other requirements.

Compare the monthly payment, mortgage insurance, fees and cash needed for each option. A smaller down payment preserves savings but can increase borrowing costs. Ask whether assistance is available and whether it must be repaid. Eligibility and funding vary.

**Budget for more than the down payment**

Your down payment goes toward the purchase price. Closing costs cover expenses involved in the mortgage and property transfer, such as lender charges, appraisal and title services, recording fees and applicable transfer taxes. You may also need prepaid insurance, interest and money to establish an escrow account.

The CFPB suggests [2% to 5% of the purchase price](https://www.consumerfinance.gov/owning-a-home/prepare/determine-your-down-payment/) as a rough closing-cost estimate, separate from your down payment. Actual costs vary by loan, property and location, so get an itemized estimate.

For illustration, 3% down on a $400,000 home is $12,000. That’s only the down payment. Closing costs, moving expenses and your emergency cushion still need a place in the budget. This example isn’t a loan quote or approval.

An [earnest-money deposit](https://www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/mortgages/answers/key-terms/) shows good faith under your purchase contract and is generally credited toward your purchase at closing. Have your agent explain when it’s due and when it could be forfeited.

Keep money available after closing. Some loans also require documented reserves, meaning funds remaining after the purchase.

**Choose an agent and make an informed offer**

Work with a real estate agent who knows the Bucks County communities you’re considering. Share your budget, commute needs and must-haves. Review the buyer representation agreement, including services and compensation, before signing.

When you find a home, discuss the price, deposit, closing date and financing, inspection and appraisal protections. Understand the financial consequences before waiving a contingency.

Once you have a property and loan application, review your [Loan Estimate](https://www.consumerfinance.gov/owning-a-home/loan-estimate/). Compare the rate, APR, payment, fees and estimated cash to close. Ask about anything that differs from your earlier discussion.

**Work through inspection and final approval**

Schedule an inspection within your contract’s deadlines. The [inspection and appraisal](https://www.consumerfinance.gov/owning-a-home/close/schedule-a-home-inspection/) serve different purposes: the inspection evaluates the home’s condition; the appraisal helps the lender assess its value.

During [underwriting](https://www.consumerfinance.gov/owning-a-home/close/submit-documents-and-answer-requests-from-the-lender/), respond promptly to document requests and arrange homeowners insurance. Check with your lender before opening credit, financing furniture, changing jobs or moving large sums between accounts. Changes can affect qualification or create additional documentation needs.

**Review the final numbers and close**

For most purchase mortgages, you must receive your [Closing Disclosure](https://www.consumerfinance.gov/owning-a-home/close/review-documents-before-closing/) at least three business days before closing. Compare it with your Loan Estimate and confirm the payment and cash to close.

Complete your final walkthrough. Before sending money, verify wiring instructions by calling your settlement company at a trusted number. Unexpected email instructions can be a fraud warning.

At closing, review and sign the documents and provide the required funds. Confirm when you’ll receive possession and the keys.

**Take your first step**

Write down your comfortable monthly housing budget and the savings you have available. Then visit [TheMortgageMark.com](http://TheMortgageMark.com) to schedule a call or start your application with Mark Wilkins and The Wilkins Lending Team at Movement Mortgage. Let’s review your starting point and the next steps for buying in Pennsylvania, New Jersey or Florida.

_Educational information only. Loan availability and terms depend on borrower and property eligibility, underwriting and program requirements. This is not a commitment to lend._

[TheMortgageMark.com](http://TheMortgageMark.com) | NMLS #147661 |