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Buying a Home for the First Time

Buying your first home can feel simpler
if you break it down

No two journeys to buy a home look exactly the same. But knowing the key steps — and having some tips, tools, and a team to guide you — can help. Read on to learn more, and you can also contact a consultant.


Step 1:
Every first-time homebuyer should know the basics

New to home financing?

Buying your first home is a big deal. Between comparing neighborhoods and reviewing real estate listings, make sure you understand the basics of home financing — from mortgage rates to fees and costs.

A few considerations

You can think about how you might pay for a down payment. You can also get prequalified — provide some basic information to get an idea of your home price range. (You’ll learn more about preapproval, which is a little different, in Step 2.)

Estimate your price range

You have a few ways to do this. You can use our calculator at any time. Or connect with an experienced mortgage consultant who can help you throughout the process.

Contact a consultant


Step 2:
Make your offer stronger with a mortgage preapproval

Get preapproved

As you tour open houses and circle in on your dream home, don’t miss this other key step: applying for a mortgage preapproval.

It strengthens your offer 

A preapproval from Wells Fargo shows sellers you’re a serious and prepared buyer. Plus, compared to a prequalification, it will give you a more accurate idea of your potential loan amount, monthly payment, and interest rate.

We’ll work with you

You can work with one of our consultants to guide you through the preapproval process at every step. Or, you can apply for preapproval online. It’s up to you.

Contact us about preapproval

Start your home search right here

Current Wells Fargo customers have exclusive access to a one-stop real estate tool that lets you search specific neighborhoods, know when homes are listed, and get the insights you need to be more confident in your purchase. Start exploring today.

Start your search


Step 3:
Bring it to a close

You found a home you love

The seller accepted your offer. You’ve submitted your application and your loan has been approved. This is huge!

Closing is the final stretch

Before you start packing boxes for your new home, you still need to close on your loan. The process can feel unfamiliar if you’re a first-time homebuyer.

We continue to guide you

We’ll tell you what to have ready to help your loan closing go smoothly. We’ll remind you of required steps, plus we’ll let you know what you can expect to pay in closing costs.

What’s more, you can easily manage documents and track your application with our simplified online application – it’s available for most loans. Ask us for details.

  Mortgage Learning Center  

Learn more about the homebuying process with the Mortgage Learning Center.

Still have questions?

Call Us

New Loans

1-866-383-5345    
Mon – Fri: 7 am – 8 pm
Sat: 8 am – 6 pm
Central Time

Existing Loans

1-800-357-6675 
Mon – Fri: 7 am – 10 pm 
Sat: 8 am – 2 pm 
Central Time

Marque 9 para recibir atención en español.

Let Us Contact You

Have a home mortgage consultant call you back.

Ready to get started?

Get prequalified
Or call us at 1-866-383-5345