Your Progress
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Months Completed
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Tasks Completed
365
Days to Home (Est.)
Month 1
Foundation & Self-Assessment
This Month's Focus
Get brutally honest about where you are right now. No judgment, no comparison to others—just clear-eyed assessment of your starting point. Knowledge is power, and this month is about gathering that power.
Your Tasks This Month
📊 Financial Discovery
Pull your free credit reports from all 3 bureaus
Visit AnnualCreditReport.com (the only official free site). Check for errors. Don't panic at your score—just observe.
Calculate your actual monthly income and expenses
Use our Financial Snapshot worksheet. Include everything—yes, even the coffee runs and streaming services.
List all your current debts with balances and minimum payments
Student loans, car payments, credit cards, personal loans—write them all down. We'll tackle them strategically.
Count your current savings (all accounts)
Checking, savings, that random account from college. This is your starting line.
🎓 Education
Complete our "Are You Ready?" quiz
Be honest—this is for you, not for us. The results will guide your timeline.
Read: "The Honest Truth About Homebuying"
Our no-BS guide to what homeownership really costs and feels like. Bookmark it—you'll reference it often.
Watch: Understanding DFW property taxes
Short video explaining why Texas has no income tax but higher property taxes. Important context for budgeting.
🎯 Goal Setting
Define your "why"—write it down
Why do you want to buy? When you're frustrated later, this reminder will keep you going.
Set your target purchase date (can be flexible)
12 months? 18 months? Having a target helps you work backward to create your plan.
Identify your ideal DFW neighborhoods (top 3)
Research commute times, school ratings, local amenities. Use our DFW Neighborhood Explorer tool.
Pro Tips for Month 1
- Don't compare your financial snapshot to others. Everyone starts somewhere different.
- If your credit report has errors, dispute them immediately—it can take 30-60 days to resolve.
- Save all your worksheets and notes in one folder (physical or digital). You'll reference them throughout the journey.
- Talk to your partner/family about expectations early. Misaligned expectations cause most homebuying stress.
- Join our free Facebook group for first-time DFW buyers—you'll find community and accountability.
🎉
Celebrate Your Progress!
You've taken the hardest step—starting! Most people never get this far. You've gathered crucial information about your starting point. That's huge!
Month 2
Credit Building & Budget Optimization
This Month's Focus
Start improving what you discovered last month. Small, strategic actions now will compound into significant results. This is where you begin building momentum.
Your Tasks This Month
💳 Credit Strategy
Set up automatic payments for all bills
Payment history is 35% of your credit score. Never miss another payment, even if it's just the minimum.
Pay down credit cards below 30% utilization
If you have $1,000 credit limit, keep balance under $300. This alone can boost your score 20-50 points.
Become an authorized user on a trusted person's card
If a parent or partner has excellent credit, ask to be added. Their good history can boost your score immediately.
💰 Budget & Savings
Open a dedicated home savings account
Separate from your emergency fund. Makes it real and prevents you from "borrowing" from yourself.
Set up automatic transfer on payday
Even $50-100 per paycheck adds up. Start with what you can afford—you can increase it later.
Cut one recurring expense
Subscriptions you don't use, downsizing your cable/streaming, cooking at home more—redirect that money to savings.
📚 Education
Read: "How to Build Credit for a Mortgage"
Our step-by-step guide to understanding what lenders actually look for.
Learn about down payment assistance programs
Texas has several first-time buyer programs. Research what's available in DFW—you might qualify for help.
Pro Tips for Month 2
- Don't close old credit cards—it can hurt your credit age and utilization ratio.
- If you get a windfall (tax refund, bonus), put at least half toward your home fund.
- Track your credit score monthly using Credit Karma or your bank's free tool—watch it improve!
- Avoid taking on new debt this month. Every new inquiry can temporarily lower your score.
- Start thinking about your monthly housing budget. Rule of thumb: no more than 28% of gross income.
💪
Keep Building Momentum!
Two months in! You're not just learning—you're taking action. That's what separates dreamers from homeowners.
Month 3
Credit Optimization & Debt Strategy
This Month's Focus
Dig deeper into credit optimization and create a strategic debt paydown plan. You're not just maintaining now—you're actively improving your financial position.
Your Tasks This Month
📈 Credit Optimization
Request credit limit increases on cards in good standing
Higher limits = lower utilization ratio = better score. Don't spend the new limit!
Dispute any remaining errors on credit reports
Follow up on Month 1 disputes. Check all three bureaus—errors on one may not appear on others.
Sign up for rent reporting (if you rent)
Services like RentTrack can add your on-time rent payments to your credit report. Easy wins.
💳 Debt Paydown
Choose your payoff strategy: avalanche or snowball
Avalanche = highest interest first (saves money). Snowball = smallest balance first (psychological wins). Pick one and commit.
Make one extra payment toward your target debt
Even $25 extra this month makes a difference. Momentum matters.
Calculate your debt-to-income ratio (DTI)
Total monthly debt payments ÷ gross monthly income. Lenders want to see below 43%—ideally below 36%.
🎯 Planning
Research first-time homebuyer programs in Texas
TSAHC, My First Texas Home, local DFW programs. Many offer down payment assistance or lower rates.
Estimate your target home price range
Use an online mortgage calculator. Be realistic about what you can afford monthly, not just the max you qualify for.
Pro Tips for Month 3
- Your credit score can take 2-3 months to reflect improvements. Be patient but keep going.
- Don't apply for new credit cards this month—wait until after you get your mortgage.
- If your DTI is above 43%, focus on aggressive debt paydown before house hunting.
- Track all three credit scores (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion)—lenders use the middle score.
- Start a "wish list" document for your future home. What's negotiable vs. non-negotiable?
📊
You're Making Real Progress!
Three months of consistent effort. Your credit profile is improving. Your savings are growing. You're becoming mortgage-ready!
Month 4
Savings Acceleration & Budget Mastery
This Month's Focus
You've built good habits—now accelerate them. Find creative ways to boost your savings and lock in your budget discipline.
Your Tasks This Month
💸 Savings Boost
Increase your automatic savings by at least $25/month
You've adjusted to your current amount. Time to stretch a bit more.
Do a "no-spend challenge" for one category
Pick one area (dining out, entertainment, shopping) and go zero for 30 days. Bank the difference.
Sell something you don't need
Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, garage sale. Extra cash goes straight to your home fund.
Pick up one side gig or overtime shift
Just this month. Extra income = extra momentum. Every dollar counts.
📊 Budget Optimization
Review and renegotiate one bill
Car insurance, internet, phone plan. Call and ask for a better rate. It works more often than you think.
Calculate your realistic monthly housing budget
Mortgage + insurance + taxes + HOA + utilities + maintenance. Not just the mortgage payment.
🏡 Market Research
Browse Zillow/Realtor.com in your target neighborhoods
Don't get emotionally attached yet—just get a feel for what your budget buys in DFW.
Attend an open house (just for practice)
Learn what to look for. Ask questions. Get comfortable walking through homes.
Pro Tips for Month 4
- When browsing homes online, filter by "recently sold" to see realistic prices, not just listing prices.
- Don't forget closing costs—typically 2-5% of the purchase price on top of your down payment.
- Track your savings growth visually (chart, graph, thermometer). Seeing progress motivates more progress.
- If you're married/partnered, make sure you're both aligned on budget and savings goals. Communication prevents conflict.
- Texas property taxes are high—budget for them realistically. DFW averages 2-2.5% of home value annually.
🚀
You're Building Serious Momentum!
Four months of discipline. Your savings account is growing. You're thinking like a homeowner before you even are one. That's powerful.
Month 5
Pre-Approval Prep & Lender Research
This Month's Focus
Get pre-approval ready. Research lenders, gather documents, and position yourself as the borrower lenders want to work with.
Your Tasks This Month
🏦 Lender Research
Research 3-5 different lenders
Banks, credit unions, mortgage brokers. Compare rates and reviews. Don't just go with the first one.
Learn about different loan types
Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA. Each has different requirements and benefits. Know which fits you.
Get rate quotes from at least 3 lenders
Do this within a 14-day window—multiple mortgage inquiries count as one for credit scoring purposes.
📄 Document Gathering
Gather 2 years of W-2s or tax returns
Lenders need to verify income history. Self-employed? You'll need business returns too.
Get 2 months of bank statements
All accounts. They'll verify your down payment funds and look for consistent deposits.
Collect recent pay stubs (last 30 days)
Current income verification. If you switched jobs recently, get a letter from your employer.
Create a digital folder with all documents
Scan everything, organize it, keep it accessible. You'll reference these repeatedly.
✅ Final Checks
Pull your credit reports one more time
Make sure everything is accurate before lenders pull them. Fix any new issues now.
Pro Tips for Month 5
- Don't make any large purchases or move money between accounts right before applying—it raises red flags.
- Ask lenders about "lender credits" vs. "discount points"—different ways to manage upfront costs and rates.
- Local credit unions often have better rates than big banks—don't overlook them.
- Pre-qualification is NOT the same as pre-approval. You want pre-approval (the real, verified one).
- Connect with our verified lender network for DFW-specific expertise and competitive rates.
📋
You're Almost Pre-Approved!
Five months of preparation. You're not winging this—you're doing it right. Next month you'll get that pre-approval letter!
Month 6
Get Pre-Approved & Choose Your Agent
This Month's Focus
Make it official. Get your pre-approval letter and partner with a buyer's agent who will advocate for you throughout the process.
Your Tasks This Month
✅ Pre-Approval
Submit your pre-approval application
Choose your lender and apply. You've done the prep—now make it official.
Respond quickly to any lender requests
They may ask for clarification or additional documents. Fast responses = faster approval.
Get your pre-approval letter
This is your golden ticket. You're now a serious buyer in sellers' eyes.
🏘️ Agent Selection
Interview at least 3 buyer's agents
Ask about their experience in your target neighborhoods, negotiation style, and communication preferences.
Check agent references and reviews
Talk to past clients. How did the agent handle challenges? Do they return calls promptly?
Sign a buyer's representation agreement
Once you've chosen your agent, make it official. They work for YOU, not the seller.
🎯 Search Preparation
Create your detailed "must-have" vs "nice-to-have" list
Location, size, layout, schools, commute. Be clear on what's negotiable and what isn't.
Set up automated home search alerts
Your agent can set up MLS alerts. New listings hit your inbox immediately.
Pro Tips for Month 6
- Pre-approval letters expire (usually 60-90 days). You may need to refresh it if your search takes longer.
- Don't feel pressured to work with the first agent who's nice to you. This is a business relationship—choose strategically.
- A great agent saves you money through negotiation—way more than their commission costs you.
- Some agents specialize in first-time buyers. That expertise is valuable—seek it out.
- Connect with our verified agent network—they know DFW and work well with first-time buyers.
🎯
You're Officially a Qualified Buyer!
Halfway through your journey. Pre-approval in hand. Agent on your team. You're not dreaming anymore—you're shopping!
Month 7
Active House Hunting Begins
This Month's Focus
Time to see homes in person. Tour properties, learn what you like and don't like, and start to narrow your search.
Your Tasks This Month
🏡 Touring & Searching
Tour at least 5-8 homes
Don't expect to find "the one" immediately. You're calibrating your expectations and learning what matters to you.
Take photos and notes at every showing
After 3-4 houses, they blur together. Document what you see, what you liked, what felt off.
Visit neighborhoods at different times of day
Drive through on weekday mornings (commute test), weekday evenings, and weekends. Get the full picture.
Attend weekend open houses
Even for homes not quite right—you're learning and building relationships with listing agents.
📊 Market Education
Learn to read property listings critically
"Cozy" = small. "Needs TLC" = fixer-upper. Photos hide flaws. Your agent can decode listing speak.
Research recent sales comps in target areas
What did similar homes sell for? How long were they on market? This informs your offer strategy.
🔍 Inspection Mindset
Bring a home tour checklist
Foundation, roof, HVAC age, water pressure, outlets, storage. Look beyond the staged decor.
Ask your agent to point out red flags
They've seen it all. Train your eye to spot foundation issues, roof problems, and deferred maintenance.
Pro Tips for Month 7
- Don't fall in love with the first house you see. Tour several to understand what's out there.
- Bring a tape measure. Visualize your furniture. "Spacious" is subjective.
- Check cell phone reception, water pressure, and how the doors close. Small things matter.
- If you're buying with a partner, tour together. You need to agree before you make an offer.
- DFW market moves fast—good homes sell quickly. Be ready to move when you find the right one.
🏘️
You're Really Doing This!
Walking through homes that could be YOURS. Imagining your life there. This is the exciting part—enjoy it!
Month 8
Refine Search & Evaluate Properties
This Month's Focus
You've toured enough to know what you want. Now get strategic—narrow your criteria and evaluate properties like an investor, not just a dreamer.
Your Tasks This Month
🎯 Search Refinement
Update your "must-have" list based on tours
What did you think mattered but doesn't? What turned out to be more important than expected?
Narrow to 2-3 target neighborhoods max
Focus your search. You can't watch the whole market—get specific about where you want to be.
Set alerts for just your refined criteria
Stop looking at everything. Reduce noise. Only see homes that truly fit what you need.
🔎 Smart Evaluation
Research school ratings and crime stats
Even if you don't have kids, schools affect resale value. Crime stats affect safety and insurance rates.
Check HOA rules and fees for target properties
Some HOAs are strict. Some are expensive. Know before you fall in love with a house.
Calculate total monthly costs for homes you like
Mortgage + property tax + insurance + HOA + utilities + estimated maintenance. The real number.
🏗️ Future Planning
Think about resale potential
You might not live there forever. Would this home appeal to future buyers? Good schools, commute, layout all matter.
Research home inspector recommendations
When you make an offer, you'll need one fast. Get referrals now—don't scramble later.
Pro Tips for Month 8
- A "good deal" on the wrong house is still the wrong house. Don't compromise on must-haves just to save money.
- Texas property tax bills are public record. Look up actual tax amounts for homes you're considering.
- Drive the commute during rush hour before you buy. 20 minutes at 2pm might be 50 minutes at 7am.
- Ask your agent about planned developments or zoning changes near properties you like.
- If you're seeing the same house listed multiple times, ask why—there's usually a reason it's not selling.
🔍
You're Thinking Like a Homeowner!
Eight months of preparation and learning. You're not just looking—you're evaluating strategically. That's powerful.
Month 9
Make Offers & Negotiate
This Month's Focus
Time to make your move. When the right home appears, you'll be ready to write a competitive offer and negotiate like a pro.
Your Tasks This Month
📝 Offer Preparation
Understand the offer process with your agent
Walk through a sample contract. Know what you're signing before you're under pressure.
Get pre-approval letter updated if needed
Letters expire. Make sure yours is current before you submit an offer.
Have earnest money ready (1-2% of offer price)
This shows you're serious. It's held in escrow and goes toward your down payment at closing.
🏡 Making the Offer
Write a competitive offer on your top choice
Price, contingencies, timeline—your agent will guide you. In DFW's market, being aggressive can be necessary.
Include a personal letter to the seller (optional)
Some sellers care about who buys their home. A sincere letter can tip the scales in a multiple-offer situation.
Be ready to negotiate or walk away
Sellers may counter. Know your max price and your deal-breakers before you start.
💪 Staying Ready
Keep viewing new listings
Don't put all your eggs in one basket. If your first offer doesn't work, you have backups.
Line up your home inspector
Once you're under contract, inspections happen fast. Have your inspector on speed dial.
Pro Tips for Month 9
- In a seller's market, waiving contingencies can make your offer stronger—but know the risks.
- Escalation clauses can help in multiple-offer situations, but set a firm ceiling.
- Don't get emotionally attached before your offer is accepted. Protect your heart until the deal is real.
- If your first offer gets rejected, don't panic. The right home is still out there.
- Your agent's negotiation skills matter here. Trust their advice—they've done this before.
🎯
You Made an Offer!
This is huge! Whether it's accepted or you make three more—you're in the game. The finish line is in sight!
Month 10
Under Contract — Inspections & Appraisal
This Month's Focus
Your offer was accepted! Now the real work begins. Inspections, appraisals, and due diligence—this is where you confirm you're making a smart purchase.
Your Tasks This Month
🔍 Inspections
Schedule home inspection within 7-10 days
Your contract has an inspection period deadline. Book immediately—good inspectors fill up fast.
Attend the inspection in person
Ask questions. Learn about your future home. Take notes and photos. This is your education session.
Review inspection report with your agent
Separate "major issues" from "normal wear and tear." Decide what's worth negotiating for.
Request repairs or credits if needed
Foundation issues, roof problems, major systems—these are negotiable. Don't sweat minor cosmetic stuff.
📊 Appraisal
Lender orders appraisal
You don't control this—the lender does. They need to confirm the home is worth what you're paying.
Review appraisal results
If it appraises at or above offer price, great! If it's low, you'll need to renegotiate or bring more cash.
📋 Continuing Due Diligence
Review HOA documents and bylaws
If there's an HOA, read the rules. Budget. Restrictions. Know what you're agreeing to.
Get homeowners insurance quotes
Shop around now. You'll need proof of insurance before closing. Texas weather = higher premiums.
Pro Tips for Month 10
- Every home has issues. Don't expect perfection—focus on major structural/safety concerns.
- If the seller refuses reasonable repair requests, you can walk away. That's what the inspection contingency is for.
- Low appraisals happen. Have a plan: renegotiate price, bring more cash, or walk if it doesn't make sense.
- Don't skip optional inspections (sewer scope, foundation specialist) if your general inspector recommends them.
- Keep all communication with the seller through your agent. Direct contact can complicate negotiations.
🏠
You're Under Contract!
This is real! The home is yours (pending closing). You've done your homework. Almost there!
Month 11
Loan Processing & Closing Prep
This Month's Focus
The finish line is close. Final loan approval, closing document review, and preparing for the big day.
Your Tasks This Month
🏦 Loan Finalization
Submit any additional documents lender requests
Updated pay stubs, bank statements, explanations for deposits. Respond fast to keep things moving.
Lock your interest rate if you haven't
Rates fluctuate. Once you're confident, lock it in. Timing matters—talk to your lender.
Receive "Clear to Close" from lender
This is the green light. Final approval. You're officially good to go.
📋 Closing Preparation
Review Closing Disclosure (CD) carefully
You'll get this 3 days before closing. Check all numbers match what you expected. Ask questions if anything is off.
Arrange wire transfer or cashier's check for closing costs
Know the exact amount and how title company wants it delivered. Personal checks usually aren't accepted.
Set up homeowners insurance policy
Policy must be active on closing day. Provide proof to lender and title company.
Schedule final walkthrough
24-48 hours before closing. Confirm agreed repairs were made and nothing changed since inspection.
📦 Move Planning
Book movers or reserve moving truck
Don't wait until the last minute. Good movers book up, especially on weekends.
Pro Tips for Month 11
- DO NOT make any big purchases, open new credit, or change jobs before closing. It can kill your loan.
- If you spot errors on your Closing Disclosure, speak up immediately. Don't sign if numbers are wrong.
- Wire fraud is real—always verify wiring instructions by calling title company directly (not email!).
- Bring your ID and proof of insurance to closing. Some states require additional docs—your agent will confirm.
- Set up utilities (electric, gas, water, internet) to transfer on closing day so you're not in the dark.
⏰
Almost There!
Clear to close! Closing date on the calendar! You've come so far. One more month and you're a homeowner!
Month 12
Closing Day & Move In
This Month's Focus
This is it. You sign the papers, get the keys, and officially become a homeowner. Then the real adventure begins.
Your Tasks This Month
🎉 Closing Day
Complete final walkthrough
Last check. Home is in agreed condition, repairs complete, seller removed their stuff. If anything is wrong, address it before closing.
Attend closing appointment
Bring ID, proof of insurance, and your payment. You'll sign a lot of papers. Ask questions if anything is unclear.
Receive the keys to YOUR home
This is the moment. Keys in hand. The house is officially yours. Congratulations, homeowner!
🏡 First Week Homeowner
Change the locks
You don't know who has copies of the old keys. Immediate security upgrade.
Locate water/gas shutoffs and breaker box
In an emergency, you need to know where these are. Take photos and label them.
Test smoke/CO detectors and replace batteries
Safety first. Don't assume the seller did this. Test everything, replace if needed.
Update your address everywhere
USPS forwarding, DMV, employer, banks, subscriptions. It's tedious but necessary.
📚 Set Up for Success
Create a home maintenance binder
Store manuals, warranty info, inspection reports, and maintenance records. Future you will thank present you.
Set up monthly maintenance reminders
HVAC filters, yard care, gutter cleaning. Preventive maintenance saves thousands later.
Start an emergency home repair fund
Budget 1-2% of home value annually for repairs. Water heaters fail. Roofs leak. Be ready.
Pro Tips for Month 12
- Save all closing documents in a fireproof safe or secure cloud storage. You'll need them for taxes and future refinances.
- Take photos of every room before you move in. Helpful for insurance and future renovations.
- Introduce yourself to neighbors. They can tell you about the neighborhood quirks and be helpful in emergencies.
- Don't blow your savings on furniture and upgrades immediately. Give yourself time to live in the space first.
- Consider homestead exemption for property tax savings—file with your county appraisal district.
🔑
You're a Homeowner!
Twelve months ago, this was just a dream. Today, it's real. You have keys. You have equity. You have a HOME. This is just the beginning of building generational wealth. We're proud of you!
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