Buying Your First Home
What to have in place before you look, what a home will really cost each month, and every step explained before it arrives.
What you need before you start looking
For first-time home buyers in Prince George's County, the most useful work happens before the first showing. Three things put you in a position to act when the right home appears.
- A pre-approval from a lender. It tells you what a lender is prepared to offer, based on your income, debts, credit, and savings, and it tells a seller you can close.
- A monthly number you're comfortable with. What a lender approves and what you want to spend each month are different numbers. Yours should include principal and interest, property taxes, homeowners insurance, mortgage insurance if your loan requires it, and any HOA or condo fee.
- Cash for more than the down payment. Plan for closing costs and the earnest money deposit that comes with an offer, and keep some savings in reserve after you move in.
Every first-time buyer starts with a conversation about those three things. It's the fastest way to learn what's realistic.
Tell Me What You're Looking For
Assistance programs worth asking about
As of September 2026, the State of Maryland's Maryland Mortgage Program offers first-time buyer loans and down payment assistance through approved lenders, and it lists homebuyer education as part of the process. Eligibility requirements apply, and programs, terms, and funding change, so the right first step is a lender approved for the program who can tell you what you qualify for today.
Family help is another common route, and your lender will explain how gift funds need to be documented.
How the process works for a first-time buyer
The steps are the same for every buyer, but the first time through, each one is new. Before we tour homes, you'll sign a buyer representation agreement with me, and you'll receive Maryland's "Understanding Whom Real Estate Agents Represent" notice. I'll go through both with you.
When you find the right home, we write an offer. It includes an earnest money deposit and, usually, a home inspection contingency, and the amounts and deadlines depend on the agreement you and the seller sign. Then comes the appraisal, final loan approval, and settlement. My buying process page walks through each step in order.
I explain each deadline before it arrives, so you know what comes next.
What a first budget buys, community by community
Prince George's County is many markets, and a first budget stretches differently in each. Townhomes and condos can put ownership within reach sooner, with less upkeep and an association fee to factor in. Older single-family homes can offer more space, with more maintenance to plan for.
A townhome or condo in Westphalia offers a newer home with a modern layout. We match the home to your budget and your daily routine.
Start with a conversation
You don't need everything figured out before we talk. Tell me what you're looking for, and we'll start with your budget and your timing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do I need saved to buy my first home?
Plan for the down payment, closing costs, the earnest money deposit, and some savings in reserve. A lender can give you exact amounts for your loan and the home, and if you're eligible, assistance programs may help with the down payment and closing costs.
Are there first-time buyer programs in Maryland?
As of September 2026, the Maryland Mortgage Program offers first-time buyer loans and down payment assistance through approved lenders. Eligibility requirements apply and terms change, so an approved lender can tell you what you qualify for today.
What's the first step?
Two conversations: one with a lender about pre-approval, and one with me about what you're looking for and what your monthly budget should be.
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Ready to make your move with Helen Gaynor?