Steps to Homeownership
Sometimes, the hardest part of the homebuying process is just figuring out where to begin. We’ve outlined some steps below to help you more easily navigate your path to homeownership.
Find help.
Attend an in-person homebuyer seminar, join an online education course, or meet with a homeownership counselor. A homebuyer seminar will help you understand the mortgage process and provide you with techniques to find and purchase the home you want. Working with a homeownership counselor, in turn, will help you not only find the perfect home, but help you to keep it.
See Educational Resources
Find your perfect mortgage.
Check out the great mortgage programs we provide that were designed to help you become a successful homebuyer. We provide great fixed rates and low downpayment requirements; cash downpayment assistance to help with downpayment and closing costs; up to $35,000 in purchase rehab programs to help with that fixer-upper; low mortgage insurance options; and the Homebuyer Tax Credit, which can help reduce your federal tax return liability by up to $2,000 per year.
See Mortgage Programs
Find the perfect lender.
Contact one of our Participating Lenders and ask to be qualified for a mortgage loan. Once you are qualified for a loan amount, you will be able to determine which homes are in your price range.
See Participating Lenders
Find a real estate professional you trust.
Choose an experienced real estate professional to show you properties in the area you want to live. Your real estate agent will help you make an offer on a home and negotiate the purchase price on a property.
Find a Home
Get a home inspection.
It's generally a good idea to have a licensed home inspector look at the property you plan to purchase. A home inspector will identify any serious issues with a home that could be cause for further negotiation with the seller.
Purchase your home.
At the closing, you will sign all of the mortgage documents and receive a deed and the keys to your new home. Be sure to read and fully understand all closing documents since they’re legal and binding once you’ve signed them.
Stop and ask if you have questions!
Never be afraid to stop and ask questions at any time during the process. The more you know the better prepared you’ll be for homeownership!
See our mortgage programs.
New Hampshire Housing offers a number of different programs to help make homeownership more affordable. We offer low downpayment requirements, up to 4% cash for downpayment and closing costs, the Homebuyer Tax Credit, low mortgage insurance options, and more!