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.

Step 1
Boy opening front door in greeting

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
Step 2
Woman sitting at table smiling with coffee in hands

Find your perfect mortgage.

Get up to $15,000 in downpayment assistance!  Check out our great mortgage programs designed to help you become a successful homebuyer. We provide great fixed rates; 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.

See Mortgage Programs
Step 3
Man sitting on front stoop of home

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
Step 4
Picture of Welcome mat in front of door that says Home Sweet Home

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
Step 5
Family and Realtor stand in driveway smiling with home in background

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.

Step 6
Mother holding her arms across her daughter in front of home.

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.

Step 7
Family smiling in front of home

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 $15,000 cash for downpayment and closing costs, low mortgage insurance options, and more!

 

See Our Programs

Are you ready to buy a home?

TAKE THE HOMEOWNERSHIP QUIZ