🏡 First-Time Buyer Tips: A Step-by-Step Guide to Finding Your First Home

Buying your first home is one of life’s biggest milestones. It’s exciting, emotional—and yes, sometimes overwhelming. But with the right guidance, you can turn it into a rewarding and enjoyable journey. Here’s your step-by-step guide packed with practical tips to help you confidently pick up the keys to your first home.

💰 1. Get Your Finances in Order

Before browsing listings, understand what you can realistically afford.

Tips:

Check your credit score and resolve any issues.

Save for your deposit (typically 5–10% of the purchase price).

Budget for extras: solicitor fees, surveys, removals, and stamp duty (if applicable).

🧑‍💼 2. Speak to a Mortgage Advisor

We partner with Nova Mortgages to offer whole-of-market advice tailored to your situation. We’re happy to connect you.

Helpful Step:

Get a Decision in Principle (also called an Agreement in Principle) to prove to sellers that you’re a serious buyer.

🏘️ 3. Register with Local Estate Agents

Some of the best properties sell before they hit Rightmove or Zoopla.

Top Tip:

Register with trusted local agents and tell them what you’re looking for—they can give you early access to upcoming listings.

📋 4. Make a Must-Have List

Avoid decision fatigue by listing what’s essential vs. nice-to-have.

Think about:

Location and transport links

Number of bedrooms/bathrooms

Garden or outdoor space

Parking

Proximity to work, schools, or family

🔍 5. View Smartly

Avoid packing in too many viewings—focus on quality, not quantity. Take photos, videos, or notes to help you compare.

Ask questions like:

How long has the property been on the market?

Are there any known issues?

What’s the area and neighbourhood like?

What’s included in the sale?

💼 6. Make an Offer

Found “the one”? Your estate agent will guide you on a fair offer based on the market.

Tip:

You might be able to include fixtures, furnishings, or even negotiate based on survey findings.

⚖️ 7. Instruct a Solicitor or Conveyancer

Once your offer is accepted, a solicitor handles all the legal work. We can provide free, no-obligation quotes from trusted local solicitors.

🏦 8. Secure Your Mortgage

Turn your mortgage in principle into a full application. Nova Mortgages can guide you through this and organise the lender’s valuation of the property.

🗝️ 9. Exchange & Complete

After all checks are done and the chain is ready, you’ll exchange contracts and agree a completion date.

Completion Day = You get your keys. Welcome home! 🎉

🔄 Bonus Tips for a Smooth Process

Respond quickly to calls and emails

Stay realistic—your first home might not be your forever home

Rely on your estate agent—they’re here to help, not just sell

Don’t rush—if something doesn’t feel right, step back and reassess

Need help finding your first home?

At M&M Estate Agents in Gravesend, we guide first-time buyers every step of the way—from registering interest to handing over the keys.

📲 Register today for exclusive Heads-Up Alerts on properties before they go live on Rightmove or Zoopla!

We are here and ready to help in any way we can. 🧑‍💼

☎️ Call: 01474 321957

📧 Email: richard@mandmprop.co.uk

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