The First-Time Homebuyer’s Guide: Everything You Need to Know to Buy with Confidence

Why First-Time Homebuyers Need Guidance

Buying your first home is exciting—but let’s be honest, it can also feel intimidating. From mortgage pre-approval to inspections and closing costs, the process has a lot of moving parts. First-time buyers in La Crosse, Winona, Houston County, and the Driftless Region often ask the same questions: How much can I afford? Where do I start? How do I avoid costly mistakes?

The good news is that with the right information and the right real estate partner, buying your first home doesn’t have to be overwhelming. This guide breaks down the steps in plain English and highlights how Realtor Julie Delap can walk you through every stage of the journey.

Step 1: Get Your Finances in Order

Before you start looking at houses, it’s important to know your financial picture. Lenders will review:

• Credit Score – The higher your score, the better your mortgage options.

• Debt-to-Income Ratio – Lenders want to know you can handle monthly payments comfortably.

• Savings – You’ll need money for your down payment, closing costs, and moving expenses.

Pro Tip: Many first-time buyers qualify for special loan programs such as FHA, VA, or USDA loans with low or no down payment requirements.  We wrote a highly informative article on the different financing options available here.

Step 2: Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage

A pre-approval letter shows sellers that you’re serious and financially ready to buy. It also gives you a clear budget so you don’t waste time looking at homes outside your price range.

Julie works with trusted local lenders who can explain your loan options, interest rates, and monthly payment estimates in simple terms.  It is also helpful at this point to prepare yourself for the true costs of buying a home:  we wrote a great article outlining the costs involved here.

Step 3: Define Your Needs and Wants

Do you need three bedrooms? A fenced yard? A short commute? Write down your “must-haves” and “nice-to-haves.” For first-time buyers, this helps focus the search and avoids disappointment later.

Julie will ask the right questions to help narrow down your list, ensuring your time is spent looking at homes that truly fit your lifestyle and budget.  Contact Julie today so we can start making a list of your "must haves", your "wants", your "it'd be nice to haves" and your "it absolutely cannot have's".

Step 4: Start House Hunting

This is the fun part! With Julie’s guidance, you’ll tour homes in La Crosse, Winona, Houston County, and surrounding areas that match your criteria. She’ll point out not just the highlights, but also potential red flags you might not notice as a first-time buyer.  Here's a checklist of things Julie can help with when tourin a home to help ensure you not only find a home that meets your needs, but to help ensure purchasing that home is a sound investment.

Pro Tip: In today’s competitive market, be ready to move quickly when you find a home you love.  You can start your home search on our website using our dynamic and interactive home search tool.  Click Here.

Step 5: Make a Strong Offer

Once you’ve found the right home, Julie will help you craft a competitive offer. For first-time buyers, this often includes:

• Determining the right offer price based on market data.

• Deciding on contingencies (financing, inspection, appraisal).

• Strategizing ways to stand out against other buyers.

Her negotiation skills ensure your best interests are represented.  Here's a great blog post about the tactics we can use to write a highly competitive offer.

Step 6: Navigate the Inspection and Appraisal

After your offer is accepted, the home inspection and appraisal are critical. These steps protect you from unexpected repairs and ensure the home’s value matches the purchase price.

Julie helps first-time buyers understand the reports, what issues to worry about, and how to negotiate repairs or credits.

We wrote TWO great articles about your Inspection and your Appraisal.

Step 7: Close the Deal

Closing involves signing paperwork, finalizing your mortgage, and officially becoming a homeowner. You’ll also pay closing costs, which typically include loan fees, title insurance, and taxes.

Julie ensures you know what to expect at every step, so there are no surprises on closing day.  Review this article on what to expect at your closing appointment so you can be better prepared!

Common Challenges First-Time Buyers Face

1. Fear of Overpaying – Julie provides market data to make sure you’re making a fair offer.

2. Competing with Experienced Buyers – With her strategy, even first-timers can win in a competitive market.

3. Understanding Loan Options – Julie partners with local lenders to simplify the process.

4. Overwhelm – Buying your first home is a big deal, but Julie’s step-by-step approach keeps everything manageable.

Why Work with Julie Delap?

Julie knows the Driftless Region inside and out and has helped many first-time buyers turn their dream of homeownership into reality. She combines local expertise, patient guidance, and a network of trusted professionals to make the process smoother from start to finish.

Her clients appreciate her ability to explain complex real estate terms in plain language, her quick communication, and her commitment to making sure every buyer feels confident.

Buying your first home is a major milestone—and it should be exciting, not stressful. With the right preparation, the right mortgage, and the right real estate partner, you can avoid costly mistakes and move into a home you love with confidence.

If you’re a first-time buyer in La Crosse, Winona, Houston County, or anywhere in the Driftless Region, let Julie Delap be your guide. From pre-approval to closing day, she’ll walk you through every step and ensure you feel supported from start to finish.  Contact Julie today to start your journey!