Important Steps When Preparing to Buy Your First Home

October 30, 2020

It's an exciting time and preparation is the key to a great experience!

For many people, buying a home is the final dive into adulthood – home and property ownership assures that you can build a family on a homestead that is truly yours. While the payoff of owning a home knows nearly no bounds, the process can be tricky and at times downright intimidating. Between choosing location, navigating mortgages, and attempting to properly schedule the move of a lifetime, it becomes important to be as organized and prepared as possible for your home buying experience. If you find yourself in the market for a home but don’t know where to start your preparations, consider the following steps to ensure that your experience is as easy as it is rewarding.

Develop an understanding of your credit - One of the first steps you can take when searching for a home is to know what kind of financing you can secure to help pay for your home. While your other factors play into your eligibility for a home loan, your credit score is one of the biggest factors that a bank will consider when you apply for a mortgage. If you’re unaware of your current credit standing or do not know what to do in order to bolster said score, consider free resources such as CreditKarma to begin your research.

Understand your assets - Credit scores will play a major role in determining your mortgage eligibility, but being able to make your down payment is a critical factor for many home-buying deals. Banks and other financing companies will want to see how much money you have in your savings account, what sorts of assets you possess (such as your car, investment accounts, company stakes, etc…), and how much income you earn in order to determine your mortgage qualification. Before you begin your home search, understand what assets you will have to leverage against a potential mortgage and know which assets you’re willing to put up in the case of foreclosure.

Ask how much home you need - While some real estate markets can make it tricky to buy over-sized homes, others can make it just as hard to find a home that is of adequate size for your household. Critically analyzing how much space your family will require helps set better guidelines for your house-hunting search beyond just specific homes that may be of interest to you, as many neighborhoods host curated home sizes and amenities. Learning more about the type of home you want may also show you what kind of neighborhood you desire as well!

Find a trustworthy real estate agent - Finding a shopping partner from outside of your personal circle is invaluable in finding the right home for you. Real estate agents offer unbiased opinions of home opportunities that are tailored to your exact requirements. While family may push or pull you towards or away from certain locations and neighborhoods, a good real estate agent will provide you the opportunities which you truly desire.

Remember your homeowner’s insurance - One of the easiest aspects of the homebuying experience to forget is insurance. When you do finally find your dream home, you’ll want and likely need to protect it with a hearty insurance policy. Different property types may require different types and totals of coverage, so be sure to consult your insurance agent as you begin to search for your new home. You’ll want to be sure that not only is your new home covered from damages, but that your possessions receive an extension of that coverage, no matter what type of home you move into!

If you or someone you know is beginning their search for a new home and could use some help navigating the realm of homeowners insurance, consider us at Wallin Insurance. Our team of homeowners insurance experts is here to help understand policies and aid in selecting the correct type and amount of coverage for your new home! 

By Kim Wilson • September 30, 2026
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By Kim Wilson • December 18, 2025
The holidays are a season of magic, but for home and auto insurance, they are also a season of increased risk. From the glow of your Christmas tree to the icy highways on your way to Grandma’s house, a few simple precautions can ensure that your only memories are happy ones. Most homeowners insurance policies cover fire damage, but preventing a claim is always better than filing one. To keep your home safe, ensure your live tree is watered daily—a dry tree can become a fire hazard in seconds. Additionally, inspect your holiday lights for frayed wires and avoid overloading outlets. If you’re hosting, don’t forget that liability coverage is your best friend; keep your walkways shoveled and salted to prevent "slip and fall" accidents that could lead to a claim. If your holiday plans involve a road trip, your auto insurance should be just as prepared as you are. Winter weather and increased holiday traffic make for a tricky combination on the road. Before you leave, check your tire pressure and fluid levels, and ensure you have AAA or that your policy includes roadside assistance—it’s a lifesaver if you end up with a dead battery or a flat tire in the cold. Keep in mind that "smash-and-grab" thefts often spike during the shopping season. To stay protected, never leave gifts or valuables in plain sight in your car. Your comprehensive coverage typically handles theft, but keeping your packages tucked away in the trunk is the best way to ensure they actually make it under the tree. As you wrap up your preparations, take a quick moment to review your coverage limits with us. If you’ve purchased high-value gifts like jewelry, art, collectables, or high-end electronics, they may need some extra coverage (often referred to as a "rider") to be fully covered beyond the standard personal property limits. We want you to enjoy every moment of this beautiful season with total peace of mind. Merry Christmas and warmest wishes for a safe, joyful holiday! May your home be secure, your travels be smooth, and your heart be light. 
By Kim Wilson • October 28, 2025
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By Kim Wilson • October 23, 2025
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We Have a Mural to Prove It