Buying your first home is a huge and exciting milestone!
For many first-time buyers, especially within the Vietnamese community here in Omaha, the process can feel confusing or overwhelming at first.
Don’t worry — with the right guidance and preparation, buying your dream home can be easier than you think.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the essential steps you need to know before you start house hunting!
Before you look at homes, you need to know what you can afford.
Ask yourself:
How much savings do you have for a down payment?
What is your monthly budget for a mortgage payment?
How is your credit score?
👉 Tip: A higher credit score (above 620, ideally above 700) can help you qualify for better loan programs with lower interest rates.
Pre-approval shows sellers that you are serious and ready to buy.
It also gives you a clear idea of your price range.
Getting pre-approved is simple:
Talk to a lender
Submit basic financial documents (like pay stubs, taxes)
Receive a letter showing how much you are approved to borrow
👉 Tip: I can recommend trusted local lenders who understand the needs of first-time buyers and offer programs with low down payments.
Buying a home is not just about the down payment.
You also need to budget for:
Closing costs (about 2-5% of the home price)
Home inspection fees
Moving expenses
Homeowner’s insurance
Property taxes
Having a Realtor® who understands your needs — especially one who speaks your language and knows your culture — can make a big difference.
As your agent, I will:
Help you find homes that fit your needs and budget
Negotiate the best deal for you
Guide you through every step of the contract and closing process
It’s easy to get distracted by beautiful kitchens or big backyards.
But always focus on what really matters:
Location
Safety of the neighborhood
Distance to work, school, or family
Number of bedrooms and bathrooms
Long-term value
👉 Tip: Remember, you can always renovate cosmetic things later — but you can’t move the location!
Even if a house looks perfect, it’s important to have a professional home inspection.
This helps you avoid costly surprises later, like hidden plumbing or foundation problems.
👉 Tip: I can recommend trusted inspectors who are thorough and easy to work with.
In Omaha, homes — especially affordable homes — can sell quickly.
If you love a house, be prepared to make an offer fast, but don’t feel pressured.
We’ll review everything together to make sure you’re making the right move.
Buying your first home is a big journey, but you don’t have to do it alone.
With the right preparation, the right team, and the right guidance, you’ll be holding the keys to your new home before you know it!
If you’re thinking about buying a home in Omaha, I would be honored to guide you through every step — in English or Vietnamese.
👉 Contact me today to get started!
Anh Pham – REALTOR® at Nebraska Realty
📞 Phone: 402-612-0099
📧 Email: anhpham@nebraskarealty.com
📥 Facebook: Anh Pham, Realtor at Nebraska Realty
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