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Essential Things First-Time Home Buyers Must Know: Your Ultimate Guide

24-Nov-2025 | Home Loan Eligibility

Essential Things First-Time Home Buyers Must Know: Your Ultimate Guide

Buying your first home is an exhilarating milestone, but it can often feel like navigating a maze. From managing finances to understanding paperwork, the process requires meticulous planning. Following are the essentials things every first-time home buyer must know to make their homeownership journey smooth:

1. Check and Improve Your Credit Score

Your credit score is the first thing a lender will look at. A high credit score (generally 750 or above) not only increases your chances of home loan approval but also qualifies you for the best interest rates, saving you lakhs over the loan tenure. Before applying for a loan, get your free credit score check and address any discrepancies.

2. Understand Your Affordability & Budget

Don't just look at the property price; consider the total cost, including the down payment, registration charges, stamp duty, property tax, and future maintenance. A good rule of thumb is to calculate your maximum comfortable Equated Monthly Installment (EMI), ensuring it doesn't exceed 40-50% of your net monthly income.

3. Factor in the Down Payment and Other Costs

While financial institutions typically finance a significant portion, you need to save for the down payment (usually 10% to 30% of the property value) and closing costs (like stamp duty, registration, and legal fees), which can add another 5-10% to the total price.

4. Research Location and Future Value

The location is everything. Investigate the neighbourhood's infrastructure (roads, water, power), proximity to essential amenities (schools, hospitals, workplaces), and potential for future appreciation. A well-researched location secures both your lifestyle and your investment.

5. Conduct a Thorough Property Inspection

Never skip a professional property inspection. This survey will uncover potential structural, electrical, or plumbing issues that could lead to costly repairs down the line. Use the inspection report to negotiate repairs or a price reduction.

6. Verify All Legal Documents

Property fraud is a real concern. Vet all legal documents like the Title Deed, Sale Agreement, Building Plan Approval, and Encumbrance Certificate with a qualified legal expert. If you are buying a flat, ensure the builder has all the necessary permissions, including the Occupancy Certificate (OC).

7. Don't Forget Home Insurance

Home insurance is often overlooked but is a vital protection for your most significant asset against unforeseen damages like fire, natural calamities, or theft. 

8. Utilise Online Financial Tools

Modern technology has made the initial planning much simpler. Take advantage of free online tools like an EMI calculator to project your monthly outgo, an eligibility checker to know your approximate loan amount, and a free credit score checker to ensure financial readiness.

Pro Tip: Aavas Financiers offers a free online eligibility checker, an EMI calculator, and a free credit score checker to empower your home-buying journey right from the start. Knowing your numbers helps you negotiate with confidence.


Complete First-Time Home Buyer Checklist


Use this step-by-step checklist to keep your home-buying process on track:

Phase

Action Item

Status (Done/To Do)

Financial Preparation

Check and improve Credit Score (Use Aavas' Free Tool)



Calculate maximum affordable EMI (Use Aavas' EMI Calculator)



Determine total budget (Property Cost + Down Payment + Other Costs)



Save funds for Down Payment and Closing Costs


Loan & Budget

Use Aavas' Free Eligibility Checker to estimate loan amount



Gather required income and identity documents (KYC)



Get Home Loan Pre-Approval from a lender


Property Search

Finalise preferred location based on amenities and future growth



Prepare a list of 'must-haves' vs. 'nice-to-haves'



Appoint a trusted real estate agent



Shortlist and visit properties within your budget


Purchase & Closing

Make an offer and negotiate the price



Get a professional Home Inspection done



Verify all legal documents with a lawyer



Secure final Home Loan approval



Purchase Home Insurance



Pay stamp duty, registration, and other closing costs



Complete the transaction and take possession!




First-Time Home Buyer FAQs


Q1. How much money do I need to save upfront as a first-time buyer?

You should aim to save for the down payment (typically 10% to 30% of the property value) plus the closing costs (which can range from 5% to 10% of the property value) for a safe financial buffer. These upfront costs are significant and separate from your monthly EMI.

Q2. What is the minimum credit score required for a home loan?

While requirements vary by lender, a credit score of 750 or higher is generally considered good. A higher score signifies lower risk and helps you secure the best interest rates. You can quickly check your score using the Aavas free credit score checker.

Q3. Is it better to choose a fixed or floating interest rate?

A fixed rate keeps your EMI constant throughout the loan tenure, offering certainty when interest rates are expected to rise. A floating rate is linked to market conditions and is usually lower initially, but your EMI can change. The choice depends on your risk appetite and market outlook.

Q4. What is the significance of the Home Loan Eligibility Checker?

The Eligibility Checker (like the one offered by Aavas) is a free tool that gives you an instant, approximate estimate of the maximum loan amount you can borrow based on your income, age, and existing liabilities. This calculation helps you set a realistic budget for your property hunt, saving you time and effort.


Conclusion: Your Homeownership Dream Awaits

Buying a first home is a monumental financial and emotional undertaking. By adhering to these 10 essential tips and using your First-Time Home Buyer Checklist, you can approach the process with clarity and confidence. Leveraging digital tools like the Aavas free eligibility checker, EMI calculator, and credit score checker will give you a significant advantage in planning your finances efficiently. Start your journey today—your dream home is closer than you think!

Ready to calculate your dream? Would you like me to find the link to the Aavas free eligibility checker or EMI calculator for you to start your financial planning immediately?


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