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What this guide helps you do
First-time buyers do not need to know everything on day one. They do need a clean checklist, a realistic budget, and a process that keeps big decisions from piling up during the inspection period.
First-time buyer checklist
First-Time Scottsdale Buyer Checklist
A first-time Scottsdale buyer checklist covering finances, lender documents, neighborhood priorities, inspections, insurance, HOA review, and moving timeline.
Start my first-time buyer planThe biggest first-time buyer mistake
Many first-time buyers focus only on the mortgage payment. A stronger plan includes full ownership costs, commute reality, inspection risk, insurance quotes, and whether the neighborhood fits everyday life.
First-time buyer checklist
- Review credit, savings, monthly debt, income stability, and payment comfort.
- Gather pay stubs, W-2s, tax returns if self-employed, bank statements, IDs, and gift-fund documentation if applicable.
- Ask a lender about loan type, down payment, closing costs, assistance programs, and estimated monthly payment.
- Choose must-have neighborhood factors: commute, schools, lifestyle, walkability, golf, hiking, dining, and airport access.
- Save extra for inspections, appraisal, insurance, moving, utility deposits, repairs, furniture, and maintenance.
- Review HOA rules, dues, reserves, rental restrictions, pet rules, parking, and community fees before deadlines pass.
- Get insurance quotes early, especially for homes with older roofs, pools, claims history, or unique features.
- Create a moving timeline with lease dates, school enrollment, work start dates, utility transfers, and closing target.
How Sharon helps
Use this checklist to narrow the search, prepare stronger questions, and avoid surprises during the inspection, financing, HOA, and closing stages.
Scottsdale buyer help
Get a buyer plan around your budget, timeline, and area shortlist.
Sharon Terhune with eXp Realty can help you compare homes, neighborhoods, new builds, resale properties, and purchase steps before you make decisions under pressure.
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