Start with your budget, not the listings
Your monthly payment includes principal, interest, property taxes, homeowners insurance and, in many cases, HOA dues and mortgage insurance. In this area, property taxes are a meaningful part of the payment, so ask Ingrid to pull the actual tax bill for any home you're considering.
A lender can give you a pre-approval, but you decide what's comfortable. Leave room for savings, maintenance and life.
Illinois first-time home buyer programs
The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) offers down payment and closing cost assistance for eligible buyers, typically paired with an IHDA-approved lender. Programs, amounts and income limits change, so confirm current details directly with IHDA or an approved lender.
Other options worth asking about include FHA loans, conventional loans with low down payments, VA loans for eligible service members and veterans, and employer or credit-union programs.
Have a question about your move?
Get straightforward answers from a local agent who knows Naperville, Aurora, Plainfield and nearby towns block by block.
Your first-time buyer checklist
- Check your credit and pay down high-interest debt.
- Gather two years of tax returns, recent pay stubs and bank statements.
- Get pre-approved.
- Meet with Ingrid to set priorities and sign a buyer agreement.
- Tour homes and compare them against recent sales.
- Make an offer, then complete attorney review and inspections.
- Close and get your keys.
Still deciding?
If you're not sure buying makes sense yet, read rent vs. buy. It's fine to rent while you save. Ingrid will help you plan either way.