First Time Home Buyers - How To Buy a Home

Dat Nguyen
  • 4.9 (24)
  • Education
  • Weekly Series

First Time Home Buyer Pros is hosted by Dat Nguyen, a Certified Mortgage Advisor and mortgage loan officer in Orange County, California. Each week, Dat breaks down mortgages and the home-buying process so first-time buyers can make smarter decisions about financing, pre-approval, down payments, mortgage rates, offers, closing costs, underwriting, and buying their first home.  Dat Nguyen NMLS 1379110

  1. Episode 1

    1 - The Basics of buying a home from start to finish.

    Buying your first home can feel overwhelming when you don’t know what happens next. In this episode of First Time Homebuyer Pros, Dat Nguyen walks you through the entire home-buying process—from what you should do before speaking with a lender all the way to getting the keys to your first home. You’ll learn: What to check before starting the mortgage processWhy your down payment isn’t the only money you’ll needFinancial moves you should avoid while preparing to buyHow to choose the right mortgage lenderWhat actually happens during mortgage pre-approvalWhy the most you qualify for isn’t always what you should spendHow to choose the right real estate agentWhat makes a strong offer in a competitive marketWhat earnest money is and how it worksWhat happens during the home inspection and appraisalWhat mortgage underwriting is actually looking forWhat “clear to close” meansWhat to expect during the final walkthrough and closing dayIf you’re thinking about buying your first home—even if you’re still months away—this episode will give you a clear roadmap of what to expect and help you avoid many of the surprises first-time buyers run into. Send us Fan Mail Connect with Dat Nguyen: Email: hello@fthbpros.com or dat@elendingteam.com Instagram: @Datloans Everyday Lending Group  NMLS 1379110 Free First-Time Homebuyer Tools: FTHBPros.com Follow First Time Homebuyer Pros so you don’t miss the upcoming deep dives on pre-approval, credit, mortgage rates, writing offers, appraisals, underwriting, and more.

  2. Episode 2

    How to Choose a Mortgage Lender: 10 Questions Every First-Time Home Buyer Should Ask

    Choosing the right mortgage lender is about more than finding the lowest interest rate. In this episode, Dat Nguyen breaks down how first-time home buyers should actually compare mortgage lenders, what questions to ask before getting pre-approved, and how to avoid choosing a lender based on rate alone. You’ll learn how to evaluate: • Loan options and which programs may fit your situation • How much home you can comfortably afford • Your true cash needed to close • What a strong mortgage pre-approval should include • Potential underwriting issues before you enter escrow • Communication and availability when you’re writing an offer • Closing timelines and lender execution • Mortgage rates, points, lender fees, and lender credits • Rate-lock strategy • Red flags to watch for when choosing a mortgage lender The goal isn’t simply to find someone who can get you a mortgage. It’s to find a lender who can explain your options, identify potential problems early, help you understand the numbers, and execute when it matters. Send us Fan Mail Connect with Dat Nguyen: Email: hello@fthbpros.com or dat@elendingteam.com Instagram: @Datloans Everyday Lending Group  NMLS 1379110 Free First-Time Homebuyer Tools: FTHBPros.com Follow First Time Homebuyer Pros so you don’t miss the upcoming deep dives on pre-approval, credit, mortgage rates, writing offers, appraisals, underwriting, and more.

  3. Episode 3

    3 - Choosing a Real Estate Agent

    One of the first steps to home ownership is choosing a real estate agent. I’d like to go over a few ways you can find an agent, and the types of questions you can ask. Want to get connected with a vetted agent right away? We’ve partnered with Home&Money to help you get connected quickly and easily. Simply head over to https://homeandmoney.com/fthb/ and fill out the simple form to be connected right away with a qualified agent! I love working with first time home buyers to help them become more educated in the process, and feel confident with their purchase. I love seeing people go from renting to owning a home and building equity. Some clients buy a starter home, others are buying their forever home. Each person is different and each purchase is unique. That’s also what I love about this, our industry is always changing and staying on top of those trends helps you be a better agent. View the full blog post about Choosing a Real Estate Agent Send us Fan Mail Connect with Dat Nguyen: Email: hello@fthbpros.com or dat@elendingteam.com Instagram: @Datloans Everyday Lending Group  NMLS 1379110 Free First-Time Homebuyer Tools: FTHBPros.com Follow First Time Homebuyer Pros so you don’t miss the upcoming deep dives on pre-approval, credit, mortgage rates, writing offers, appraisals, underwriting, and more.

  4. Episode 4

    Pre-Approval vs. Pre-Qualification: What First-Time Home Buyers Need to Know

    Getting pre-approved for a mortgage is one of the first steps in buying a home—but what does “pre-approved” actually mean? In this episode of the First Time Home Buyer Pros Podcast, Dat Nguyen breaks down the difference between a mortgage pre-qualification and a pre-approval, what lenders are actually reviewing behind the scenes, and why two buyers can both have a pre-approval letter but be at very different levels of readiness. You’ll learn: The difference between a pre-qualification and a pre-approvalWhat lenders review when qualifying you for a mortgageHow income, credit, debts, and assets affect your approvalWhy qualifying for a payment doesn’t mean you should spend that muchHow much cash you may actually need beyond your down paymentWhy the property still needs to be approved after you’re pre-approvedWhat not to change financially before closingThe questions you should ask your lender before shopping for homesWhy getting pre-approved early can help you uncover problems before you’re in escrowThe goal of a good pre-approval isn’t simply to give you a letter—it’s to make sure that when you find the right home, you’re actually prepared to buy it. If you’re thinking about buying your first home and want to understand what you qualify for, what your payment could look like, and what steps you should take next, reach out to our team. Send us Fan Mail Connect with Dat Nguyen: Email: hello@fthbpros.com or dat@elendingteam.com Instagram: @Datloans Everyday Lending Group  NMLS 1379110 Free First-Time Homebuyer Tools: FTHBPros.com Follow First Time Homebuyer Pros so you don’t miss the upcoming deep dives on pre-approval, credit, mortgage rates, writing offers, appraisals, underwriting, and more.

  5. Episode 5

    5 - What is a Credit Score, and is Credit Karma Accurate

    Today I’ll be talking about What is a Credit Score, and is Credit Karma Accurate. See full show notes @ https://fthbpros.com/what-is-a-credit-score-and-is-credit-karma-accurate/ A credit score is a number that represents your creditworthiness. this number is generated from the information in your credit report. the higher your score, the less likely you are to miss payments or default on your loans and obligations. Credit Karma uses the VantageScore 3.0 model to generate its scores, which is a widely used scoring model for credit monitoring. Because each lender has its own criteria for approving loans, your score on Credit Karma may not perfectly align with the score a lender would use to evaluate your loan application. It's accuracy varies heavily on the type of tradelines on your report, and how long ago they were reported as well as the type of loan you are looking for. In summary, Credit Karma is a good way to check your credit score and get an idea of where you stand. However, it's not perfect, and your score will be different than what a lender sees. Mortgage lenders usually use FICO Scores, so it's always best to check with them directly to see what they're looking for. You'll need a good credit score to get a favorable interest rate and loan terms on a mortgage, and better credit scores can not only give you better interest rates, but more buying power. Send us Fan Mail Connect with Dat Nguyen: Email: hello@fthbpros.com or dat@elendingteam.com Instagram: @Datloans Everyday Lending Group  NMLS 1379110 Free First-Time Homebuyer Tools: FTHBPros.com Follow First Time Homebuyer Pros so you don’t miss the upcoming deep dives on pre-approval, credit, mortgage rates, writing offers, appraisals, underwriting, and more.

  6. Episode 6

    6 - What is an FHA Loan?

    Sometimes called the first time home buyers loan, FHA loans are one type of loan that you may come across during your research. We’ll take a closer look at what an FHA loan is and how it might benefit you as a first-time home buyer.  We'll cover the following topics: An Introduction to FHA LoansWhat types of FHA loans are there?What Are the Benefits of an FHA Loan?What additional fees are associated with an FHA loan?What are the income and loan limits for an FHA loan?What homes are eligible for an FHA loan?Are there other loan options with lower down payments than an FHA loan?Other types of FHA loansSee full show notes, article, and details @ https://fthbpros.com/what-is-an-fha-loan/ Join Our Facebook Community @ https://www.facebook.com/groups/fthbpros/ An FHA loan is a mortgage that is insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), a government agency that  is part of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). FHA loans are available to all kinds of borrowers, including first-time home buyers with limited credit histories. This type of loan is attractive to first-time home buyers because it has more flexible lending requirements than a conventional mortgage.  Send us Fan Mail Connect with Dat Nguyen: Email: hello@fthbpros.com or dat@elendingteam.com Instagram: @Datloans Everyday Lending Group  NMLS 1379110 Free First-Time Homebuyer Tools: FTHBPros.com Follow First Time Homebuyer Pros so you don’t miss the upcoming deep dives on pre-approval, credit, mortgage rates, writing offers, appraisals, underwriting, and more.

  7. Episode 7

    7 - Buying an REO or Short Sale Home

    We're talking about buying distressed homes for less than market value, are they worth it?  Raj Sharma brings his knowledge of REO, short sale, and pre-foreclosure homes to the episode, to give you an idea of what these homes are, how to find them, and if they're worth it for a first time home buyer. Raj is a Southern California real estate agent who is a veteran of the 2008 housing crisis, who has worked with the banks in valuations as well as nearly a hundred buyers of distressed homes over the last 13 years. If you are looking for alternate ways to buy homes at a discount, or are looking to buy a home to do a full remodel, hit play! Full Show Notes: https://fthbpros.com/buying-an-reo-or-short-sale-home/ Raj's Contact Info: DRE LIC# 01507253/01886334 Email: Raj@legacyhomesrealty.com Phone: (951) 314-4251 Website: LegacyHomesRealty.com Send us Fan Mail Connect with Dat Nguyen: Email: hello@fthbpros.com or dat@elendingteam.com Instagram: @Datloans Everyday Lending Group  NMLS 1379110 Free First-Time Homebuyer Tools: FTHBPros.com Follow First Time Homebuyer Pros so you don’t miss the upcoming deep dives on pre-approval, credit, mortgage rates, writing offers, appraisals, underwriting, and more.

  8. Episode 8

    8 - How to Save for a Down Payment on a House

    Saving up for a down payment on a house can seem like an impossible task but there are ways to make it happen. I give 8 different tactics that can be used and combined together to help you get your down payment in 12-24 months. See the full article and show notes here: https://fthbpros.com/how-to-save-for-a-down-payment-on-a-house/ Don't let the down payment keep you from getting into a home! Send us Fan Mail Connect with Dat Nguyen: Email: hello@fthbpros.com or dat@elendingteam.com Instagram: @Datloans Everyday Lending Group  NMLS 1379110 Free First-Time Homebuyer Tools: FTHBPros.com Follow First Time Homebuyer Pros so you don’t miss the upcoming deep dives on pre-approval, credit, mortgage rates, writing offers, appraisals, underwriting, and more.

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Ratings & Reviews

4.9
out of 5
24 Ratings

About

First Time Home Buyer Pros is hosted by Dat Nguyen, a Certified Mortgage Advisor and mortgage loan officer in Orange County, California. Each week, Dat breaks down mortgages and the home-buying process so first-time buyers can make smarter decisions about financing, pre-approval, down payments, mortgage rates, offers, closing costs, underwriting, and buying their first home.  Dat Nguyen NMLS 1379110

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