EDUCATION-FIRST BUYER PROGRAM

Your North Metro Atlanta First-Time Homebuyer Roadmap

Confused by mortgage terminology, down payment requirements, or loan qualification? Maria guides you through every step with total transparency and zero high-pressure sales tactics.

Interactive 5-Stage Roadmap Navigator

Stage 01 • 6 to 12 Months Out

Credit Score & Savings Preparation

Building a rock-solid financial foundation so you qualify for the lowest possible interest rates and maximum down payment grant eligibility.

Required Action Checklist:

  • Pull full 3-bureau credit reports (aim for 620+ for Conventional, 640+ for DPA Grants)
  • Pay down high-utilization revolving credit card balances below 30%
  • Avoid opening new credit cards, financing auto loans, or changing jobs
  • Save for earnest money deposit (1–2%) and inspection reserves ($500–$800)
⚠️ Key Pitfall to Avoid: Do NOT make large undocumented cash deposits. Lenders must verify the paper trail of all funds.
Stage 02 • 3 to 6 Months Out

DPA Grant Matching & Mortgage Pre-Approval

Connect with Maria’s vetted network of trusted local lenders to calculate your true purchasing power and screen for Georgia Dream ($10k–$12.5k) and Cobb/Paulding county grants.

Required Action Checklist:

  • Gather 2 years W-2s, 30 days paystubs, and 2 months bank statements
  • Screen for Georgia Dream and local Cobb/Paulding down payment grant programs
  • Determine comfortable monthly payment (PITI + HOA) rather than maximum approval
  • Receive official Verified Pre-Approval Letter to submit with purchase offers
⚠️ Key Pitfall to Avoid: A "Pre-Qualification" is just an estimate. You need a full "Verified Pre-Approval" to compete in North Metro Atlanta.
Stage 03 • 1 to 3 Months Out

Targeted Neighborhood Search & Home Tours

Collaborate with Maria VanVurst to tour homes across Cobb, Cherokee, and Paulding tailored to your lifestyle, school preferences, and budget.

Required Action Checklist:

  • Establish "Must-Haves" vs. "Nice-to-Haves" (Bedrooms, yard, garage, commute distance)
  • Set up automated FMLS real-time alerts for Acworth, Kennesaw, Marietta, and Dallas
  • Attend private buyer tours with Maria to evaluate foundation, roof age, and HVAC condition
  • Analyze neighborhood resale potential, HOA restrictions, and tax rates
⚠️ Key Pitfall to Avoid: Don't rely solely on staging photos. Maria inspects structural age and deferred maintenance during tours.
Stage 04 • Under Contract (Days 1–14)

Offer Strategy, Negotiation & Due Diligence

Crafting a win-win purchase contract with protective contingencies, followed by deep inspection analysis and appraisal review.

Required Action Checklist:

  • Structure competitive offer with earnest money, financing, and appraisal contingencies
  • Hire an ASHI/InterNACHI certified home inspector (and radon testing if needed)
  • Review inspection report with Maria and negotiate repair amendments or seller credits
  • Lender orders independent home appraisal to confirm fair market valuation
⚠️ Key Pitfall to Avoid: Never waive due diligence or inspection rights. Maria protects your earnest money deposit.
Stage 05 • Closing Day (Days 21–30)

Final Walkthrough, Closing & Getting Your Keys

Reviewing the Closing Disclosure (CD), wiring final funds safely, signing paperwork with the closing attorney, and receiving your keys.

Required Action Checklist:

  • Receive "Clear to Close" from lender 3+ days before closing date
  • Review Closing Disclosure (CD) line-by-line with Maria and your lender
  • Perform final walkthrough of property to verify repairs and clean condition
  • Wire closing funds directly to closing attorney escrow following strict wire safety protocols
  • Sign final documents and celebrate receiving the keys to your new home!
⚠️ Key Pitfall to Avoid: Always verbally verify wire instructions directly with the closing attorney office by phone before sending any funds.
Vetted Lending Network

Need Help Getting Pre-Approved?

Trusted North Metro Atlanta Lending Partners

Pre-approval is your golden ticket in North Metro Atlanta. Maria has built strong relationships with top local lenders who specialize in first-time buyer loan programs, Down Payment Assistance (DPA) grants, and custom financing.

  • Competitive Rates & Transparent Loan Estimates
  • Specialized Cobb, Cherokee & Paulding Grant Matching
  • Fast pre-approval coordination & zero-pressure guidance
Zero Pressure Consultation

Schedule Your First-Time Buyer Strategy Call

Maria VanVurst | Realtor®, SRES®

Have questions about where to start? Let’s review your target budget, desired school districts in Cobb, Cherokee, or Paulding, and map out your personalized timeline.

  • Customized buyer purchasing timeline
  • Grant eligibility & local neighborhood review
  • 100% Educational, zero sales pressure

Schedule Your First-Time Buyer Strategy Call

Maria VanVurst
Maria VanVurst

Agent License ID: 419604

+1(678) 283-2038

Acworth, Georgia 30101, USA

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MORTGAGE CALCULATOR (FHA Loan Setup Assumed)

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Mortgage values are calculated by Lofty and are for illustration purposes only, accuracy is not guaranteed.

Maria's Hand-Picked Listings for First Time Home Buyers

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

First-Time Buyer Questions Answered

Clear answers to help you navigate down payments, agent fees, and loan pre-approvals.

No! Most first-time buyers put down 3% to 5% with conventional or FHA loans. Additionally, eligible Georgia Dream and USDA programs offer down payment assistance or 0% down financing options.

Maria provides full representation, fiduciary advocacy, and negotiation coaching under a transparent buyer broker agreement, with compensation typically structured through seller concessions at closing.

Most FHA programs accept credit scores starting at 580 to 620, while conventional loans typically prefer 620 to 640+. Maria and Josh Holley (Movement Mortgage) can help you create a custom credit roadmap if you need to boost your score before applying.

Maria Makes Moves Over and Over Again...

My parents and I selected Maria to help with their journey to an Assisted Living Center. After decades in their home, Maria understood the sensitivity of downsizing and selling their house. She had a comprehensive marketing plan and strategy to meet their needs. During the process, she constantly kept us updated and gave solid recommendations of how to position their home in the market. We were pleased with the final outcome and highly recommend Maria. She is outstanding and truly cares about her clients.
Michelle Robinson
Honest, thoughtful, dilligent, knowledgeable and driven are words I’d use to describe Maria. Working with her buying and selling was a wonderful experience. She had answers to all my questions and provided top notch advice when I needed it. Highly recommend!
san 87
My parents and I selected Maria to help with their journey to an Assisted Living Center. After decades in their home, Maria understood the sensitivity of downsizing and selling their house. She had a comprehensive marketing plan and strategy to meet their needs.During the process, she constantly kept us updated and gave solid recommendations of how to position their home in the market. We were pleased with the final outcome and highly recommend Maria. She is outstanding and truly cares about her clients.
michellemrobinson18
I don't even know where to start. You deserve all the stars out there and more. Thank you for helping us with our first house. If you're out there, and looking to get a place, please look no further. You're with the right person. Maria is so relatable, and super nice. I can't even start to write down our short, but great experience with Maria. I'll have lots of paragraphs. Just believe me when I say, she's a great person, and loves what she does. We look forward to more deals in the future. Thank you so much.
Omoyeni Kemp
If I could give Maria more stars, I would. After looking for another rental to move into and being tired of the landlord and rental situation in Paudling County, I talked to her. Expecting to be a year out, she got me in touch with a lender who approved me, and I was able to find a place, get an offer accepted with very favorable terms for myself (due to her wonderful negotiation skills), and close everything in about a month's time. I couldn't be more pleased with the creative approach she was able to deploy to the whole situation.
Rob Kemp
I can't recommend Maria enough. This is my second transaction with her, this time to help my mom. Maria went above and beyond. This deal was a little tricky, but at anytime I could have whispered "what would you do?" and Maria would give me honest feedback. But still allow me space to make a decision. Needless to say we got what we needed. Sign, sealed, and delivered. I look forward to working with her again and would recommend over and over.
Max Pierre Jr