First-Time Homebuyer Roadmap
Credit Score & Savings Preparation
Building a rock-solid financial foundation so you qualify for the lowest possible interest rates and 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)
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
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
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
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!
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 a vetted network of 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
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

Frequently Asked First-Time Homebuyer Questions
Clear answers to the most common questions our buyers ask.
You do not need 20% down! Many conventional loans require as little as 3% to 5% down, and FHA loans require 3.5%. Furthermore, Georgia Dream and local Cobb/Paulding down payment grant programs can provide between $10,000 to $15,000+ in assistance for eligible buyers.
Most standard FHA programs require a minimum credit score of 580 to 620, while Conventional loans generally look for 620 to 640+. Down payment assistance grant programs typically require a 640+ middle credit score. If your credit is not quite there yet, Maria and our vetted lending partners will outline a custom credit-repair roadmap.
In standard Georgia real estate transactions, buyer representation agreements outline agent compensation, which is historically negotiated and covered from transaction proceeds by the seller. Maria will walk you through the agreement in complete transparency during your initial consultation with zero hidden surprises.
Earnest money is a good-faith deposit (typically 1% to 2% of the purchase price) held in an escrow account once an offer is accepted. It demonstrates to the seller that you are committed. It is credited directly toward your down payment and closing costs at the closing table.







