![](https://www.showcaseocala.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/GroupShot2_2019WithLouisa_copy.png)
Buying a home for the first time can be exciting, intimidating, and mystifying. It’s uncharted territory, but you don’t have to venture into it blind. Here are ten tips and tricks to help you buy a home like a pro!
Hire a Showcase agent
![](https://www.showcaseocala.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/GroupShot2_2019WithLouisa_sm-300x119.png)
Save and build credit early
![A piggy bank, money, and house.](https://www.showcaseocala.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/ING_33594_216210-300x200.jpg)
Keep extra charges in mind
![Real estate agent showing the purchase price on a calculator to a client.](https://www.showcaseocala.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/ISS_17053_01123_2-300x200.jpg)
Figure out which mortgage is right for you
![Real estate agent to present the property (house) to customer](https://www.showcaseocala.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/ISS_17053_01069_2-300x200.jpg)
Get a preapproval letter
A preapproval letter can be obtained from a lender and confirms how much they will be willing to lend you based on your hard financial data. Having one of these in hand will not only give you peace of mind about getting a loan, but will also let sellers know that you mean business and are serious about buying a home. Learn more about getting Preapproved and Prequalified.
Stay below your budget ceiling
![couple with paper bills and calculator at home](https://www.showcaseocala.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/ING_33594_264722-300x200.jpg)
Know what you want
![A beautiful home.](https://www.showcaseocala.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/pexels-binyamin-mellish-186077-300x205.jpg)
Research neighborhoods
![A neighborhood aerial view.](https://www.showcaseocala.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/pexels-david-mcbee-1546168-300x200.jpg)
Make a strong offer—but avoid a bidding war
![hand shaking after meeting finish in office](https://www.showcaseocala.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/ISS_23462_00006-300x200.jpg)
Buy homeowner’s insurance
![A summer storm with a rainbow.](https://www.showcaseocala.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/ISS_5266_13084-300x200.jpg)
Read more in our comprehensive Guide for First-Time Homebuyers in Marion County.
Not sure whether or not you’re ready to buy your first home? Take a look at this infographic to see the benefits of buying over renting. For more info on buying a home for the first time, contact us! Showcase Properties is here to make your dream of homeownership a reality.
![](https://www.showcaseocala.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/homebuyers-01-scaled.jpg)