Buying your first home is exciting — and it can feel overwhelming. That's normal. My job is to make it simple and stress-free, one step at a time, with honest communication and advice tailored to you. Here's how we do it.

Step 1: Talk, then get pre-approved.

We start with a conversation about your goals, timeline, and the neighborhoods that fit your life. Then a local lender reviews your income, assets, and credit and gives you a pre-approval letter. That letter is a ceiling, not a target payment — and sellers take a pre-approved buyer much more seriously. I can connect you with local lenders I trust.

Step 2: Ask about down-payment help early.

This matters: some programs have to be set up with your first mortgage, not added later. The main one to know in Colorado is CHFA — the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority. CHFA doesn't lend directly; you borrow through a CHFA participating lender. Its FirstStep program is a 30-year fixed FHA loan for first-time buyers (and qualified veterans, or buyers in targeted areas), with down-payment assistance as a second mortgage — and with FirstStep, that assistance is a second mortgage only, not a grant. Other CHFA programs exist for different situations, and there are other Front Range options too, including metroDPA and programs through the Impact Development Fund. Income and purchase-price limits vary by county, household size, and program, and they change — so I won't quote a number here that could be out of date. A participating lender can confirm what's current for you, and CHFA requires an approved homebuyer education course before closing.

Step 3: Search, tour, and choose.

We'll set up a personalized home search with real-time updates, and tour homes in person or by video. I'll help you think about the things that matter beyond the photos: the neighborhood, the condition, the HOA and metro district if there is one, and what the home will actually cost you to own.

Step 4: Offer, inspection, appraisal, closing.

When we find the right home, I'll help you craft an offer — price, terms, and timing, not just price. After acceptance, we'll hire an independent inspector, review the report together, and decide what to ask for. Your lender will order an appraisal, and we'll manage every deadline — inspection, appraisal, title, and loan — so nothing slips through the cracks.

What it costs, honestly.

Costs and timelines vary widely, so I won't quote inspection or closing-cost figures here — confirm them with your lender and title company for your specific purchase. What I will tell you up front is what to expect at each step, so there are no surprises.

A note from me.

I love working with first-time buyers. You ask good questions, you care about getting it right, and you deserve someone who will explain the ins and outs without rushing you. That's how I work — and if you need a realtor who will be on your side and tell you the truth, even when it's not what you hoped to hear, I'm here. Contact Kelly

Ready to start?

Call me at (970) 820-0750, email KellyRenzRealEstate@gmail.com, or request a no-obligation consultation. Contact Kelly · Buying a home in Fort Collins · Fort Collins real estate FAQs