Do Good Mortgage

The moment you get the keys, the real work begins. 🔑🏡

Most people think closing day is the finish line, but what you do on Day 1 sets the tone for your entire homeownership journey. Don't skip these crucial maintenance and security steps before you start unpacking boxes! 📦📦

Save this checklist for your first day in the new house:
1️⃣ Swap out all exterior locks & toilet seats (Prioritize your security and hygiene first thing!)
2️⃣ Do a complete deep clean before unpacking (It’s 10x harder to scrub floors once furniture is in the way.)
3️⃣ Verify your homeowner’s insurance coverage is active (Ensure your policy is officially in effect today.)
4️⃣ Flush and maintenance the water heater (Clear out built-up sediment to extend its lifespan.)
5️⃣ File for your local property tax exemptions (Don't leave free money on the table—apply early.)
6️⃣ Find the main water valve, gas line, and breaker box (You need to know exactly where these are before an emergency happens.)
7️⃣ Put in fresh HVAC air filters (Start fresh with clean, breathable air.)
8️⃣ Keep a digital copy of your inspection report nearby (Your manual for any future repairs or quirks.)

👉 Are you actually ready to navigate the buying process?

Comment "QUIZ" to take our first-time homebuyer quiz and see if you’re prepared for the hidden steps of buying a home! 📊 Let's get you ready for Day 1.

Is saving a 20% down payment actually saving you money?

Spoiler: Usually, no.

In a competitive market like Portland, chasing that 20% milestone often means you’re chasing a moving target. While you’re sitting on the sidelines saving, home values are quietly ticking up.

Let’s look at how the math actually plays out on a $500,000 home:

🔹 Scenario A: Wait for 20%
You hit pause to save $100,000. If the market appreciates by just a modest 4% this year, that same house now costs $520,000. You just priced yourself out of an extra $20,000 in built-in equity, all to avoid a temporary fee.

🔹 Scenario B: Buy Now with 5% Down
You buy the home today at $500,000 using a 5% down payment ($25,000). Yes, you’ll pay Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI). But that PMI might only run you $150–$200 a month. Over the year, you spend roughly $2,000 in PMI—but you gained $20,000 in equity as the home appreciated.

The Reality?

PMI isn't a penalty. It’s leverage. It’s the bridge that gets you into the game early so your net worth grows with the market instead of being left behind.

But down payment strategy is just one piece of the puzzle. If you're trying to figure out if you're actually ready to make the leap from renting to buying, you don't have to guess.

Comment "QUIZ" below, and I’ll send you my First-Time Homebuyer Readiness Quiz. It breaks down your numbers, timeline, and goals to give you a clear, no-nonsense roadmap for your next steps.

Waiting until you have $20K saved to buy a home? You might be a lot closer than you think. 🏠✨

⚠️ Educational purposes only. Program availability varies by qualification.

Thinking you need a massive fortune in the bank keeps so many great people from homeownership. In reality, multiple loan programs exist to help you get the keys much sooner than you think:

➡️ FHA Loan: Put down just 3.5% (approx. $14,000 on a $400k home) with flexible credit guidelines.
➡️ Conventional First-Time Buyer: Move in with as little as 3% down if you qualify.
➡️ VA & USDA Loans: True 0% down options for eligible military families or specific rural/suburban areas.
➡️ Down Payment Assistance: Local grants and programs that can help cover your upfront costs.

What about PMI? Waiting years to save up and avoid it often costs more than the fee itself while home prices keep climbing. You are likely much closer to owning a home than you realize.

💬 Want to know if you're officially ready?

Comment the word "QUIZ" below, and I’ll instantly DM you our quick 60-second First-Time Homebuyer Quiz to see exactly where you stand and what your next steps should be! 📲👇