Buying your first piece of real estate is an exciting step. Whether you’re planning to live in it, rent it out, or flip it, financing your first real estate deal can feel overwhelming.
But don’t worry—you don’t need to be rich or have perfect credit to get started. With the right approach, smart planning, and a good understanding of your options, you can get the funding you need to make that first deal happen.
1. Know Your Financial Health
Before you even start looking at properties, you need to understand your financial position. This includes:
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Credit score
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Debt-to-income (DTI) ratio
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Income stability
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Savings or liquid assets
Lenders will evaluate these factors before giving you any kind of loan. A credit score of 620 or higher is often the minimum required for most mortgage options, though the higher, the better.
If your score is low, spend a few months improving it by paying off debts and lowering your credit utilization.
2. Understand the Different Financing Options
When it comes to financing your first real estate deal, you have several choices. The best one depends on your goals, risk tolerance, and budget.
A. Traditional Bank Mortgage
This is the most common financing method for homebuyers. You borrow from a bank or credit union and pay back the loan with interest over 15 to 30 years.
Pros:
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Low interest rates (if you have good credit)
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Predictable monthly payments
Cons:
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Requires a down payment (usually 10%–20%)
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Strict approval process
B. FHA Loans (Government-Backed)
If you’re a first-time buyer with limited savings or lower credit, FHA loans are a great option. You can qualify with as little as 3.5% down and a credit score of 580.
Tip: You’ll need to live in the property as your primary residence for at least a year.
C. Hard Money Loans
These are short-term loans typically used by real estate investors. The lender focuses more on the property’s value than your credit history.
Pros:
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Fast approval
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Ideal for fix-and-flip projects
Cons:
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High interest rates
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Short repayment period (usually 12 months)
D. Private Money Lenders
These are individuals—friends, family, or local investors—who lend you money for your deal.
Pros:
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Flexible terms
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Easier to negotiate
Cons:
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Risk to personal relationships
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Not always easy to find
E. Seller Financing
In this arrangement, the seller acts as the lender and you make monthly payments to them instead of a bank.
Pros:
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No banks involved
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Can be faster and more flexible
Cons:
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Not every seller is open to it
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May involve higher interest rates
F. House Hacking
This is when you buy a multi-unit property (like a duplex or triplex), live in one unit, and rent out the others. The rental income can help cover your mortgage.
You can often use an FHA loan for this strategy with just 3.5% down.
3. Save for a Down Payment (and Other Costs)
Most financing options require a down payment, and the amount can vary depending on the loan type. You’ll also need to budget for:
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Closing costs (2%–5% of the purchase price)
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Inspection fees
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Repairs or renovations
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Property taxes and insurance
Tip: Set up a savings plan early. Automate deposits into a separate real estate savings account to stay consistent.
4. Get Pre-Approved
Getting pre-approved by a lender shows sellers you’re serious and helps you know how much you can afford.
The process involves submitting documents like:
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Proof of income
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Bank statements
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Tax returns
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Credit report
Once pre-approved, you’ll receive a letter stating how much the lender is willing to give you. This strengthens your position when making offers.
5. Build a Solid Team
Real estate is rarely a solo journey—especially when financing is involved. Surround yourself with a few key professionals:
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Mortgage broker or loan officer
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Real estate agent
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Real estate attorney (optional but helpful)
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Financial advisor (especially if you’re investing)
A great team can help you avoid costly mistakes and guide you toward smarter decisions.
6. Consider Partnering
If you’re short on funds or credit, you can partner with someone who brings what you lack. For example, you might bring the deal and handle the work, while a partner brings the cash or financing power.
Make sure to have a clear, legal agreement in place that defines roles, responsibilities, and profit splits.
7. Explore Local and Federal Assistance Programs
There are many programs designed to help first-time buyers. These can include:
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Grants for down payments
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Tax credits
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Low-interest loans
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First-time buyer assistance programs
Check with your state housing authority or HUD (Department of Housing and Urban Development) for options available in your area.
8. Avoid Common Mistakes
When financing your first real estate deal, be careful not to:
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Overestimate what you can afford
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Skip inspections or appraisals
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Ignore the total cost of ownership
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Rush into a deal without running the numbers
Take your time, and make sure your cash flow, goals, and loan terms all align.
Final Thoughts
Financing your first real estate deal doesn’t have to be intimidating. With careful planning, smart research, and the right support, you can move from dreaming to doing.
Start by understanding your finances, learn your loan options, and build a team that will support you through your journey. Real estate is a long-term game—but the first deal is the one that gets you in the game.
Important Links
Smart Real Estate Tips for Selling Your Home in a Slow Market
How to Invest in Rental Properties
10 Smart Tips for First-Time Home Buyers (Don’t Skip #6!)
10 Smart Ways to Increase Your Home’s Value Before Selling
How to Invest in Commercial Property
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