First-Time Home Buyers in Columbia, SC

What first-time buyers in Columbia need to know

As a first-time home buyer in Columbia, SC, you will hear a lot of new words in a short time: pre-approval, earnest money, due diligence, appraisal, closing disclosure. None of them are hard once someone explains them. The trouble is that most first-time buyers hear them for the first time in the middle of a contract, with a deadline attached.

You probably also need less saved than you think. Twenty percent down is not a requirement for most buyers, and depending on the loan program, some buyers put down much less. What you do need is a clear picture of your credit, your savings, and your monthly comfort zone before you start looking. This page is for anyone buying a first home in Columbia or the Midlands, including people who are not sure they are ready yet.

Talk about my first home

Talk about my first home Call (803) 422-2226

Or read how we do it, step by step

How we help first-time buyers

At Taylored Realty Team, Terry and Yolanda Taylor teach first. Every term gets explained in plain language before it matters, and every document gets explained before you sign it. We would rather you ask a question twice than sign something you do not understand.

Sometimes the right answer is "not yet," and that is fine. Early in his career, Terry worked with a young mother whose credit and income were not ready. She, her lender, and our team built a plan, and we checked in with her for five years until she bought her home. Fifteen years later, she and her daughter still live there. Our line for every buyer: "Everyone can purchase a home, it's just a matter of when." The steps are laid out in how we help you get ready.

What you get

A first meeting about you: your goals, your timeline, and what you need to feel confident.
Help getting pre-approved and understanding the difference between what a lender will lend and what you want to spend each month.
Plain-language walkthroughs of earnest money, due diligence, inspections, appraisal, and closing, before each one happens.
A search focused on homes you can actually win, so you are not touring for months.
Someone on your side at every step, through the final walkthrough and the closing table.

A first-time buyer told us: "Yolanda and Terry were amazing in explaining the process to me and helping me understand each steps before they happened!" For the details, read five steps for first-time buyers in the Midlands and buying with little money down.

First homes across the Midlands

First-time buyers find homes all over the area, from brick ranches in Southeast Columbia to newer subdivisions in Northeast Columbia. See first-time buying in Columbia, or explore West Columbia, Lexington, Blythewood, and Elgin.

When you are ready to talk, contact Taylored Realty Team. The first conversation is all about you, and there is no pressure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need 20% down to buy my first home?

No. Many buyers put down much less, depending on the loan program and their situation. A lender can tell you which programs fit you, and we can help you find one.

What credit score do I need?

It depends on the loan program. A lender is the right person to give you a number. If your score is not there yet, we can help you build a plan and check in with you along the way.

Does it cost me anything to talk with you?

No. Our first conversation is free and there is no obligation. We go over our buyer agency agreement in plain language before you sign anything.