First-Time Home Buyers
Buying Your First Home Starts Here
Whether you're just starting to explore or you're ready to buy, we'll guide you through every step — from getting pre-approved to receiving the keys to your new home.
- First-Time Buyer Specialists
- English & Spanish
- Local Central Texas Experts
- Personalized Home Buying Guidance
Coronado Realty Group
"No Dream Is Too Big"
Why work with us
A real advocate in your corner
Buying your first home is one of the biggest financial decisions of your life. You deserve a team that treats it that way.
Personalized Strategy
A buying plan built around your budget, timeline, and lifestyle — not a one-size-fits-all script.
Step-by-Step Guidance
We walk you through every document, deadline, and decision so nothing catches you off guard.
Local Market Expertise
Deep knowledge of Waco, Woodway, Hewitt, China Spring, and every corner of McLennan County.
Mortgage Guidance
We connect you with trusted local lenders and translate the loan estimates into plain English.
Down Payment Assistance
We help you access Texas grants, TSAHC, TDHCA, and other programs many buyers don't know about.
Expert Negotiation
You get an advocate who negotiates price, repairs, closing costs, and terms — never the seller's agent.
Contract-to-Closing Support
From offer to keys, we manage inspections, appraisals, and every deadline for you.
Bilingual Service
Full service in English and Spanish. Se habla español — porque comprar casa merece claridad.
Home buying roadmap
Seven clear steps from dreaming to keys
A predictable, transparent process — with a real person walking beside you at every step.
- 1
Get Pre-Approved
A lender reviews your income, credit, and debt to tell you what you can borrow — and gives you a letter sellers take seriously.
- 2
Set Your Budget
We map out payment, taxes, insurance, HOA, and cash-to-close so you know your true comfortable range.
- 3
Search for Homes
You get MLS-direct listings the moment they hit the market, filtered to your must-haves.
- 4
Tour Properties
We walk homes with you — pointing out red flags, resale potential, and what's worth the price.
- 5
Make an Offer
We build a strategic offer with the right price, timeline, and contingencies to win without overpaying.
- 6
Inspection & Appraisal
Independent inspections and lender appraisal confirm the home's condition and value before you commit.
- 7
Closing Day
You sign, we celebrate, and the keys are yours. Then we stay in touch long after.
Mortgage calculator
See your estimated monthly payment
Numbers update as you type. This is an estimate — a lender pre-approval gives you the exact figure.
How much do you actually need?
You probably need less than you think
Most first-time buyers qualify with far less than 20% down. Here's what to budget for.
Down Payment
As little as 0-3.5% for many first-time buyers. You do not need 20% down to buy a great home.
Closing Costs
Typically 2-4% of the price. Often negotiable — sellers can help pay a portion.
Earnest Money
Usually 1% of the sales price, held in escrow to show the seller you're serious. Credited back to you at closing.
Inspection Costs
Around $400-$600 for a full home inspection. Optional add-ons like termite or pool inspections cost extra.
Appraisal Fees
Roughly $500-$700, paid to the lender's appraiser to confirm the home's value.
Moving Costs
$500 for a rental truck, $1,500-$4,000 for local movers. Budget for utility deposits too.
Loan programs
There's a loan built for your situation
From zero-down VA loans to Texas grants, we help you find the right program — not just any program.
580+ credit
FHA Loans
Best for buyers with lower credit scores or smaller down payments. As little as 3.5% down.
See if you qualify0% down
VA Loans
Zero down, no PMI, competitive rates. For active-duty military, veterans, and eligible spouses.
See if you qualify0% down
USDA Loans
Zero down for eligible rural areas — much of McLennan County outside Waco city limits qualifies.
See if you qualify620+ credit
Conventional Loans
Flexible terms for stronger credit and steady income. As little as 3% down for first-time buyers.
See if you qualifyTexas grants
Down Payment Assistance
TSAHC and TDHCA offer Texas grants and forgivable second loans that can cover down payment and closing costs.
See if you qualifyFirst-time buyer mistakes
Avoid the traps that derail deals
These are the six most common ways buyers accidentally sabotage their own closing. Don't let them happen to you.
Shopping before you're pre-approved
Opening new credit cards during the process
Changing jobs during escrow
Skipping the home inspection to win a bid
Overspending your max approval amount
Forgetting property taxes, insurance, HOA, and maintenance
Frequently asked questions
Everything first-time buyers ask us
Still have questions? We'd rather have the conversation than have you guess.
You can qualify for an FHA loan with a score as low as 580 (sometimes 500 with 10% down). Conventional loans typically want 620+. VA and USDA are flexible. A better score means a better rate — we'll connect you with a lender who can help you improve yours if needed.
Free download
The Central Texas First-Time Home Buyer's Guide
A step-by-step, no-fluff PDF covering pre-approval, down payment assistance, offer strategy, closing costs, and the exact questions to ask every lender.
Coronado Realty GroupFirst-Time
Home Buyer's
GuideCentral Texas · 2026
Home Buyer's
GuideCentral Texas · 2026
- 32-page PDF
- Pre-approval checklist
- Down payment programs
- EN & ES available
Send me the free guide
Enter your info and we'll email the guide right away.
Home buyer resources
Tools to help you plan smarter
Mortgage Calculator
Estimate your payment in seconds.
OpenCurrent Interest Rates
Talk to a lender for today's real rate.
OpenCredit Score Tips
Simple steps to raise your score before you buy.
OpenClosing Cost Estimator
See what you'll bring to the closing table.
OpenHome Insurance Guide
What Texas homeowners insurance actually covers.
OpenMoving Checklist
A week-by-week plan for a smooth move.
OpenHome Maintenance Checklist
Protect your investment year-round.
OpenFeatured Central Texas communities
Where first-time buyers are landing
From established neighborhoods to small-town charm — explore the places we know inside and out.
Testimonials
Real first-time buyers, real keys
"As first-time buyers we had a million questions. Enoch answered every one and got us into our home under budget."
Ashley & Jordan T.
Hewitt, TX
Meet Your Team
Coronado Realty Group
First-time buyers get the same experienced, hands-on guidance we give every client — from your first phone call to years after closing. We live and work in Central Texas, and we treat your first home like it's our own.
- Local expertise across McLennan County
- Honest, no-pressure advice
- Personalized, hands-on service
- Bilingual — English & Spanish
- Skilled, respectful negotiation
- Trusted local lender network
Ready to Buy Your First Home?
Let's create a plan that gets you into the right home with confidence.
Let's talk
Tell us a little about your dream home
Fill out the form and Enoch will personally reach out within one business day — no pressure, no obligation. Just a real conversation about what's possible.