Spring 2027 Homebuying Checklist for First-Time Buyers

Planning to shop for a first home in spring 2027? Use this free checklist from November through March. It sticks to official Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and HUD guidance, free credit reports, and the verified state and local down payment assistance tools on this site.

November through March checklist

1. 1. Pull your free credit reports (November)

   Get reports from all three nationwide credit bureaus at AnnualCreditReport.com ↗, the only official free site. Dispute errors early so scores have time to update. The CFPB credit guide ↗ explains how.

2. 2. Talk with a HUD counselor and take a homebuyer class

   A HUD-approved housing counselor ↗ can review your budget, credit and program options for free or low cost. Many DPA programs require a homebuyer education class before closing. Start with the CFPB's Owning a Home tools ↗ and first-time buyer Ask CFPB answers ↗.

3. 3. Find your state and local DPA

   Browse programs by state and city and county programs. Run the eligibility checker (nothing leaves your browser) and the assistance calculator to see rough maximums. Confirm every figure on the program's official page. The CFPB also explains how to check DPA eligibility ↗.

4. 4. Gather 2026 tax documents as tax season approaches

   Lenders and assistance programs commonly ask for recent W-2s and tax returns. As 2026 returns and W-2s become available in early 2027, keep copies ready so preapproval and program paperwork don't stall.

5. 5. Estimate cash to close and first-year costs

   Use the free cash-to-close calculator and first-year homeowner costs tool. Compare low-down-payment loan types on FHA, VA, USDA and 3% down options. Free tools first; nothing here requires a paid product.

6. 6. Watch for fund openings and pauses

   Follow homebuyer updates and each program's status on its page. Some assistance pauses when funds are depleted and may reopen later. Our how to apply guide covers the order: class, participating lender, documents, then offer.

7. 7. After closing, file your homestead exemption

   Most states lower property tax on the home you live in, but you usually have to apply. See new-homeowner homestead deadlines for 2027 so you don't miss a filing window.

Want one place to track it? Our printable first-home buyer binder ($9) is optional. The free tools above work without it. More from the CFPB: prepare to shop ↗.

When should I start preparing to buy in spring 2027?

Start in late fall and winter. Pull free credit reports, talk with a HUD-approved counselor, find your state's down payment assistance, and gather 2026 tax documents as they become available. Many buyers begin looking in the spring, and some assistance funds pause when money runs out.

Is spring really the busiest time to buy a home?

Spring is a common time many buyers start looking. We don't publish market-share statistics. What matters for assistance is that several state and local programs pause when funds are depleted, so getting preapproved and checking program status early is practical.

Do I have to pay for a homebuyer class or credit report?

No. Your free credit reports come from AnnualCreditReport.com, the only official free site. HUD-approved housing counselors offer free or low-cost help, and many programs accept their homebuyer education. Skip anyone who charges an upfront fee to unlock a grant.

What should I do after I close?

File for your state's homestead exemption so you don't miss a year of property-tax savings. Homestead Exemption Finder lists statewide filing deadlines for 2027.