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🏡 Pillar #5 · Family · 10 min read

Prepárate Para Comprar Tu Primera Casa Con Confianza

Comprar tu primera casa puede sentirse abrumador — un buen plan lo hace mucho más claro.

A solid foundation

3 pasos hacia tu primera casa

Tres pasos para empezar con confianza. La preparación temprana facilita el proceso.

1
Prepare

Know your current financial situation

Revisa crédito, ingreso, deudas y ahorros para tener un punto de partida claro.

2
Build

Improve what you can improve

Fortalece el crédito, ahorra y reduce deuda. Cada avance mejora tus términos.

3
Explore

Research programs and options

Asistencia para el enganche, créditos fiscales, educación gratuita certificada.

Evaluate your readiness

Los 4 pilares de la preparación para comprar casa

Cuatro áreas que los prestamistas evalúan. Conocerlas te ayuda a prepararte mejor.

Credit

Tu historial influye en los términos disponibles.

  • Check your free credit report
  • Dispute any errors you find
  • Keep payments on time

Income

Los prestamistas buscan ingreso estable y verificable.

  • Gather W-2s and recent pay stubs
  • If 1099, prepare tax returns
  • Keep employment stable while applying

DTI (Debt-to-Income)

Comparan tus pagos de deuda con tu ingreso mensual.

  • Calculate your current DTI
  • Reduce cards and loans when possible
  • Avoid new debt before applying
$

Savings

Necesitarás dinero para enganche, cierre, y reservas.

  • Save for down payment and closing
  • Maintain an emergency fund
  • Document the source of funds
Real costs

Entendiendo todos los costos de comprar casa

El enganche es solo una parte. Conocer todos los costos ayuda a presupuestar mejor.

1

Down payment

2

Closing costs

3

Monthly mortgage payment

4

Ongoing ownership costs

5

Emergency reserves

+

Moving costs

Educational perspective

No necesitas 20% de enganche. Muchas opciones empiezan en 3-5% — lo importante es entender los tradeoffs.

Your options

Entiende los tipos principales de hipoteca

Cada préstamo se diseñó para situaciones diferentes. El adecuado depende de tu caso.

Most common · Flexible

Conventional Loan

Traditional mortgage backed by private lenders
Often appropriate for
  • Buyers with solid credit (typically 620+)
  • Families who can put 3%+ down
  • Those seeking flexible loan term options
Potential advantages
  • PMI drops off at 20% equity
  • Variety of terms (15, 20, 30 years)
  • First-time buyer programs available
Considerations
  • Credit requirements generally higher than FHA
  • PMI required if down payment under 20%
Accessible · For first-time buyers

FHA Loan

Insured by the Federal Housing Administration
Often appropriate for
  • Buyers with building credit (typically 580+)
  • Families with limited down payment (3.5% min common)
  • First-time buyers exploring accessible options
Potential advantages
  • Generally more flexible credit requirements
  • Low down payment starting at 3.5%
  • Allows gifts to cover down payment
Considerations
  • MIP (mortgage insurance) often applies for life of loan
  • Loan limits vary by county
  • Home must meet specific FHA standards
Zero down · Specific eligibility

VA & USDA Loans

Federal programs for eligible groups
Often appropriate for
  • VA: veterans, active military, and eligible spouses
  • USDA: buyers in eligible rural or suburban areas
  • Those seeking low or zero down payment options
Potential advantages
  • 0% down payment options available
  • No traditional monthly PMI required
  • Competitive rates with federal backing
Considerations
  • Strict eligibility requirements
  • VA has a funding fee; USDA has a guarantee fee
  • USDA has income limits and specific geographic zones
Educational note: Los requisitos varían por prestamista y año. Considera consultar con varios prestamistas.
The down payment

La realidad del enganche en 2026

No necesitas 20%. Compara opciones típicas y entiende las implicaciones de cada una.

Loan type Typical minimum down PMI / MIP
Conventional (first-time buyer) 3% Yes, until 20% equity
Conventional (standard) 5% Yes, until 20% equity
FHA 3.5% MIP, typically for life of loan
VA (eligible) 0% None monthly; funding fee at closing
USDA (eligible zones) 0% Annual guarantee fee
Conventional (no PMI) 20% No
The path

6 pasos del proceso de compra

Etapas predecibles. Conocerlas ayuda a prepararte y saber qué esperar.

1 Credit preparation

2 Homebuyer education

3 Pre-approval with multiple lenders

4 Search and offer

5 Inspection and appraisal

6 Closing

Assistance programs

Programas que pueden ayudar a compradores de primera vez

Muchos programas pueden ayudar. Investigar opciones locales suele revelar oportunidades.

Down payment assistance

State and local programs

Housing counseling

HUD-certified counselors

Employee programs

Employer benefits

Action

Tu Plan de Confianza para Comprar Casa de 30 Días

Cuatro semanas. Una acción por semana. Preparación, opciones, programas, próximos pasos.

1
Week 1 · Day 1-7

Know your starting point

Reporte de crédito. Revisa errores. Calcula DTI. Imagen clara de tu situación.

2
Week 2 · Day 8-14

Explore your loan options

Compara tipos de préstamo. Usa calculadoras con tus números.

3
Week 3 · Day 15-21

Research assistance programs

Programas estatales/locales. Curso HUD certificado. Identifica elegibilidad.

4
Week 4 · Day 22-30

Define your personal plan

Define horizon. Metas de ahorro. Plan para hablar con prestamistas.

By Day 30 You Will Have:
  • A clear understanding of your current financial readiness
  • Knowledge of the main mortgage types and their differences
  • A list of assistance programs you might explore
  • A realistic horizon for your path to homeownership
  • Greater confidence to take the next practical steps

Comprar tu primera casa es crear raíces, estabilidad y oportunidades para tu familia.

Coach FUTURO — Tu Futuro Finanzas Coach FUTUROTu Futuro Finanzas Coach
Personalized session · No cost

¿No sabes por dónde empezar para comprar tu primera casa?

Sesión de educación personalizada sin costo. Entiende tus opciones y evalúa tu preparación.

Frequently asked

Lo que toda familia nos pregunta

How much do I need for a down payment?
What credit score do I need to buy a home?
What's the difference between pre-qualified and pre-approved?
Are there homebuyer assistance programs?
What is PMI and when do I need it?
How long does the homebuying process take?
Educational notice: Este material es educativo. Para guía personalizada, consulta profesionales calificados.
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