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A Home-Buying Guide For Newlyweds

Just married? Here's how you can start shopping for a home together.

When you begin your new married life, it makes sense to include homeownership as a part of your happily-ever-after plan.

Instead of being a property renter, you can build equity as an owner. You can decorate, remodel or upgrade your home however you please. If your life plan includes children, they'll have a green space to play and entertain friends close to home.

Before you begin your home-buying quest, you should understand the process of buying a house and the personal commitment necessary to make it happen. That's why we created this Home Buying Guide for Newlyweds. Use it as a framework for discussing basic home-buying concerns.

  1. Decide if you really want to buy a home
    Never buy a home because your mom says so or because it seems like the grownup thing to do. A home is a major investment. Long after you've paid your closing costs, it will add a lifetime of expenses to your budget. If you're ambivalent about your home-buying decision, wait until you're ready.

  2. What kind of home do you want?
    When you're buying a house, it's a good idea for you and your spouse to agree on what kind of house it should be. Discuss architectural style, age, landscaping, bedrooms, and amenities. Detail the must-have features that are critical to your comfort and well-being.

  3. Decide where you want to live
    The National Association of REALTORS® 2017 home trend study reported that buyers under age 36 planned to keep their homes an average of 10 years. If you follow this national trend, you'll want to make certain your home will fit your lifestyle today and in the future. To avoid a love-hate relationship with your new home, research the community before you decide to buy.

  4. Know how much you can afford
    Sit down with your spouse to discuss your income and what you can afford. Review any life circumstances that might affect your future ability to pay.

  5. Discuss your credit
    You should know your spouse's financial profile before you tie the knot. If you bypassed that discussion, it's important to get the financial details before you consider buying a house. Pay extra close attention to your credit score, any outstanding debt, assets, income, and savings.

    If there are hidden financial skeletons in either spouse's closet, they could haunt you when the mortgage company assesses your ability to repay your loan. When you know and understand your credit profile, you can take steps to repair your credit ahead of time.

  6. Get a mortgage pre-approved letter
    After you've addressed your financial details, it's a good idea to seek mortgage pre-approval before you begin your home search. Your mortgage company will assess your credit, determine your ability to meet their financial standards and issue a letter confirming your pre-approved status.

    Sellers and their real estate agents know you're serious about buying a home when you show them proof that you've consulted a mortgage company. They'll be more willing to consider your offer and negotiate a deal.

  7. Consider loan programs
    If you're ready to buy a home, but your finances aren't perfect, these government-backed loan programs may be able to help you with financing. Definitely take a look at these institutions: Federal Housing Authority, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the Veteran's Administration.

    You may qualify for a low interest rate or a reduced down payment. These programs are flexible in assessing your credit, income, and work history.

Work With a Real Estate Professional

Contact your real estate professional when you decide that buying a house is the right decision for you. An experienced agent has the knowledge and experience to guide you through the home-buying process.

Thinking about buying
or selling a home? I can help make the process easy, click here to get in touch today!
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The Abby Nelson Team
The Abby Nelson Team Office: (570) 449-2755 Email Me
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Disclaimer: All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. All properties are subject to prior sale, change or withdrawal. Neither listing broker(s) or information provider(s) shall be responsible for any typographical errors, misinformation, misprints and shall be held totally harmless. Listing(s) information is provided for consumers personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. Information on this site was last updated 03/03/2026. The listing information on this page last changed on 03/03/2026. The data relating to real estate for sale on this website comes in part from the Internet Data Exchange program of Bright MLS (last updated Tue 03/03/2026 10:28:46 AM EST) or (last updated Tue 03/03/2026 10:34:57 AM EST). Real estate listings held by brokerage firms other than Delta Agent Sites may be marked with the Internet Data Exchange logo and detailed information about those properties will include the name of the listing broker(s) when required by the MLS. All rights reserved.
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