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As a first-time home buyer, you'll want to understand each step of the home-buying process, as well as your loan options and exclusive benefits. It's crucial to be prepared as you enter the housing market in 2026 for the first time.
➡ Read more: Is now a good time to buy a house?
To qualify for special home buyer benefits, borrowers purchasing a single-family home as a primary residence are defined as "first-time home buyers" in one of three ways:
You've never purchased a single-family home before.