Zero to keys in twelve months

"Someday" isn't a plan. Here's the actual sequence — and if you're further along than month twelve, jump in wherever you are. Plenty of buyers compress this into six months or less.

The twelve-month plan, step by step

1. Months 12–10: Get honest about the numbers

   Pull your free credit reports, list your debts and monthly payments, and start tracking what you actually spend. Open a dedicated house-fund account — even $50 a paycheck builds the habit and the paper trail lenders like.

2. Months 10–8: Talk to a lender (yes, this early)

   A 15-minute call now finds credit issues, program eligibility, and savings targets while there is still time to act. Most people discover they are closer than they thought — some can skip straight to pre-approval.

3. Months 8–6: Work the credit playbook

   Pay every bill on time, push card balances below 30% of limits (below 10% is better), and do not open or close accounts. Dispute any report errors now — fixes take 30–60 days.

4. Months 6–4: Stack cash and learn your programs

   Down payment assistance can change your whole plan — Minnesota Housing deferred loans reach $18,000, and first-generation buyers may access up to $35,000. Knowing your programs tells you your real savings target.

5. Months 4–3: Get pre-approved for real

   Documents in, credit pulled, letter issued. Now you know your true budget and your offers carry weight. Keep your finances boring from here: no new cars, no new cards, no job changes without a heads-up.

6. Months 3–1: Hunt with your team

   Choose your real estate agent, connect them with your lender, and tour with intent. Get payment quotes per house so "can we afford it?" never blocks an offer night.

7. Offer to closing (30–45 days): Stay boring, stay responsive

   Accepted offer, inspection, appraisal, underwriting, clear-to-close. Send documents fast when asked, spend nothing unusual, and let the weekly updates keep everyone calm.

8. Closing day: Keys

   Final walkthrough, closing table, a lot of signatures, and then it is yours. First mortgage payment is typically due the second month after closing — enjoy the breather.

You

You

I'm somewhere around month 8 but I have no idea if my credit is good enough. Do I really wait four more months?

Spencer

No — that's exactly when to call. The whole point of talking early is that "wait four months" might actually be "you qualify today" or "here's the one thing to fix in 45 days." The timeline serves you, not the other way around.

Program figures reviewed July 2026. This is not an offer to enter into an agreement. Not all customers will qualify. Information, rates and programs are subject to change without notice. All products are subject to credit and property approval. Other restrictions and limitations may apply.