Buying your first home in Redding and Shasta County

1. Start with a comfortable monthly budget

2. Separate your down payment from your other cash needs

Look beyond principal and interest. Allow for property taxes, homeowners insurance, any mortgage insurance or HOA dues, plus utilities, maintenance and repairs. A qualification amount and a payment you feel comfortable carrying are different questions. Write down your preferred monthly range before your planning call.

Plan for closing costs, moving expenses and money left after closing. Ask which costs are estimates, which are due before closing and what could change. A larger down payment is not automatically the best choice if it leaves no reserve for repairs or emergencies.

3. Prepare for a mortgage conversation

4. Check the property, not just its price

5. Compare the full offer

Have an overview of your income, monthly debts, savings and buying timeline. Ask what income and asset documentation your situation requires and how to submit it securely. Do not send Social Security numbers, account details or financial documents through this website's general forms or ordinary email. A planning call is not a preapproval or commitment to lend.

For a home in Redding, Palo Cedro or elsewhere in Shasta County, ask an insurance professional about coverage and an address-specific quote early. Ask your real estate agent about inspections and any well, septic, access or maintenance responsibilities that apply to that property. Do not assume every property has the same expenses or financing requirements.

When available, compare Loan Estimates for similar loan terms, including rate, payment and closing costs. Ask about differences rather than choosing from the advertised rate alone.

Next step

Write down your timeline, preferred payment range and three questions.

Additional homebuying resources:

Luke Ruggiero NMLS #1713993, DRE #02069888. Professional Mortgage Associates NMLS #815819, DRE #01902537. Educational information only; not a Loan Estimate or loan approval.