Are You Ready to Buy a Home? A Guide for First-Time Home Buyers

Photo of a young family on a community walking trail.

Betenbough Homes

May 28 2025

Are You Ready to Buy a Home? A Guide for First-Time Home Buyers

Buying a home is one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make — and one of the most rewarding! Whether you're dreaming of a backyard where your kids can play or a kitchen where you can host family dinners, becoming a homeowner starts with asking the right questions. At Betenbough Homes, we love guiding first-time home buyers through this exciting journey. If you’re wondering whether you’re truly ready to buy a home, here are the key signs to look for.

Photo of a Betenbough Homes sales team member talking about floor plans with first-time home buyers.

1. You Have a Steady Income

One of the most important indicators of homebuyer readiness is a consistent and reliable income. Mortgage lenders will look at your employment history and current earnings to determine loan eligibility, but even before that step, it's essential to feel confident in your ability to make monthly payments.

Ask yourself:

Have I been employed consistently for at least two years?
Is my income likely to stay the same or increase in the near future?

Home buyers on a frame tour, considering the added space they'll enjoy in their new home.

2. Your Current Living Situation Isn’t Meeting Your Needs

Whether you're renting a small apartment, living with family, or simply outgrowing your current space, dissatisfaction with your living situation is a common motivator to buy. Maybe you're craving more privacy, room for a growing family, or just a place to truly call your own.

Signs it may be time to move:

You’re ready to stop paying rent and begin building equity
You need more (or less) space
You want to settle into a stable community
You're tired of dealing with landlords

A couple reviews documents in preparation to purchase a new home from Betenbough Homes.

3. You Know Your Monthly Budget

Understanding your financial picture is critical. This includes more than just your mortgage—it covers insurance, property taxes, utilities, maintenance, and more.

Budgeting tips:

Use a home mortgage calculator to estimate your ideal price range
Create a monthly budget that includes all homeownership costs
Talk with one of our preferred lenders about pre-qualification

At Betenbough Homes, we offer affordable new homes in communities across West Texas (Amarillo, Lubbock, Midland, and Odessa), designed with value in mind so you can feel confident in your purchase.

A couple is cooking dinner together in the kitchen of their new Betenbough home.

4. You’re Ready for the Responsibilities of Homeownership

Owning a home comes with its own set of responsibilities — from mowing the lawn to maintaining appliances. While this may seem daunting at first, many first-time buyers find joy in caring for something that’s truly theirs.

Ask yourself:

Am I prepared for basic home maintenance tasks?
Do I have an emergency fund for unexpected repairs?

Don’t worry — you don’t have to be a home repair expert to get started. Every new Betenbough Home comes with a comprehensive two-year warranty and modern features that simplify upkeep. We're here to help you ease into the responsibilities of homeownership.

A couple discusses their level of home buying readiness.

5. You’ve Addressed Common First-Time Buyer Concerns

It’s normal to feel nervous! Many first-time buyers worry about the down payment, credit score, or navigating the mortgage process. The good news? You’re not alone, and help is available every step of the way.

Common concerns we hear (and how to address them):

"I don’t have enough saved." You don't have to put that much down on a home, and Betenbough Homes' preferred lenders can even offer $0 down options.
"My credit isn’t perfect." Talk with a preferred loan officer; there may still be options.
"I don’t know where to start." Our Betenbough team can walk you through the entire journey, from home tours to closing day and beyond.

Final Thoughts: Ready to Make Your Move?

If these signs sound familiar, it might be time to start your home buying journey—and we’d love to help. At Betenbough Homes, we make the process easy, transparent, and exciting. Our new homes offer unmatched value and are built in family-friendly communities designed for your lifestyle.

Let’s find your future home—together. Schedule a New Home Tour today.

If you haven't taken our Homebuyer Readiness Quiz, click here to see how ready you are!