By Reuben Ryan, Veteran & Realtor | The BX5 GroupIn real estate, details matter—and as a Veteran, I’ve built my career on discipline, preparation, and execution. Those same
Where to Start When You're Ready to Buy a Home
Dated: November 25 2025
Views: 1
By Jeremy Boman – The BX5 Group & Motto Mortgage First Choice
If you’re thinking about buying a home, you might be asking yourself: “Where do I even start?”
As both a member of The BX5 Group and a mortgage loan originator with Motto Mortgage First Choice, I work with buyers every day who feel exactly the same way. The good news? The first steps are easier than you think—and you don’t have to figure it out alone.
Here’s a simple breakdown of where to begin when you’re ready to take the first step toward homeownership.
1. Understand What You Can Afford
Before diving into listings or imagining your dream kitchen, the first step is understanding your budget. This isn’t just about income—it's also about your comfort level.
Think about:
✔️ Your current rent
✔️ Monthly expenses
✔️ What payment feels manageable
Many buyers are surprised to learn they can own a home for close to what they currently rent—or even less.
2. Get Pre-Approved (This Is the Real Starting Line)
A lot of people think the home search comes first, but the truth is, your pre-approval is the foundation of the entire process.
With a pre-approval, you’ll know:
Exactly how much home you can qualify for
What loan programs fit your situation
What your estimated monthly payment looks like
How much you’ll need (if anything) for a down payment
Whether you qualify for zero-down or low-down-payment options
Builders, sellers, and agents all take your offers more seriously when you’re pre-approved. It shows you’re ready.
3. Explore Your Loan Options
Every buyer’s financial situation is unique, and it’s my job to match you with the loan that makes the most sense for you. Depending on your goals, you may qualify for:
Zero-down programs
Low down payment conventional loans
VA financing
FHA loans
Builder incentives that help lower your payment
Rate buydowns or special programs to make monthly payments more affordable
Understanding your loan options early helps you make smart decisions down the road.
4. Get the Right Team Behind You
Buying a home isn’t something you should navigate solo. Having the right lender and real estate agent working together makes a huge difference.
With The BX5 Group and Motto Mortgage, you get:
A team that communicates
Access to new construction opportunities and builder incentives
Clear explanations throughout the entire process
A smoother, faster path to the closing table
Your team matters—choose people who invest in your success.
5. Start Touring Homes That Fit Your Budget
Once you’re pre-approved and we know your price range, this is where the fun begins.
You can look at homes confidently, knowing they fit your goals and financial comfort zone.
6. Make Your Move with Confidence
When you find the right home, your pre-approval and loan structure become powerful tools. I work directly with your agent to make sure your offer is competitive, clear, and supported by solid financing.
From application to closing, I walk with you every step of the way. No guessing. No confusion. Just guidance.
Ready to Start the Process? Let’s Talk.
Whether you're ready right now or you just want to explore your options, I’m here to help you take the first step.
📲 Message me anytime for a no-pressure conversation about what you qualify for.
Let’s get you into your new home—smarter, faster, and with confidence.
— Jeremy Boman
The BX5 Group & Motto Mortgage First Choice
Nichol Boman
I combine my professional expertise with a genuine passion for helping clients find their perfect homes. Originally from North Carolina, my family and I relocated to New Braunfels, Texas, where we qu....
Latest Blog Posts
By Amy Mulniex, New Home Specialist | The BX5 GroupWhen it comes to selling your home in New Braunfels, curb appeal can be the difference between a quick sale and a listing that sits. As a New Home
How Curb Appeal Sells Homes Faster (and for More) in New Braunfels, TexasBy Jeremy Boman, Top Producing Realtor | The BX5 GroupIn a fast-moving market like New Braunfels, Texas, sellers don’t
Curb appeal refers to how attractive your home looks from the street. It includes everything a buyer sees before they walk through the front door—your lawn, landscaping, driveway, exterior
© 2026 North Texas Real Estate Information Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Disclaimer: All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed and should be independently verified. All properties are subject to prior sale, change or withdrawal. Neither listing broker(s) nor The BX5 Group shall be responsible for any typographical errors, misinformation, misprints and shall be held totally harmless. The database information herein is provided from and copyrighted by the North Texas Real Estate Information
The information being provided by Houston Association of REALTORS, Inc. is for the consumer's personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. Any information relating to real estate for sale referenced on this web site comes from the Internet Data Exchange (IDX) program of the Houston Association of REALTORS, Inc. This web site may reference real estate listing(s) held by a brokerage firm other
Austin Board of REALTORS® Copyright ©2026 All rights reserved.
Information provided courtesy of LERA MLS. IDX information is provided exclusively 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 is believed to be accurate but not guaranteed. Provided courtesy of LERA MLS. Copyright 2026 LERA MLS, All Rights Reserved. Data last updated September 22, 2026 12:59 PM UTC
Odessa Board of Realtors® 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 consumer's personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested
Central Texas MLS | Four Rivers Association of REALTORS® 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 consumer's personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties
South Texas MLS, LLC. 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 consumer's personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing.
Central Hill Country Board of REALTORS® 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 consumer's personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may
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 consumer's personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. The data relating
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 consumer's personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. The data relating
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 consumer's personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. The data relating
