What every first-time homebuyer needs to know

Source: A first-time homebuyers guide on AOL Real Estate

Buying a home means so much more than paying a mortgage.

Below are critical steps first-time homebuyers need to follow:

Fix Your Credit

The first step toward buying a home takes place months before walking into your lender’s office. It’s crucial to check your credit score at least three to six months ahead of your mortgage application, says Rod Griffin, director of Public Education at Experian. You can request a free copy of the report from each of the three credit bureaus (Experian, TransUnion and Equifax) at annualcreditreport.com.