With Match Day coming up this March, we're sure a lot of homebuyers will be flooding the Houston market! Whether you're a first time buyer or not, here are some things to keep in mind for this next season.

First, make sure you have a list of priorities. Come up with a budget, some goals, and stick to it! It can be easy to be swayed by other factors but make sure that whether you're buying for just yourself or a family, that everyone is on the same page from the start. Once it's time to start shopping, check your credit score and attempt to fix any errors in your report. This will get you closer to building your financial profile and getting approved for a loan.

Now let's talk about some common misconceptions with first-time homebuyers. When it comes to down-payment, it's actually quite common to put less than 20% down. FHA borrowers can even put down as little as 3.5%. With this, keep in mind that often times you'll have to pay a private mortgage insurance until you reach that 20% equity on the home. 

Another misconception about realtors is that some people may not understand the need for them. However, especially if it's your first time buying a home, there's going to be a lot of new information that can be very overwhelming. Your agents are experienced and have already gone through all the ups-and-downs before. They are there to guide you through any mistakes you could easily avoid, and also help show you the homes that could fit your needs and desires. In the end, you'll likely save a lot of time and headaches by relying on an agent.

Finally, for residents waiting on Match Day to make Houston their home, there are a lot of great neighborhoods to explore. Here are just a few: