First-time homebuyer fears can range from “I can’t afford to buy a home” to “I can’t buy a home because my credit score is too bad.” While it can be natural to have these thoughts, it’s important to face fears with facts. Let's take affordability, for instance.

In part two, we will explore three more components of the first-time homebuying experience so you can embark on it with ease and confidence. Each magnificent tip below is brought to you courtesy of Your First Home (Second Edition), authored by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan.

In the third installment of this series, we’ll continue to add to your homebuying knowledge base with tips featured in Your First Home (Second Edition), written by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan.

Even though the final stage of the homebuying process can let loose a lot of feelings, it is really all about checking off boxes.

Should I rent or buy? This is a question you may be asking yourself as your lease is coming up for renewal.

Your home is one of your biggest investments. Home refinancing is a common practice for many homeowners who want to leverage that investment to improve their overall financial situation by trading in their current mortgage for one with more favorable terms. If you’re considering refinancing, let’s look at how it works, some of the benefits and drawbacks, and see if it’s right for you.

Simply put: Your credit is your ability to borrow money with the agreement that you’ll pay it back over time, usually with interest, by an agreed-upon date. If you can’t pay cash for something at the time of purchase, you’ll need to use credit. Typical examples of things you may purchase on credit are cars, houses, and higher education.

Overwhelmed by the mortgage process? Knowledge is power! Check out this step-by-step guide for what to expect when you apply for a loan.

When it comes to mortgage loans, think of interest rates as the celebrities, because they’re the ones that grab all the headlines! The real story is that many factors influence both the amount of your mortgage and your monthly payment, including the price of the home, the amount you’re borrowing, your down payment, and, yes, interest rates.Simply put: Your credit is your ability to borrow money with the agreement that you’ll pay it back over time, usually with interest, by an agreed-upon date. If you can’t pay cash for something at the time of purchase, you’ll need to use credit. Typical examples of things you may purchase on credit are cars, houses, and higher education.

On the road to homeownership? Exploring another property? Make sure you understand common mortgage lending terminology and the crucial differences between being pre-qualified, pre-approved, and underwritten. All are helpful, but one positions you to get to the closing table ahead of your competition.