First-Time Buyers
Your first condo
Start with affordability, down payment planning, and a checklist so nothing catches you off guard at closing.
Last updated: July 2026
Illustrative cash stack: $40,000 down on a $400,000 condo plus roughly $14,000 in closing costs and a $3,000 capital contribution is about $57,000 to the table — not just the down payment. HOA dues count in lender DTI the same as principal and interest.
Choose your starting point
Each path is a different buyer moment — not a full directory of every page on the site.
Can I afford it with HOA?
Pre-approval ignored association dues in the housing ratio.
Lenders count HOA in housing DTI — a $550 dues line is not optional math.
Offer-ready checklist
You are touring this weekend and want a question list for the agent.
Ask for the master policy declarations page before you pay for inspection on a coastal tower.
- Down Payment PlannerSet a savings target for your first condo
- First-Time Buyer ChecklistSteps before you make an offer
- Condo DTI CalculatorFront-end and back-end DTI with HOA included
- Condo Debt-to-Income GuideWhy HOA counts in lender ratios
- Condo Appraisal GuideValue, comps, and project review timeline
- Condo Affordability CalculatorEstimate your true monthly cost
Curated picks
Closing and move-in essentials
Practical supplies and guides that pair with your affordability math and buyer checklist. Only buy what fits your timeline and budget.
Moving and packing
- Amazon Basics Moving Boxes Kit (15-Pack)Assorted small and medium corrugated boxes for packing before move-in day.View on Amazon
- RMOHRO 6 Pack Heavy-Duty Moving BagsReusable totes with full-open side zippers, useful when elevators limit box trips.View on Amazon
- XenGro Portable Bluetooth Label MakerLabel moving bins, HOA folders, and storage so closing-week paperwork stays sorted.View on Amazon
Buyer guides
- Unlocked: Homebuying Secrets No One Has Ever Told YouStep-by-step homebuying playbook by Daniel Harbuck for offer strategy and process clarity.View on Amazon
- Home Sweet Home: A Step-By-Step Guide for First-Time Home BuyersChecklists and financing tips aimed at first-time buyers working through credit and closing prep.View on Amazon
As an Amazon Associate, True Condo Cost earns from qualifying purchases. Product links open Amazon in a new tab. We do not control prices, availability, or seller policies.
Recommended guides
Calculators
Browse all condo calculators — start with affordability on the homepage and DTI with HOA included.
Related guides
Learn the basics before you run the numbers
- HOA FeesWhat condo HOA fees cover, typical costs, and how to evaluate dues before you buy.
- Average Condo HOA FeesAverage condo HOA fees explained: typical monthly ranges by building type, what dues cover, and how to verify fees before you buy—not just a national average.
- Condo HOA FeesWhat condo HOA fees are, how they differ from mortgage and tax, typical ranges, and how to verify dues with the free HOA fee calculator before you buy.