Connecting People and Places
First-time home buyers in Canton, Akron & Stark County
You don’t need to know the right questions before you call. That’s my job.
Why first-time buyers call me
Nearly all of my clients buying a home to live in have been first-time buyers. I’ve been in real estate for more than 20 years, including home inspections and appraisals, so I know what to look at in a house and what it should cost. I’m a Realtor with Great Move Realty.
I explain every step in plain English. You make the decisions.
The steps, in order
- Get pre-approved. A lender checks income, credit and savings and tells you your price range. Ask if you qualify for first-time buyer or down payment assistance programs.
- Pick your must-haves. Bedrooms, bathrooms, commute, yard, parking, school district, city or township.
- Tour homes. I point out roof, furnace, water heater, electrical, basement water and windows, the stuff that costs money.
- Make an offer. Price, earnest money, closing date, and contingencies (inspection, financing, appraisal).
- Inspect. Then ask for repairs, a credit, a lower price, or walk away.
- Appraisal and final loan approval. Don’t open new credit, buy a car or change jobs until you close.
- Final walk-through and closing. Sign at the title company and get the keys.
Money you need besides the down payment
- Earnest money when your offer is accepted (it goes toward your purchase at closing)
- Home inspection, plus radon, sewer line, well or septic tests when they apply
- Appraisal and lender fees
- Title, recording and prepaid taxes and insurance at closing
- Moving, utilities, and a repair cushion for the first year
Your lender’s Loan Estimate lists the loan costs. Ask questions before you sign.
Ohio things to know
Seller’s disclosure form
Most Ohio sellers must give you a Residential Property Disclosure Form covering what they know about the water supply, sewer or septic, roof, foundation, and hazards like lead paint and radon. If you get it after you sign a purchase agreement, you generally have three business days to back out in writing. It’s not a warranty. Get your own inspection.
Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA)
OHFA offers 30-year fixed loans and down payment assistance for first-time buyers with low or moderate incomes, through approved lenders. Income and price limits vary by county, and free homebuyer education is required. Check eligibility at myohiohome.org.
City, township, school district
Same ZIP code, different taxes, services and schools. See my Canton-area ZIP code guides, and I’ll check the county record for the exact address.
More help
Questions buyers ask
Who counts as a first-time home buyer in Ohio?
For the Ohio Housing Finance Agency’s homebuyer programs, it generally means you haven’t had an ownership interest in your primary residence in the last three years. Honorably discharged veterans and buyers in target areas can also qualify. Income and purchase-price limits vary by county.
What does a first-time buyer pay for besides the down payment?
Earnest money, the home inspection, the appraisal, closing costs, moving costs, and a cushion for repairs after you move in. Your lender gives you a Loan Estimate with the loan costs.
What is the Ohio Residential Property Disclosure Form?
Most Ohio home sellers must fill out a disclosure form about known conditions: water supply, sewer or septic, roof, foundation, and hazards like lead paint or radon. If you get it after you sign a purchase agreement, you generally have three business days to back out in writing. It is not a warranty and not a substitute for an inspection.
Do I need a Realtor to buy my first home?
No, but it helps. I set up showings, write the offer, help you negotiate repairs, and keep the lender, inspector and title company moving so you close on time.
Sources
Checked October 2, 2026. Loan programs and rules change. Confirm details with your lender, title company or attorney.
Where to Live Wizard
Still deciding where?
Try the free Where to Live Wizard. Tell it what matters (commute, schools area, lake or no lake, budget) and it points you at places worth a look around Northeast Ohio.
Next step
Looking at a specific property?
Tell me what you’re trying to do. Call or text (330) 340-3342, or send a note.