The Home Buying Process
Here are eight essential steps to buying your first home.
1. Check your credit score
Your credit score determines which lenders will work with you and how big of a loan or mortgage you can get.
2. Get pre-approved for a loan
Knowing exactly how much you’d be able to borrow sets your budget and shows sellers your seriousness as a buyer. Shop around first and compare different lenders to ensure you get the best loan options. Understand how much you will need to save for a downpayment and closing costs.
3. Figure out how much you can actually spend
Don’t max out on your monthly payment. Make sure to budget for utilities, food and other monthly expenses, too.
4. Find the right real estate agent
Do your research and hire an agent you can trust. The ideal real estate agent should take time to educate you and will act as an advisor to help guide you on your homeownership journey.
5. Go House Hunting
After choosing the right agent to represent you, discuss your needs, preferences and other search criteria. Now that we know your budget and search criteria, we can locate homes that would be a great fit for you.
Don’t forget to consider transportation and school districts when house hunting. It’s a great idea to review school ratings and test the commute before you buy to avoid any surprises.
6. Make your offer
Once we find a house that’s a great fit, it’s time to make an offer.
- We can compare recently sold homes nearby to determine a fair price offer.
- We will review and discuss which terms and conditions to include in your offer.
- Decide on the amount of the Earnest Money Deposit
7. Schedule the inspection
Having a professional inspect your potential home can reveal serious issues a seller may not know about and that may not be visible when viewing the home.
- If you have an inspection contingency, you may request the seller to do repairs or ask for repair costs to be deducted from the asking price.
- You can even cancel your purchase and receive your Earnest Money Deposit back if you decide the home isn’t a good fit for you.
8. Close the sale and move in
Remember to do a final walk-through to verify any repairs have been completed and the home’s condition hasn’t changed.
The Home Buying Process: Summary
Let’s recap all the steps you should go through.
- Check your credit score
- Get pre-approved for a loan
- Determine Your Budget
- Find the right real estate agent
- Go house hunting
- Make a fair offer
- Schedule a home inspection
- Close the sale and move in
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