Buying

1. Meet with a Real Estate Professional

Before anything else, sit down with an agent who knows your local market. This conversation helps clarify your goals, timeline, and what to realistically expect. A good agent doesn’t just open doors — they guide every decision from search to settlement.

Questions to consider:

• What do I actually need vs. want in a home?
• How long do I plan to stay in this home?
• Do I understand what an agent does for me at no cost as a buyer?

2. Get Pre-Approved

Pre-approval tells you exactly what you can afford and signals to sellers that you’re serious. This step often separates buyers who browse from buyers who close.

Questions to consider:

• What’s the difference between pre-qualification and pre-approval?
• How does my credit score affect my interest rate?
• Are there zero down payment programs I may qualify for?

3. Search for Homes

With your budget defined and your agent in your corner, the search begins. This is where your must-haves meet reality — and sometimes, where priorities shift.

Questions to consider:

• What neighborhoods fit my lifestyle and commute?
• Am I open to a home that needs minor updates?
• How quickly is inventory moving in the areas I’m targeting?

4. Make an Offer

When the right home appears, your agent will help you craft a competitive offer based on market data, not emotion. Price matters — but so do terms.

Questions to consider:

• How does the asking price compare to recent sales nearby?
• What contingencies should I include to protect myself?
• How much earnest money is appropriate in this market?

5. Negotiating and Contract

Rarely does the first offer become the final one. Your agent advocates for your interests through counteroffers, concessions, and contract terms until both parties agree.

Questions to consider:

• What am I willing to compromise on — and what’s a dealbreaker?
• What closing cost assistance can I ask for?
• Do I understand every line of the purchase agreement before I sign?

6. Under Contract

Congratulations — you’re officially under contract. Now the real work begins. This phase involves coordination between your agent, lender, title company, and the seller’s side.

Questions to consider:

• What are my key deadlines and contingency periods?
• Who do I contact if something unexpected comes up?
• What should I avoid doing financially during this period?

7. Final Details

This is where the home — and your financing — gets put under the microscope. Three critical things happen here:

Home Inspection — A licensed inspector evaluates the property’s condition from roof to foundation. This is your opportunity to uncover issues before they become your responsibility.

• Do the findings require repairs, credits, or a renegotiated price?
• Are there items I should walk away from vs. ones I can live with?

Appraisal — Your lender orders an independent appraisal to confirm the home’s market value matches what you’re paying. If it comes in low, decisions need to be made.

• What happens if the appraisal is lower than the purchase price?
• How does an appraisal gap affect my loan?

Reviewing Terms with Your Lender — Before you close, your lender will walk you through your final loan terms. Read everything carefully.

• Does my Loan Estimate match my Closing Disclosure?
• Do I understand my interest rate, monthly payment, and all fees?
• Are there any last-minute changes I wasn’t expecting?

8. Prepare for Closing

The finish line is in sight. This stage is about logistics — making sure everything is in place so closing day goes smoothly.

Questions to consider:

• Have I scheduled my final walk-through?
• Do I know exactly how much cash to bring and how to wire it safely?
• Have I arranged utilities, movers, and change of address?

9. Closing Day

You sign. You get keys. You own a home. Closing day is the culmination of every step that came before it — and the beginning of the next chapter.

Questions to consider:

• What do I bring to the closing table?
• How long does the closing appointment typically take?
• What happens after I sign — when is the home officially mine?