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- Budget: Before you start actively looking at homes, know your budget so you know how much home you can afford. This includes the down payment, insurance costs, homeowner's association fees, closing costs, and maintenance costs.
- Preapproval: Contact a lender to get preapproved for a loan. Most sellers require a preapproval letter when you make an offer.
- Decide What You Want: Make a list of what you want and need in a home. Having a list keeps you from getting distracted by properties that don't meet your criteria.
- Tour Homes: Don't rely on listing photos. Schedule walk-throughs of homes to get a feel of the house, the neighborhood, and whether you can see you and your family living in the home.
- Make an Offer: When you find a home you like, don't wait long to make an offer. Homes sell fast, and you don't want to miss out on your chance to get your dream home. Work with an agent to make the offer.
- Close on the Home: This is the day you finalize the home purchase. Make sure you have all the fees and paperwork you need to prevent the closing from being delayed.
