Home buying process from start to finish

Here’s a step-by-step guide to walk you through the entire home buying process, from the first search to getting your keys.

✅ 1. Check Your Finances

Before you look at homes, assess your financial readiness:

Review your credit score
Calculate your budget and determine how much house you can afford
Save for a down payment (typically 3%–20%)
Set aside funds for closing costs (usually 2%–5% of the purchase price)

? Tip: Use online mortgage calculators to estimate payments.

? 2. Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage

Pre-approval shows sellers you're serious and financially capable.

What you'll need:

Income and employment verification
Tax returns and W-2s
Credit history and debts

? A pre-approval letter helps you compete in hot markets.

? 3. Find a Real Estate Agent

Choose a trusted buyer's agent to:

Guide you through the process
Negotiate on your behalf
Provide market insights and property comps

? Look for agents with strong local knowledge and great reviews.

?️ 4. Start House Hunting

Work with your agent to narrow down your criteria:

Location and school district
Home type (single-family, condo, townhouse)
Size, layout, and must-have features

Tour homes in person or virtually, and take notes or photos to compare later.

? 5. Make an Offer

Once you find the right home:

Your agent helps draft an offer based on market value
Include terms like offer price, contingencies (inspection, financing), and earnest money
The seller can accept, reject, or counteroffer

? Be prepared to negotiate.

? 6. Enter Escrow and Sign the Purchase Agreement

Once your offer is accepted:

You and the seller sign a purchase agreement
You’ll enter escrow, where a neutral third party holds the funds and documents while everything is finalized

? Escrow usually lasts 30–45 days.

? 7. Complete Home Inspection and Appraisal

? Home Inspection:

Uncovers issues like plumbing, roof damage, or electrical problems
You can request repairs or renegotiate based on findings

? Appraisal:

Ordered by your lender to verify the home's market value
If the appraisal comes in low, you may need to renegotiate or make up the difference

?️ 8. Secure Your Financing

During escrow, finalize your mortgage:

Submit additional paperwork
Lock in your interest rate
Receive your loan commitment letter

? Avoid making major purchases or opening new credit accounts during this time.

? 9. Do a Final Walk-Through

This happens a day or two before closing to confirm:

Repairs were completed
The home is in agreed-upon condition
No damage occurred during the process

✍️ 10. Close on Your New Home

At closing, you’ll:

Sign final documents (loan, title, tax forms)
Pay your closing costs and down payment
Get the keys to your new home ?

✅ You are now a homeowner!

? Final Thought

The home buying process can feel complex, but with the right support and preparation, it becomes manageable and exciting. By understanding each step and staying organized, you’ll move confidently from house hunting to homeownership.