Homebuying Checklist
Follow these eight essential steps to navigate the homebuying process from start to finish with confidence.
Your Step-by-Step Guide
Buying a home is a multi-step process that typically takes 30 to 60 days from offer to closing, with several weeks of preparation before that. Whether you are a first-time buyer or an experienced homeowner, following a structured checklist ensures nothing falls through the cracks. Each step builds on the previous one, so completing them in order sets you up for a smooth, successful purchase.
Check Your Credit
Your credit score is the single biggest factor in the mortgage rate you qualify for. Pull your free credit reports from all three bureaus at AnnualCreditReport.com and review them for errors. If your score is below 620, focus on paying down revolving debt and making all payments on time for at least 3 to 6 months before applying. Even a 20-point improvement can save you thousands over the life of your loan.
Pro tip: Dispute any errors you find immediately. Corrected reporting can boost your score in as little as 30 days.
Get Pre-Approved
Pre-approval involves submitting your financial documents to a lender who then verifies your income, assets, and credit to determine exactly how much you can borrow. A pre-approval letter shows sellers you are a serious, qualified buyer and gives you a clear budget to work with. This step should happen before you start looking at homes.
Pro tip: Pre-approval typically takes 1 to 3 business days. Have your pay stubs, W-2s, tax returns, and bank statements ready.
Find a Real Estate Agent
A skilled buyer agent is your advocate throughout the process. They know the local market, can identify homes that match your criteria, negotiate on your behalf, and guide you through each step from offer to closing. In most cases, the seller pays the buyer agent commission, so working with an agent costs you nothing directly.
Pro tip: Ask your loan officer for agent recommendations. Lenders and agents who work well together make the process smoother.
House Hunt
With your pre-approval in hand and your agent by your side, it is time to tour homes. Prioritize your must-haves versus nice-to-haves and stay within your pre-approved budget. Visit homes at different times of day to evaluate noise, traffic, and natural light. Take notes and photos at each showing since homes can start to blur together after a few weekends of touring.
Pro tip: Do not skip the neighborhood research. Drive the commute, visit local shops, and check school ratings even if you do not have children, as schools affect resale value.
Make an Offer
When you find the right home, your agent will help you craft a competitive offer based on comparable sales, market conditions, and the specific property. Your offer includes the purchase price, earnest money deposit (typically 1 to 3 percent), contingencies for inspection and financing, and your proposed closing date. Be prepared for counteroffers and negotiate with confidence.
Pro tip: In competitive markets, a strong pre-approval letter and flexible closing date can make your offer stand out even without the highest price.
Home Inspection
Once your offer is accepted, hire a licensed home inspector to thoroughly evaluate the property. The inspection covers the structure, roof, foundation, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and more. The inspector report gives you the information you need to negotiate repairs, request credits, or in rare cases, walk away from a deal with significant issues.
Pro tip: Attend the inspection in person if possible. Inspectors are happy to explain their findings and show you where to find maintenance access points.
Appraisal
Your lender orders an independent appraisal to confirm the home is worth at least the purchase price. The appraiser evaluates the property condition, features, and comparable sales in the area. If the appraisal comes in at or above the purchase price, you are good to proceed. If it comes in low, you may need to renegotiate the price, make up the difference in cash, or in some cases, walk away.
Pro tip: Your loan officer can help you navigate a low appraisal. There are strategies including requesting a reconsideration of value if comparable sales were missed.
Close on Your Home
Closing day is when ownership officially transfers to you. You will sign your loan documents, pay your closing costs and down payment, and receive the keys. Before closing, do a final walkthrough to ensure the home is in the agreed-upon condition and any negotiated repairs have been completed. Your closing agent and loan officer will walk you through every document.
Pro tip: Wire your closing funds the day before closing to avoid delays. Double-check wiring instructions by phone with your title company to prevent wire fraud.
After Closing
Congratulations on your new home. Here are a few things to handle shortly after closing:
- ✓Set up your homeowners insurance and ensure your lender has the policy on file.
- ✓Change your locks and update your address with the post office, banks, and subscriptions.
- ✓File your homestead exemption if applicable in your area for property tax savings.
- ✓Create a home maintenance schedule for HVAC servicing, gutter cleaning, and seasonal tasks.
- ✓Keep all your closing documents in a safe place. You will need them for taxes and any future refinance.
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