First time buying a home or need a refresh on buying basics? We’ve got 10 steps to keep you on track from your first showing to the closing table.

Step 1: Meet with us so we can get to know you and understand your wants and needs

• Discuss timeline
• Discuss financing
• Understand expectations and goals
• Discuss wants, needs, location, and neighborhood preferences
• Determine communication preferences

Step 2: Meet with a lender to know how much you can and want to spend on a home

• Shop around—we recommend getting at least 2 opinions
• Once selected, get a pre-qualification letter from the lender that states how much you can afford
• Ask your lender about closing costs, which include: loan application fees and points, appraisal, title and recording fees, prorated taxes, homeowner’s insurance

Step 3: Start looking at homes

• Review purchase contract and other disclosure documents
• Discuss how negotiations work in real estate transactions

Step 4: Find the perfect home

• Write an offer
• Negotiate with the seller
• Receive an accepted contract
• Send a copy of accepted contract to lender to begin loan process
• Earnest money deposited

Step 5: Schedule a home inspection to understand the condition of the home

• It’s a good idea to attend so you can learn and become more comfortable with your new home
• Plan on spending about $500–$650 for inspections (whole-house, radon, and termites)
• At the same time, start shopping for homeowner’s insurance (all lenders require insurance before the loan closes. We can provide recommendations for trusted inspectors we know!)

Step 6: After inspection negotiations, work with your lender to complete the loan, which can often take up to 45 days (for a typical loan). 

• Your lender will order the appraisal, assuring the bank that the offer matches the home’s fair market value. During this time, your lender should remind you not to:
  • Make any major purchases
  • Open any new accounts

Step 7: Call utility companies to transfer utilities into your name starting on the closing date or occupancy date (if they differ):

• Gas and electric
• Trash
• Water
• Cable
• Telephone
• Security (if applicable)

Step 8: Final walkthrough (usually occurs within 24–48 hours before closing)

• Ensure the house is in agreed-upon condition, inspection items have been met, and items that were agreed to stay are there (i.e., appliances, etc.)

Step 9: Closing day

• Your lender will contact you at least 3 days before closing to discuss final closing numbers and documents
• Be sure to bring a certified check made payable to the title company (regular checks are not accepted, you can also wire funds to the title company about 2 days before closing) and your driver’s license

Step 10: Congratulations—you just bought a new home!

• Thank you for working with us! We hope that you love your new home, and we hope you will stay in touch