Your home buying journey begins with a consultation with your real estate agent.

During this meeting you will:

-Discuss your goals and timeline.
-Determine your budget.
-Review the home buying process.
-Identify your preferred locations, home features, and priorities.
-Learn about current market conditions.

Before shopping for homes, obtain a mortgage pre-approval from a lender.

Your lender will review:

-Income
-Employment
-Credit history
-Assets
-Debts

A pre-approval:

-Shows sellers you are a serious buyer.
-Helps determine your price range.
-Strengthens your offer.

Your agent will:

-Set up a customized home search.
-Schedule private showings.
-Explain neighborhood values and market trends.
-Help compare homes and identify the best options.

As you tour homes, consider:

-Location
-Condition
-Floor plan
-Future resale value
-HOA rules (if applicable)

Once you find the right home, your agent will prepare a purchase contract.

Your offer may include:

-Purchase price
-Earnest money deposit
-Financing terms
-Inspection period
-Closing date
-Seller concessions
-Personal property included with the sale

The seller may:

-Accept
-Reject
-Counter your offer

Negotiations continue until both parties agree.

During the inspection period, buyers should investigate the property's condition.

Common inspections include:

-General home inspection
-Termite inspection
-Roof inspection
-HVAC inspection
-Sewer inspection (when applicable)
-Pool inspection (if applicable)

Also review:

-Seller's Property Disclosure Statement (SPDS)
-Insurance Claims History (CLUE Report)
-HOA documents (if applicable)
-Preliminary Title Report

If concerns arise, buyers may negotiate repairs or request seller concessions according to the purchase contract.

Once under contract, complete your formal loan application.

Your lender may request:

-Updated pay stubs
-Bank statements
-Tax returns
-Employment verification
-Additional financial documentation

Avoid:

-Changing jobs
-Opening new credit accounts
-Large purchases
-Moving money between accounts without documentation

If financing is involved, the lender orders an appraisal.

The appraisal confirms:

-The home's market value
-The property supports the loan amount

If the appraisal is lower than the purchase price, additional negotiations may be necessary.

The lender reviews all documentation to issue final loan approval.

Underwriting verifies:

-Income
-Assets
-Credit
-Property value
-Title
-Insurance

Additional documents may be requested before final approval.