Step-by-Step Guide to Buying a Home

Contact a lender to discuss loan options and get pre-approved.

• They will check things like income, savings and credit score to help you determine the type and how much of a loan you can afford

Pre-approval shows sellers you're a serious buyer and gives you a clear price
range.

• Most of the time you need a pre approval to submit an offer so you don’t want to start looking until you are ready!
  

• Make a list of must-haves and nice-to-haves for your new home.
• Schedule private showings with your agent.

• Hire a professional inspector to check for any potential issues.
• If serious problems arise, you may negotiate repairs or reconsider the purchase.
• There are many other inspection options if you so choose such as water, termite, and mold testing
  

• The lender will require an appraisal to confirm the home's value. (unless you are paying cash)
• If the appraisal is lower than the offer price, renegotiation may be needed.