Before looking at listings, look at your bank account. You need to account for three main costs:
Don't drain every penny. You’ll need a "maintenance fund" for the inevitable leaky faucet or lawnmower purchase that happens the week you move in. 2. The Pre-Approval Power Move guide to buying a home first time buyer
Shop around. Even a 0.5% difference in interest rates can save you tens of thousands of dollars over the life of a 30-year loan. 4. The Hunt and the Offer Before looking at listings, look at your bank account
On closing day, you’ll sign a mountain of paperwork, wire your down payment and closing costs, and finally receive the keys. It’s an exhausting day, but it’s the moment you officially transition from tenant to homeowner. Final Advice This includes your purchase price
Make a list of "must-haves" (bedrooms, location) vs. "nice-to-haves" (granite countertops, hardwood floors). When you find "the one," your agent will help you draft an offer. This includes your purchase price, your down payment amount, and —conditions that must be met for the sale to go through, such as a successful home inspection. 5. Due Diligence: The Inspection and Appraisal Once an offer is accepted, you enter "escrow."