Home Buying Steps to Success 

1. Do some hard work up front 

Spend time thinking about why you want to buy a home. Do you want the responsibility that comes with home ownership?  What things do you need in a home? What things would be nice to have but not essential?  

2. Find a Realtor ® 

A Realtor® should be an expert in the neighborhoods you're interested in, the home buying process, and available to guide you all along the way.  

3. Choose a lender 

Lenders should be experienced in working with first-time homebuyers and the loan programs that fit your specific needs. Outside of your Realtor®, your lender will be the most important person you will work with during the home buying process. 

4. Get Pre-approved for a loan 

You'll need to work closely with your lender to give her the documents and information about you that she needs to determine if you're a good candidate for a home loan.  

5. Look at homes 

This is the fun part! You've already made some important decisions. You know where you want to live, what type of home you want, the home features you want, and how much home you can afford. Your Realtor® will show you houses that meet your needs.

6. Make an offer 

Once you find the home you want to buy, you'll work with your Realtor® who will help you make your best offer. Your offer will include all the terms, including the price you agree to pay, how much money you will put down initially, and other terms of the purchase contract you will enter into with the seller. 

7. Negotiate a final contract 

The seller may make you a counteroffer. She may agree to some of the terms you offered, but not all. You may agree to accept the seller's counteroffer or want to make your own counteroffer. Your Realtor® will help you think through your options and continue to negotiate on your behalf until both sides reach an agreement and sign a final contract. 

8. Stay on task and meet all your deadlines 

The final contract will spell out what each side will do and by when. Your Realtor® will work with you to make sure you stay on task and remind you about all your required deadlines. Your Realtor® will work closely with others that will play a role on your behalf, such as your lender, an appraiser and property inspectors.  

9. Close on your new home 

The last step in the buying process is to close on your home. There may be a flurry of last-minute details that require your attention. Most often these will be initiated by your lender or the title company responsible for what's called "closing." Your Realtor® should be there with you, and after all the legal papers are signed, you'll be given the keys to your new home. Congratulations!