Home Buyer Checklist when buying a home.

🏡 First-Time Homebuyer Checklist

✅ 1. Financial Preparation

•  Check and improve your credit score

•  Create a homebuying budget

•  Save for down payment (typically 3%–20%)

•  Estimate closing costs (2%–5% of purchase price)

•  Get pre-approved for a mortgage

•  Understand your monthly payment (PITI: Principal, Interest, Taxes, Insurance)

✅ 2. Home Search

•  List your must-haves vs. nice-to-haves

•  Research neighborhoods (commute, schools, crime rates)

•  Hire a trusted real estate agent

•  Browse listings online and attend open houses

•  Stay within your budget

✅ 3. Making an Offer

•  Compare recent sales in the area

•  Make a competitive but realistic offer

•  Include contingencies (inspection, financing, appraisal)

•  Submit earnest money (1%–3% of offer)

✅ 4. Under Contract

•  Schedule a home inspection

•  Review inspection results and negotiate repairs

•  Get the home appraised

•  Lock in your mortgage rate

•  Secure homeowners insurance

•  Review all closing disclosures

✅ 5. Closing and Move-In

•  Final walkthrough before closing

•  Bring ID and certified funds to closing

•  Sign closing documents

•  Get the keys!

•  Change locks and set up utilities

•  Start a maintenance savings plan