Homebuying Step by Step
Your complete roadmap — from budget to keys.
The 8 Essential Steps
Step 1: Get Your Finances Ready
Pull your credit, review your DTI (max 45%, ideally under 38%), gather documents, and prepare for pre-approval.
Read the Full GuideStep 2: Get Pre-Approved
Understand the difference between pre-qualification and pre-approval, submit your application, and get your approval letter.
Read the Full GuideStep 3: Find Your Home
Work with your Realtor to search homes, tour neighborhoods, spot red flags, and find the right fit.
Read the Full GuideStep 4: Make an Offer
Submit an offer, negotiate terms, understand contingencies, and lock your rate after contract acceptance.
Read the Full GuideStep 5: Under Contract
Home inspection, appraisal, and underwriting — plus the 3 buyer options you need to know for each.
Read the Full GuideStep 6: Clear to Close
Review your Closing Disclosure (3-day rule), wire fraud warnings, final walkthrough, and what to bring.
Read the Full GuideStep 7: Closing Day
Who's at the table, what you'll sign, when you get your keys, and how the deed gets recorded.
Read the Full GuideStep 8: Move In & Beyond
First payment, escrow, insurance, property taxes, maintenance calendar, and when to consider refinancing.
Read the Full GuideWant the Full Picture?
Read our Complete Homebuying Masterclass to see every step with both the mortgage side and realtor side running in parallel.
View the Complete MasterclassReady to Start Your Homebuying Journey?
See if you qualify for a mortgage and get pre-approved in days, not weeks.