Buyer’s Checklist: How to Prepare to Buy a Home

Before you are ready to put an offer on a home, there are some things you need to do as a buyer. To help you understand what happens before making an offer, here are some essential steps that will set you up for success:

Figure out how much you can afford: Calculate your monthly income and debt and check your credit score. Speak with a mortgage professional to get pre-qualified and understand a price point to focus on. When you are ready to look seriously and consider putting in offers, get pre-approved for a mortgage.

Determine Needs and Wants: What size house are you looking for? Location, size, style, amenities? Are you on a specific timeline or can you be flexible? Create a list of must-haves and things you can live without. Keep it updated as you go along.

Choose an Agent: Find someone to be your advocate and guide you through the process. Ask them about the current market, neighborhoods, and active listings.

Tour Homes: You may have already started touring homes casually and attending open houses but there will be a time when you will start looking more seriously to determine if you could see yourself living in that specific house. Work with your agent to make a list of homes to tour that meet your needs. Continue browsing homes and being in touch with your agent until you find one.

Make an Offer: When you find the right house, work with your agent to craft your best off. Read more about offers here.

Owning a home is your end goal but these steps will lead you on the right path to get there.