The Complete First-Time Home Buyer Checklist

Buying your first home is exciting — and a little overwhelming. This checklist breaks the journey into manageable stages so nothing catches you off guard.

Start with your finances. Review your credit, set a realistic budget, and get pre-approved for a mortgage. Pre-approval tells you what you can afford and signals to sellers that you're serious.

Next, define your priorities. Location, size, commute, schools — rank what matters most. No home is perfect, so knowing your trade-offs keeps you focused.

Then tour, offer, and inspect. Lean on your agent for comparable sales and negotiation. Always complete a professional inspection before closing.

Finally, close with confidence. Review your closing disclosure line by line, do a final walkthrough, and celebrate — you're a homeowner.