Step 1: Understand your budget
Talk with a lender about pre-approval and the loan programs you may qualify for, including VA, FHA, conventional, and state programs.
Step 2: Define what matters
List your must-haves and nice-to-haves — commute, bedrooms, yard, schools, and budget.
Step 3: Tour and make an offer
Your broker helps you evaluate homes, understand comparable sales, and structure a competitive offer with appropriate contingencies.
Step 4: Inspection, appraisal, and financing
Use the inspection period wisely, respond quickly to lender requests, and avoid new debt until closing.
Step 5: Closing
Review your Closing Disclosure carefully, complete a final walkthrough, and sign with escrow. Then — the keys are yours.
This article is general information, not legal, tax, or financial advice.