So, you want to buy a house—now what?

The first time buying a home is an emotional, exciting, and also exhausting experience. You may also be wondering—what am I missing? Here’s how the buying process works from start to finish.

Do some preliminary online searching.

- Check into what homes are selling for in the areas you’re interested in. This will help when communicating your wishlist to your agent.

Take care of the budget.

- Use an online mortgage calculator to estimate your monthly payments. Add utilities to see if it fits your budget.

Get pre-approved.

- Prepare pay stubs, W-2s, bank statements, tax returns (2 years), credit info, and landlord details. Shop around for the best rate.

Find an agent.

- A good real estate agent will guide you every step of the way. Ask trusted friends or family for recommendations.

Look at homes.

- Be patient. Give your agent detailed feedback so they can refine their search. Let people know you're looking—great homes sometimes appear off-market.

Make an offer.

- Move quickly when you find the right home. Your agent will guide you on a competitive offer. Consider closing costs too (2–5%).

Negotiate.

- Expect counteroffers. Your agent will advocate for the best terms while keeping the process fair.

An accepted offer.

- Once accepted, you’ll submit an escrow deposit. Escrow usually lasts 30 days while inspections and paperwork happen.

Do a home inspection.

- A professional inspection checks for safety, repairs, and defects. If issues arise, renegotiate or withdraw your offer.

Closing.

- You’ll sign documents for about an hour — then receive your keys!