Your first home, one step at a time.

A practical guide to help you understand the next step, ask useful questions and make room for the details.

Talk with a lender.

Start with preapproval so you understand a workable budget. Ask about the down payment, closing costs, monthly payment and loan options. Eligibility, assistance funding and loan requirements vary; your lender confirms what applies.

Make two lists.

Must-haves might include space, commute and budget. Wants might include a larger yard or an updated kitchen. Keeping them separate makes trade-offs easier to see.

Keep brief notes or photos of homes you tour so you can compare condition, commute and nearby amenities later.

Review the buyer agreement.

Understand the services, responsibilities and negotiable compensation before touring together. Ask for an explanation of anything you don’t understand before signing.

Tour with a plan.

Save price and offer conversations for a private setting; assume cameras may be present. Look closely at the roof, heating and other costly systems. Paint is easier to change than a major repair.

Prepare an offer.

Review the current preapproval, comparable sales, proposed concessions and contract deadlines. The before-offer guide explains the details to gather.

Follow the contract calendar.

Inspections, document review, financing and appraisal all take time. The signed contract determines the deadlines. Keep in touch with your lender and agent as documents are requested.

Plan for settlement and possession.

Confirm signing arrangements with the title company and check the contract for possession timing. Getting keys and signing documents are not always the same moment.

Protect your money.

Before wiring money, call your title company using a phone number you independently know is real. Never trust wiring instructions sent by email or text alone.

Let’s talk about your next step. Use the Contact page to get in touch.

General educational information, not legal, tax or lending advice. Your contract and circumstances determine the requirements. For legal or tax questions, speak with a qualified professional; your lender and title company can explain their parts of the process.