Homebuying Checklist

Homebuying Checklist Buying a home doesn’t have to be overwhelming. We’ve broken down the process to make it manageable and predictable, and to reduce the obstacles to purchasing a home. Complete each of the steps below and you’ll be well on your way to homeownership!

Get your finances ready Getting your personal finances in order is a crucial part of a smooth homebuying process. Now’s the time to figure out what price range is affordable for you, how large a down payment you can make and whether you’ll need to work on building your credit score. Research these questions early on and you’ll be starting your homebuying journey on the right foot.

Find the best mortgage type for you Adjustable-rate (ARM) or fixed-rate? Government-backed or conventional? Before you decide which type of mortgage to pursue, it’s important to learn the advantages and drawbacks of each one. Choosing the right type of mortgage can boost your chances of approval or save you thousands in the long run. Next, you can get a clearer picture of your financial commitment by estimating your monthly mortgage payment, including interest and additional costs.

Find the right mortgage lenderChoosing a mortgage is a long-term commitment, so it’s worth your time to shop around for the best mortgage lender. Be sure to ask which fees you’ll be responsible for paying at closing, as the answer varies by lender. Keep an eye on current mortgage rates and compare multiple lenders so you can be confident that you’re getting the best deal.

Get preapproved for a mortgageWorking with a lender to get preapproved for a mortgage is an important step in accurately determining your budget. A preapproval letter shows sellers and real estate agents that you’re a serious buyer and can give you a crucial edge over competing home shoppers. Keep in mind that a preapproval letter is typically valid for only 60 to 90 days, after which it will need to be updated.

Pick your property Now for the fun part: shopping for your home. Is a good school district important to you? Access to public transportation? Can’t live without a big yard? Figuring out which home features you can and can’t live without is as important as choosing a great neighborhood. Working with the right real estate agent can help you navigate these questions and get you ready to make an offer.

Close on your homeThis is the home stretch! Getting familiar with the standard closing documents ahead of time can make the process less daunting. By this point, you should also know what you’ll owe when you sit down to close so you won’t be caught off guard by closing costs — some of which may be negotiable.

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