Your guide to buying a home.
A home purchase starts with questions. What fits your budget? When should you get preapproved? What happens after your offer is accepted?
I’ll help you understand each stage, so your next step feels a little clearer.
From your first questions to closing day.
Explore the guide Getting ready / Your budget / Preapproval / Loan choices / The process / Questions
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Start with your life. Then look at homes.
The right time to buy depends on your finances, priorities, and plans. Before comparing listings, take a closer look at these three things.
01 Your monthly housing costs
Include principal and interest, property taxes, homeowners insurance, and mortgage insurance if required. Add HOA dues, utilities, maintenance, and any separate flood coverage.
02 Your upfront expenses
Budget for your down payment, lender and settlement charges, inspections, and prepaid expenses. Ask how deposits and any permitted credits affect your cash to close.
03 Your cushion after closing
Set money aside for moving, immediate repairs, and emergencies. Taxes, insurance premiums, and maintenance costs may change over time.
Get a clearer picture of your financing.
A conversation with a mortgage professional helps identify the information needed to review your options. Ask what has been verified and what still needs to be reviewed.
Prequalification and preapproval are used differently by different lenders. Neither is a guarantee of final approval; the property, supporting documents, and underwriting conditions still matter.
Share changes in employment, income, debts, or available funds early so I have an accurate picture.
Different paths. One place to start.
Your credit, income, savings, property, and goals help determine which programs may fit. I’ll walk through the costs and tradeoffs rather than relying on a program name alone.
The homebuying process, step by step.
Every purchase has its own timing. Use this roadmap to understand the major milestones and the questions to ask along the way.
Small decisions matter before closing.
A little clarity goes a long way.
Not necessarily. Some programs allow smaller down payments for eligible borrowers. Compare qualification requirements, mortgage insurance, monthly costs, and cash left after closing before choosing an amount.
Start with a payment that works for your household. A lender’s qualification amount may be different from the amount you feel comfortable spending. Include ownership costs and your other savings goals.
Your search, purchase contract, financing, and property review all affect the timeline. Once you have a contract, ask your team for the expected milestones and what might delay closing.
It is the amount needed to complete the purchase after accounting for your down payment, closing costs, deposits already paid, applicable credits, and other adjustments. Your final figures appear on the Closing Disclosure.
No. An inspection focuses on property condition and potential issues. An appraisal provides an opinion of value for the loan. Discuss any concerns with the appropriate professional before your contract deadlines.
Review how the timing of your sale affects your down payment, qualification, and moving plans. Talk with your mortgage and real estate professionals about the options and risks before committing to another purchase.
Want a closer look? Mortgage process & preapproval guide → Mortgage document checklist →
This guide is general educational information. Loan availability, terms, and requirements depend on your circumstances, the property, and the program. For additional consumer tools, visit the CFPB homebuying guide.
Start the quick 1-minute loan request and a local professional will take it from there.