Buying your first home is overwhelming because it’s actually about twenty small decisions, not one big one. This checklist breaks it into nine phases, in the order most buyers experience them.
1
Get your financial house in order (6–12 months out)
- ✓ Pull your credit reports (free at annualcreditreport.com). Dispute errors right away.
- ✓ Stop opening new credit cards or car loans — they hurt your DTI and score.
- ✓ Aim for a credit score of 680+ (760+ for the best rates).
- ✓ Start tracking every dollar. Down payment + closing + moving = real cash.
- ✓ Build an emergency fund of 3–6 months of expenses — separate from your down payment.
2
Figure out what you can afford (now)
- ✓ Run the affordability calculator with your real income and debts.
- ✓ Use the 28/36 rule as your comfort zone, not a hard limit.
- ✓ Decide on a price range you’d be happy with — not the top of your approval.
- ✓ Research first-time buyer programs in your state (many offer down payment assistance).
3
Get pre-approved (1–3 months before shopping)
- ✓ Shop at least 3 lenders — a mortgage broker, a big bank, and a credit union.
- ✓ Gather documents: W-2s, pay stubs, tax returns, ID, bank statements.
- ✓ Ask for a Loan Estimate from each. Compare APR, not just rate.
- ✓ Lock in your best pre-approval letter; most are good for 60–90 days.
4
Pick an agent and start touring
- ✓ Interview 2–3 buyer’s agents. You want someone responsive and experienced with first-time buyers.
- ✓ Clarify how your agent is compensated (recent rule changes matter).
- ✓ Make a non-negotiables list and a nice-to-haves list before touring.
- ✓ Visit neighborhoods at different times of day and week.
5
Make an offer
- ✓ Have your agent pull comparable sales (“comps”) in the last 90 days.
- ✓ Include contingencies: inspection, financing, and appraisal.
- ✓ Decide on your earnest money deposit (usually 1–3% of price).
- ✓ Write a clean, fast-closing offer — sellers love certainty.
6
Under contract — due diligence period
- ✓ Schedule a home inspection within the first few days.
- ✓ Consider additional specialty inspections (sewer, radon, termite) where applicable.
- ✓ Lock your rate with the lender.
- ✓ Review the title report and ensure there are no liens or easements you missed.
- ✓ Negotiate repairs or credits after the inspection, in writing.
7
Underwriting and appraisal
- ✓ Respond to every lender request within 24 hours. Missing docs delays closing.
- ✓ Do not change jobs, open new credit, or make large deposits during underwriting.
- ✓ The lender orders an appraisal. If it comes in low, you’ll renegotiate, bring extra cash, or walk.
- ✓ You’ll receive a Closing Disclosure at least 3 business days before closing.
8
Closing day
- ✓ Do a final walk-through within 24 hours of closing.
- ✓ Bring government-issued ID and a cashier’s check / wire confirmation for cash to close.
- ✓ Read every document. Ask your closing agent to explain anything unclear.
- ✓ Get the keys — congratulations, you’re a homeowner.
9
First 30 days in the home
- ✓ Change the locks or re-key.
- ✓ Update your address with your bank, employer, DMV, insurance, and subscriptions.
- ✓ Locate the water main shutoff, circuit breaker, and furnace filter.
- ✓ Set up a maintenance calendar (filters, gutters, HVAC service).
Before you go
Every real-estate market is different and rules vary by state. Use this as a starting framework, not a substitute for advice from your agent, lender, and attorney. The best thing you can do right now is run the numbers and understand your true price range: try the affordability calculator or mortgage calculator.