The Path to Your New Home

Step 1: Choose a Realtor to assist you in the home buying process
Tip: Make sure it is someone you like and trust.

Step 2: Meet with a mortgage loan officer and get pre-approved for a loan.
Tip: Ask your Realtor to recommend a loan officer.

Step 3: Specify your wants, needs and budget.
Tip: It helps to focus your search on a few neighborhoods.

Step 4: View properties that meet your criteria.
Tip: You'll probably want to see enough homes to feel comfortable making a decision.

Step 5: You found it!
Tip: If you know it's right, be prepared to act fast.

Step 6: Make an initial offer to purchase.
Tip: Trust your realtor to prepare and present your offer to the seller in the best possible light.

Step 7: Negotiate terms.
Tip: Counter-offers are common. Be prepared to be a little flexible on price, closing date, appliances or repairs.

Step 8: Arrange for a professional home inspection and warranty.
Tip: This is your best chance to carefully evaluate the property's systems and structure. An experienced, outside professional is worth every penny.

Step 9: Shortly before closing, do a final walk-through of the house.
Tip: Make sure that everything you thought was included in the purchase agreement remains on the property.

Step 10: Close on the property.
Tip: Your closer, Realtor and loan officer will walk you through the process.

Step 11: Move in!
Tip: Use a checklist to plan your move so you don't forget anything.