First-Time Home Buyer Roadmap
Buying your first home doesn’t have to feel chaotic. Use this step-by-step plan—from pre-approval to moving day—and jump into the right guide with the traffic-light buttons in each step (🔴 learn first → 🟡 plan/compare → 🟢 act next).
Get pre-approved
Lock in your price range and make sellers take you seriously. Compare loan types and gather basic docs.
Define your budget
Look beyond principal & interest—include taxes, insurance, HOA/condo dues, and a realistic repair reserve.
Tour homes with a plan
Use a consistent checklist so homes are easy to compare later. Note commute, layout, noise, and light.
Make a confident offer
Lean on comps, days on market, and seller motivation. Decide which contingencies you’ll keep.
Inspection & appraisal
Use the inspection to prioritize repairs and negotiate smartly. Appraisal confirms value for your lender.
Final approval & closing
Verify final numbers, wire safely, bring IDs. Expect a final walk-through before you sign.