First-Time
Homebuyers
Understand the whole buying process, from preapproval and touring to your offer, negotiations, and closing.
Preapproval
Start with a comfortable monthly payment and the money available for your purchase. A lender reviews your income, credit, debts, and savings so you can understand your financing options before choosing a home.
Gather the requested documents and review what the preapproval includes. Use that information to set a search range that fits your budget, not simply the largest amount available.
Learn more about preapproval
Searching & Touring
With a price range in place, narrow down the neighborhoods, home features, and timing that matter to you. Compare the listings with your priorities before deciding which homes to tour.
At each showing, look beyond the photographs to the layout, condition, storage, and surrounding area. Keep notes so you can compare properties and decide which home fits your everyday life.
Learn more about searching & touring
Your Offer
When you find a home you want to buy, put the price and the rest of the terms together. Review the financing, contingencies, deposit, and proposed timing before the offer is submitted.
The offer page explains how these pieces work together so you can understand what you are proposing and which details matter to your purchase.
Learn more about your offer
Negotiations
The seller may accept your offer, make a counteroffer, or decline it. Review the complete response, including changes to price, timing, credits, or other terms, before deciding how to respond.
Keep your original priorities and limits in view, particularly when there are competing offers. The goal is an agreement you understand and are comfortable moving forward with.
Learn more about negotiations
Closing
After an agreement is reached, follow the transaction deadlines for inspections, disclosures, financing, and closing documents. Review the property information and complete the final walkthrough before the purchase is finished.
Once the transaction is complete and possession is available, you receive the keys. The closing page explains the work between an accepted offer and moving into your first home.
Learn more about closing