The Everything Guide to Buying Your First Home
In Buy a Home: Step-by-StepHow to find exactly what you want, and how to work with the experts who’ll help you get it.
Buy
New car smell has nothing on the feeling you get when unlocking your home’s front door for the first time. But the process of reaching that euphoric moment? Well, it can feel like you’re navigating an obstacle course designed by the producers of “Survivor.” So we’ve mapped out the steps to buying a house — and enlisted seasoned homeowners and real estate pros to share tips for finding the right home at the best possible price.
See All Steps to Buying a Home
Buying a home is complicated. Follow this complete guide to get the right advice each step of the way.
Buy a Home: Step-by-Step
In Buy a Home: Step-by-StepSmooth the road to your new home with the right support system.
Find an Agent & View Homes
Emotions run high when house-hunting. You need an agent you trust to keep you sane.
What You Should Really Know About Browsing for Homes Online
In Buy a Home: Step-by-StepIt’s fun! It’s exciting! It’s important to take everything with a grain of salt!
Here’s How You’ll Know You’ve Found the Right Agent
In Buy a Home: Step-by-StepA great real estate agent is like an Oprah for living your best real estate life.
How to Be Showing Savvy
In Buy a Home: Step-by-StepGetting smart — about what to do, ask, and avoid — can move you ahead of the crowd.
Home Financing for Buyers
Costly mistakes happen during this step. Be super-picky about who your lender is.
Dropping Mortgage Rates Raise Demand for Loans
In FinancingLoan applications for prospective home buyers reach four-year high. Is now the right time for you?
Home Buyers Step Up as Mortgage Rates Fall
In FinancingFalling mortgage rates could save home buyers more than $1,000 in interest annually if they compare options from various lenders.
How to Get Preapproved for a Mortgage
In FinancingLearn why a mortgage preapproval is an important step to set you up for success in a home purchase.
Make an Offer & Negotiate
This is the pins-and-needles stage. It’s when your agent can help the most.
How to Negotiate Home Price and More
In First-Time Home BuyerLearn about negotiation opportunities and strategies that can help you buy a home that’s a good deal for you.
What to Expect During a Home Inspection
In Buy a Home: Step-by-StepFrom finding an inspector to dealing with surprises — this is your guide to getting a house checked out.
Hey, Buyers: These Home Appraisal Tips Are for You
In Buy a Home: Step-by-StepWhat to expect, when to negotiate, and how to deal when things don’t go your way.
Prepare for Closing
Things are getting real! Look to your lender to guide you through the paperwork.
In Closing: How to Seal the Home Buying Deal
In Buy a Home: Step-by-StepSign that paperwork. Write those checks. Get those keys!
Consumer Guide: Steps Between Signing and Closing
Once you sign a purchase agreement on your new home, there are still several steps to complete before you can finalize—or “close”—the transaction.
Streaming Now: First-Time Buyer Season 5
Finding your first home is an exciting milestone— but it can be a daunting, emotional journey, especially in an uncertain market. Watch what happens as first-time buyers tackle real-life hurdles, navigate unexpected twists, and overcome the complexities of the market, all with the guidance of an agent who is a REALTOR®.
All in Buy
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Changes in Homeowners Association Guidelines May Benefit Buyers
Pressure from states and home buyers are leading to more oversight and transparency from HOA boards and guidelines.
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Why Fall Might Be the Best Time to Buy a Home
The cooler market conditions may translate to more-motivated sellers and a prime home-buying opportunity.
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How to Avoid Panic Over the Home Inspection Report
Home buyers can stay calm about a home inspection report with pro advice and the right perspective.
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Gap Between New and Existing Home Prices Shrinks
If you think you can’t afford a newly built home, recent price cuts and incentives may change your mind.
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12 Real Estate Myths That Might Surprise You
Don’t let common misconceptions steer your real estate choices.
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How to Choose a Real Estate Agent
Find out what home buyers say they need help with in the buying process and how to pick a qualified agent.
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How to Negotiate Home Price and More
Learn about negotiation opportunities and strategies that can help you buy a home that’s a good deal for you.
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15 Essential Questions for Smart House Hunting
Here’s how to house hunt to focus on what’s most important and avoid buyer’s remorse.
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How to Keep Your Real Estate Purchase Agreement on Track
After you have an accepted purchase offer, you still have a long list of to-do’s and potential deal breakers to avoid.
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How to Buy a Home With Bad Credit — and Improve Your Credit
Credit issues play a big role in preparing to buy a home. Here’s how to avoid buying a home with bad credit.
