Home Buying Guide: From Browsing to Closing

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial steps you’ll take. This home buying guide walks you through the entire process—from your first online search to signing the closing documents. Whether you’re a new buyer or returning to the market, this roadmap will help you move confidently through each stage.

1. Understand Your Budget Before Browsing

Before you fall in love with a property, define what you can realistically afford.

Key steps:

Check your credit score
Calculate your DTI ratio
Estimate your down payment
Budget for closing costs and ongoing expenses

For a deeper look at homeownership expenses, check our Homeownership Cost Breakdown Guide (internal link example).

2. Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage

A mortgage pre-approval strengthens your position as a buyer.

Lenders evaluate:

Income
Credit score
Employment history
Current debts

For more info about mortgage types, you can review the CFPB’s resource on mortgages:
https://www.consumerfinance.gov/owning-a-home/loan-options/

3. Start Browsing Homes Smartly

Use multiple platforms to gain a better understanding of available homes.

Browse through:

Real estate apps
3D virtual tours
Local agent listings
Neighborhood drive-throughs

4. Choose the Right Real Estate Agent

A local, experienced agent can save you stress—and money.

They help with:

Scheduling tours
Market insights
Negotiation
Paperwork

You can also explore agent-finding tips on the National Association of Realtors website:
https://www.nar.realtor/

5. Submit a Competitive Offer

Your agent provides a comparative market analysis (CMA) to price your offer properly.

Your offer includes:

Purchase price
Earnest money
Contingencies
Closing timeline

6. Get a Home Inspection

A home inspection helps you avoid surprise repair costs.

Inspectors check:

Roof & foundation
Electrical & plumbing
HVAC systems
Structural issues

If problems are found, you can renegotiate or request repairs.

7. Finalize Your Mortgage Financing

You’ll go through:

Appraisal
Document review
Underwriting
Rate lock-in

Avoid major financial changes during this time.

8. Closing Day: Sign and Get the Keys

On closing day you’ll:

Sign final paperwork
Pay closing costs
Transfer down payment funds
Receive keys to your new home

To prepare, download a free closing checklist here:
https://www.hud.gov/buying/checklist