| Find
a Realtor who can help you to understand all the steps below |
| Get a
copy of your credit report and correct any errors. |
|
Reduce your consumer debt - pay down credit card balances. |
|
Assemble a cash down payment. |
|
Determine how much you can afford to pay for a home. |
|
Decide how much you are willing to spend for a home
(different from how much you can afford). |
| |
| Get
familiar with basic mortgage terms. |
| Shop
for a mortgage loan. |
| Get pre-approved
or at least pre-qualified for a mortgage loan. |
|
Investigate neighborhoods where you want to look for a
house. |
|
Consider neighborhood school quality. |
|
Select two or three neighborhoods that meet your
requirements. |
| |
|
Visit homes for sale with your Realtor and make notes. |
| Get
your Realtor to help in evaluating the asking price of homes you
like. |
|
Decide how much to offer for the home you want. |
| With
the help of your Realtor, write an Offer to Purchase. |
|
Complete all mortgage loan application requirements |
| |
|
Hire an inspector to examine your prospective home. |
| Get
agreement on repairs to be made by the Seller |
|
Inspect repairs and handle other details prior to the closing
day with your Realtor. |
| Hand
over a certified check for the down payment and pick
up the deed for your home. |
