Planning To Buy Your First Home Apr 2026

Number of bedrooms, school district, proximity to work, or a fenced yard for the dog.

Granite countertops, hardwood floors, or a finished basement.Remember: You can change the carpet, but you can’t change the location. 4. Find a Great Agent

Don't forget closing costs (usually 2–5% of the home price), inspection fees, and an emergency fund for that inevitable leaky faucet. 2. Get Pre-Approved planning to buy your first home

A pro will check the bones of the house. If they find a cracked foundation or a failing roof, you can ask the seller to fix it, lower the price, or you can walk away.

Once the paperwork is processed, you’ll have a "Closing Day." You’ll sign a mountain of documents, wire your down payment, and finally receive the keys. Number of bedrooms, school district, proximity to work,

Change the locks the very first day you move in. You never know who still has a spare key!

A "pre-qualification" is a conversation; a "pre-approval" is a commitment. Lenders will verify your income, taxes, and debts to tell you exactly how much they will lend you. In a competitive market, you shouldn't even look at houses without a pre-approval letter in hand—sellers won't take your offer seriously without it. 3. Build Your "Must-Have" List Separate your from your Wants . Find a Great Agent Don't forget closing costs

Once you find "The One," your agent will help you submit an offer. This includes the price, your down payment amount, and —conditions that must be met for the sale to go through (like a successful home inspection or securing your loan). 6. Inspection and Appraisal