Before you look at a single house, look at your bank account. You need to know exactly what you can afford so you don't fall in love with a home that’s out of reach.
Now for the fun part. Make a list of "Must-Haves" (number of bedrooms, school district) and "Nice-to-Haves" (granite countertops, hardwood floors).
As a first-time buyer, you want an expert in your corner. A buyer’s agent helps you find listings, schedules tours, and—most importantly—handles the intense negotiations. In many cases, the seller pays the agent's commission, meaning their expertise may come at no out-of-pocket cost to you. 4. The House Hunt
Set aside an extra 2% to 5% of the home’s purchase price for taxes, lender fees, and title insurance. 2. Get Pre-Approved
When you find "the one," your agent will help you determine a fair offer price based on "comps" (what similar homes nearby sold for recently). You’ll submit an offer with an —a small sum that shows you’re acting in good faith. Be prepared for a counter-offer or a bidding war. 6. Inspection and Appraisal
You can change a wall color easily, but you can’t change the layout or the neighborhood. 5. Make an Offer and Negotiate
Your lender will hire an appraiser to ensure the house is actually worth what you’re paying. 7. The Closing