Buying your first home can feel like a chain of unfamiliar decisions. It becomes more manageable when you know what comes next and who is responsible for each step.
Prepare and pre-approve
Review your budget, credit, income, and available funds. A pre-approval helps establish a price range and shows sellers that financing has been reviewed.
Shop and make an offer
Your real estate agent helps with the search and offer. Your loan officer can update numbers as property taxes, insurance, and association costs change.
Underwrite and close
After an accepted offer, the lender reviews the property and your final documentation. Read disclosures, answer requests promptly, and ask about anything that is not clear.
Mortgage programs, rates, costs, and eligibility change. This article is educational and is not a loan offer or financial advice. A licensed loan officer can review your specific scenario.