12 Easy Steps to Buy a Home

12 Easy Steps to Buy a Home

STEP 1 : Assess Your Financial Readiness
Review your income, savings, credit score, and debt-to-income ratio (aim for ≤36%) to determine how much home you can afford.

STEP 2 : Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage
Contact lenders to get pre-approved, which shows sellers you’re a serious buyer and helps define your budget.

STEP 3 : Find a Real Estate Agent
Choose an experienced buyer’s agent to guide you through the process, negotiate offers, and handle paperwork.

STEP 4 : Define Your Needs and Wants
List must-haves, nice-to-haves, and bonus features to focus your home search effectively.

STEP 5 : Start House Hunting
Search listings online, attend open houses, and tour homes with your agent. Take notes and photos to compare properties.

STEP 6 : Make an Offer
Work with your agent to submit a competitive offer based on market conditions and home value.

STEP 7 : Schedule a Home Inspection
Hire a professional inspector to assess the property’s condition and identify potential issues.

STEP 8 : Negotiate Repairs or Credits
Based on the inspection report, negotiate with the seller to fix problems or offer price reductions or credits.

STEP 9 : Secure Your Mortgage Loan
Finalize your loan application and lock in your mortgage rate with your lender.

STEP 10 : Get a Home Appraisal and Title Search
The lender orders an appraisal to confirm the home’s value; a title search ensures no legal issues with ownership.

STEP 11 : Do a Final Walkthrough
Before closing, inspect the home to ensure agreed repairs are done and the property is in expected condition.

STEP 12 : Close the Sale
Sign all closing documents, pay closing costs and down payment, and receive the keys to your new home

Joseph Velasquez

Joseph Velasquez is Nationally recognized as the #1 Realtor in Fresno on Social Media. Real Broker Inc.

April 18 l 2 minutes read

Buying or selling a House ?

Whether you're buying your first home or selling your current one, I’m here to guide you every step of the way. For buyers, I’ll help you find the right home, negotiate the best deal, and close with confidence. For sellers, I offer expert pricing, marketing, and staging strategies to get top dollar fast. Fresno’s market moves quickly — you need an agent who does too. Let’s make your next move smooth, stress-free, and successful.

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