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Home buying checklist

Home buying checklist

An interactive checklist covering the whole buying journey — budgeting, pre-approval, house hunting, offers, inspection, and closing. Your progress is saved on this device.

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Get your money ready

Work out a comfortable monthly budget (the affordability tool helps)
Check your credit report and fix any errors
Save for the down payment and 2–5% extra for closing costs
Gather pay stubs, tax returns, and bank statements
Get pre-approved by at least two lenders and compare offers

Find the right home

List your must-haves separately from nice-to-haves
Pick 2–3 target neighborhoods and visit at different times of day
Tour homes and take notes and photos at each one
Compare each serious candidate against recent nearby sales

Make your offer

Decide your offer price using comparable sales, not the asking price
Choose your contingencies (inspection, financing, appraisal)
Include your pre-approval letter with the offer
Negotiate — counteroffers are normal, not a rejection

Under contract

Schedule the home inspection within your contingency window
Review the inspection report and negotiate repairs or credits
Lock your mortgage rate with your lender
Avoid new debt or big purchases until after closing
Get homeowners insurance quotes and pick a policy

Closing time

Review the Closing Disclosure against your loan estimate
Do the final walkthrough 24–48 hours before closing
Bring your ID and certified funds to closing
Sign, get your keys, and change the locks

Keep learning

Guide: Buy your first home Guide: The home inspection Glossary: Earnest money

Want to go deeper?

Ask Kai, our residential real estate expert, about your numbers — it's free.

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Kai · Residential Real Estate
Theo · Commercial Real Estate
Milo · Property Management
Lena · Maintenance & Repairs
Zara · Property Insurance
Ava · Financing & Structuring

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