1. Get pre-approved

• Speak with a mortgage lender

• Address any credit issues

• Determine the right mortgage

2. Create a wish list

• What type of home are you looking for? (e.g., single-family, townhouse, condominium, etc)

• What’s your ideal location? Consider work commute, schools, views, etc.

• Consider the structure/exterior and architectural style

• What kind of style do you want the interior of your home to have (e.g., formal, casual, cozy, traditional, contemporary)?

• Consider size and number of rooms for kitchen, dining room, bathroom, bedrooms, recreation room

• What are your likes and dislikes

3. Home shopping

• Tour listings in your price range and adjust criteria accordingly. Also research comparables with your agent.

4. Offer and negotiation

• Once you have found the property you want, a purchase agreement will be completed in which the following can be negotiated: price, move-in date and additional property such as appliances. The buying agent will present offer to listing agent. The seller will then accept, reject or counter the offer with changes.

5. Due-diligence

• Once offer is accepted complete a home inspection and negotiate repairs if necessary

6. Pre-closing

• Confirm repairs are complete and complete pre-closing walk-through

• Send funds to title company

7. Closing

• Sign closing documents and receive keys