Did you know that over 5 million existing homes were sold in the United States in 2019 alone? Though starting the home buying process can be an overwhelming experience, take solace in the fact that thousands of people do it every day. And you can too!

To help you navigate the process, we’ve put together a step-by-step guide to buying a home. That way, you’ll know exactly what to expect at every turn. Read on to learn more.

Set Your Budget First

Perhaps the biggest mistake you can make during the home buying process is to not set your budget before taking any further steps. To limit the amount of stress you experience in the future, you must know what kind of home loans you can afford.

To do so, get your finances in order first. Take a look at your credit score, your current amount of debt (car payments, student loans, etc.), and how much you pay in living expenses each month.

Then, you need to get pre-approved for a mortgage. A lender will go through those same steps and give you the amount that they would be willing to give you for a mortgage loan. 

Make a List of Wants and Needs

Once you know how much house you can afford, you need to make a list of your wants and needs. When you’re shopping for a home, it’s easy to get swept up in the moment and fall in love with a house that isn’t exactly right for you.

By knowing your budget, as well as what you want and need from a home, you’re more likely to find the perfect house for you. How many bedrooms and bathrooms do you need? What size yard do you envision? Are you willing to do any renovations?

First, make a list. Then, order it in terms of importance, with the knowledge that some things at the bottom of the list might be negotiable.

Make an Offer and Get a Home Inspection

If you absolutely fall in love with a house, it’s okay to make an offer before you get an inspection done to let the seller know that you’re serious. However, you should never buy a home without having an inspection done by a licensed professional.

This will help you fine-tune your offer or decide that the house isn’t right for you after all. If there are major red flags or repairs that you aren’t prepared to make, it’s time to move on to the next house.

That said, if everything goes well with the inspection and the seller accepts your offer, you’re ready to buy your house!

Be Confident Starting the Home Buying Process With This Guide

When you’re starting the home buying process, a little bit of stress is inevitable. However, by using this home buying timeline to prepare beforehand, you can minimize the worry and get more enjoyment out of your new home’s purchase.

Interested in learning more about navigating the purchase or sale of a home? Take a look at our blog!