Journal
Buying
The first-time buyer checklist we give every client
From pre-approval to closing day, these are the twelve steps that keep a first purchase calm and on schedule.
Elena Brooks
September 14, 2026 · 8 min read
Buying your first home is exciting, and also a lot of paperwork. This is the checklist our buyer's agents share in the first meeting.
Before you tour
- Get pre-approved, not just pre-qualified
- Decide your real monthly budget, including taxes, insurance and HOA
- List your must-haves and your nice-to-haves
- Pick two or three neighborhoods to focus on
When you find the one
- Review comparable sales with your agent
- Write a clean offer with a realistic option period
- Schedule the inspection in the first three days
- Negotiate repairs based on the report, not on cosmetics
On the way to closing
- Lock your rate when you are comfortable with it
- Do not open new credit or change jobs
- Do a final walk-through the day before closing
- Bring a photo ID and your cashier's check or wire confirmation
Most of all, ask questions. There is no such thing as a silly question when you are making the biggest purchase of your life.
