Homebuyer's Checklist

1. Budget & Preapproval

☐ Review credit, income, debts, and monthly spending.

☐ Save for down payment, closing costs, moving, repairs, and emergencies.

☐ Gather income, tax, bank, and identification documents.

☐ Compare lenders, rates, APR, fees, terms, and total payment.

☐ Get written preapproval and set your personal price ceiling.

2. Team & Home Search

☐ Choose an agent, lender, inspector, insurer, and closing professional.

☐ List must-haves, preferences, deal-breakers, and locations.

☐ Research taxes, utilities, association rules, insurance, and hazards.

☐ Tour carefully; compare condition, systems, layout, and true monthly cost.

3. Offer & Due Diligence

☐ Review comparable sales and decide price, terms, and earnest money.

☐ Include appropriate financing, appraisal, inspection, title, and insurance protections.

☐ Read all terms and calendar every deadline.

☐ Complete general and needed specialized inspections.

☐ Review reports, estimates, title, survey, disclosures, and association documents.

☐ Negotiate repairs or credits in writing before the deadline.

4. Loan & Insurance

☐ Submit underwriting documents promptly and securely.

☐ Avoid new debt, large transfers, account changes, or job changes without lender guidance.

☐ Complete appraisal, lock the rate, and satisfy loan conditions.

☐ Obtain homeowners and any required flood or hazard coverage.

5. Closing

☐ Review the Closing Disclosure against your Loan Estimate.

☐ Confirm payment, fees, credits, escrow, and cash to close.

☐ Independently verify wiring instructions using a trusted phone number.

☐ Complete the final walk-through and verify agreed repairs.

☐ Bring identification and required funds; read before signing.

☐ Collect keys, codes, warranties, and signed closing documents.

6. Move-In

☐ Transfer utilities, insurance, mail, and address records.

☐ Rekey locks and reset garage, alarm, and smart-home access.

☐ Locate shutoffs and test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.

☐ Store closing, inspection, warranty, and repair records securely.

☐ Confirm first mortgage payment and rebuild savings.