BEGIN YOUR home buying JOURNEY.
A-Z guide for you
Get a clear, simple roadmap to buying a home—from your first questions to closing day. This guide walks you through every major step of the process, including loan options, credit tips, down-payment assistance, checklists, timelines, and common terms you’ll hear along the way. You’ll learn how to prepare financially, understand your loan choices, avoid costly mistakes, and feel confident from pre-approval to keys in hand.
Perfect for first-time buyers, busy professionals, or anyone who wants the homebuying process explained without the stress.
The Homebuying Process in 6 Simple Steps
1. Get Pre-Approved
Start by confirming your budget and loan eligibility. A pre-approval letter shows sellers you’re a serious buyer and gives you a clear price range before you begin shopping.
2. Find the Right Home
Browse listings, tour homes, and work with your real estate agent to make a strong offer. This is also where you decide on contingencies and submit earnest money.
3. Apply for Your Loan
Once your offer is accepted, submit a full mortgage application. You’ll provide documents about your income, assets, employment, and credit so your lender can begin processing the loan.
4. Loan Processing
Your lender orders the appraisal, title search, and any required inspections. They review your financial documents and send you a Loan Estimate with the details of your potential loan.
5. Underwriting
An underwriter evaluates your entire file to confirm you meet loan guidelines. They may ask for additional documents before issuing final approval. Once approved, you can lock your interest rate.
6. Closing & Getting the Keys
You review and sign your closing documents, pay your closing costs, and complete a final walk-through of your new home. After everything is finalized, the loan funds — and you get the keys.