{"id":69481,"date":"2026-08-26T04:30:55","date_gmt":"2026-08-26T11:30:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/?p=69481"},"modified":"2026-08-26T09:29:16","modified_gmt":"2026-08-26T16:29:16","slug":"checklist-for-buying-a-house","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/checklist-for-buying-a-house\/","title":{"rendered":"First-Time Home Buying Checklist: 12 Steps to Buying Your First Home"},"content":{"rendered":"<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Key takeaways:<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Set a realistic budget that accounts for upfront and ongoing costs.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Get pre-approved and find an agent before starting your home search.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Protect yourself with inspections, contingencies, and a careful review before closing.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Buying your first home comes with a lot of steps, from figuring out what you can afford and getting pre-approved to making an offer, completing an inspection, and finally closing on your home. It can be easy to lose track of what comes next.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This first-time home buying checklist walks you through the process step by step, so you know what to expect from pre-approval to getting the keys.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"ast-oembed-container \" style=\"height: 100%;\"><iframe title=\"What Should I Do Before Buying a House? (First Time Homebuyer) #realestate\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/v6c-4MysOQE?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1. Calculate your affordability and debt-to-income (DTI)<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before you start looking at homes, figure out how much you can comfortably afford each month. Your housing costs can include more than your mortgage payment, so account for property taxes, homeowners insurance, HOA fees, and ongoing maintenance.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lenders will also look at your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio, or how much of your monthly income goes toward debt payments. As a general guideline, the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rocketmortgage.com\/learn\/28-36-rule\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">28\/36 rule<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> suggests spending no more than 28% of your gross monthly income on housing and 36% on all debts combined.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Affordability is especially important in today\u2019s market, with home prices still near record highs and mortgage rates above 6%. Use a mortgage calculator to see how different home prices, rates, and down payments would affect your <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/first-home-budget\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">monthly payment<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and set a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/first-home-budget\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">budget<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> you\u2019ll be comfortable with even after accounting for the other costs of owning a home.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2. Save for your down payment and other upfront costs<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your upfront budget needs to stretch beyond just the purchase price. While down payments start as low as 3% for <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rocketmortgage.com\/learn\/conventional-mortgage\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">conventional loans<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and 3.5% for <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/aclk?sa=L&amp;ai=DChsSEwi38qbxmbyWAxUIo1oFHZzII0MYACICCAEQARoCdnU&amp;ae=2&amp;co=1&amp;ase=2&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjw-rTUBhAiEiwADv8gBPAIn8JrSgIYVPZRfUm4dxnukYz_rvDdLpUFhfgQF6nro7eXMY5EYxoCgUsQAvD_BwE&amp;cid=CAASWeRomV0qLdwqvqiE-aDFK1ryOmvn8mYXg2QrdxafoDYgNvnsq-LXwXy9CQK8OJcB4G1PoOerKoD0pOt-emXXNLqR3XF9K3NgCSICGQ1TdkrzUV1q1BUqhyui&amp;cce=2&amp;category=acrcp_v1_71&amp;sig=AOD64_1C_J10nsyGAVifQ_oI00iA9Q6EtA&amp;q&amp;nis=4&amp;adurl&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiKu57xmbyWAxUlTTABHZVeGKAQ0Qx6BAgOEAE\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">FHA loans<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (or 0% for qualified <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rocketmortgage.com\/home-loans\/va-loan\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">VA<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\/<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rocketmortgage.com\/learn\/usda-loans\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">USDA<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> buyers), putting down 20% eliminates the added monthly cost of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.consumerfinance.gov\/ask-cfpb\/what-is-private-mortgage-insurance-en-122\/\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Private Mortgage Insurance<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (PMI).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In addition to your down payment, prepare for these other out-of-pocket expenses:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Closing costs:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Expect to pay <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/what-are-closing-costs\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2% to 5%<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of the loan amount for lender origination, appraisal, title search fees, and prepaid taxes\/insurance.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Buyer agent compensation:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> If you work with a buyer\u2019s agent, make sure you understand how they\u2019ll be compensated and whether you could be responsible for some or all of their fee. Depending on your agreement and the transaction, you may be able to negotiate for the seller to cover some or all of this cost.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can also explore state and local <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/singlefamily.fanniemae.com\/originating-underwriting\/mortgage-products\/down-payment-and-closing-cost-assistance\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Down Payment Assistance (DPA)<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> grants or forgivable second loans, which can significantly offset these initial upfront requirements.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3. Audit and boost your credit profile<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your credit score can affect your mortgage interest rate and loan qualification terms. Pull your free annual credit reports from<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.equifaxsecurity2017.com\/\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Equifax<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">,<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.experian.com\/\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Experian<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.transunion.com\/\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">TransUnion<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to inspect for errors, fraudulent accounts, or incorrect late payments, and dispute any discrepancies immediately.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To optimize your score before applying:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Reduce credit utilization:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Pay down revolving credit card balances below <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.experian.com\/blogs\/ask-experian\/credit-education\/score-basics\/credit-utilization-rate\/\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">30%<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of your available credit limit.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Maintain on-time payments:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Set up automatic payments for all bills; even a single <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.experian.com\/blogs\/ask-experian\/can-one-30-day-late-payment-hurt-your-credit-score\/\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">30-day late payment<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can drop a strong credit score significantly.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Avoid new credit applications:<\/b> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.experian.com\/blogs\/ask-experian\/does-applying-credit-cards-hurt-credit\/\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Avoid opening new credit cards<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, taking out auto loans, or making large financed purchases, as hard inquiries and new debt lower your score and increase your DTI.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4. Get pre-approved for a mortgage<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before you start seriously shopping for a home, get pre-approved for a mortgage. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rocketmortgage.com\/learn\/mortgage-preapproval\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A pre-approval letter<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> gives you an estimate of how much a lender may be willing to lend you based on your finances and shows sellers that you\u2019ve taken steps toward securing financing.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To get pre-approved, lenders will typically ask for financial documents such as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">W-2 forms and tax returns from the past 2 years<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Recent pay stubs (covering the last 30 days)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bank and brokerage statements (past 60\u201390 days)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Proof of additional income, gift letters, or child support documentation<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can also compare lenders to find the best combination of interest rates, fees, and loan options for your situation. Just remember that the amount you\u2019re pre-approved for isn\u2019t necessarily the amount you should spend. Stick to the monthly housing budget you established earlier, and avoid stretching your finances just because you qualify for a larger loan.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5. Hire a buyer\u2019s agent\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A buyer\u2019s agent can help you find homes, understand your local market, make a competitive offer, negotiate with sellers, and navigate the paperwork throughout the buying process. If you work with an agent who participates in the MLS, you\u2019ll generally need to sign a n <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nar.realtor\/the-facts\/homebuyers-what-the-nar-settlement-means\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Buyer Representation Agreement<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> before touring a home with them.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before signing an agreement, make sure you understand:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>How your agent is paid:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Confirm how your agent is compensated, whether through a flat fee, an hourly rate, or a percentage of the purchase price.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Services provided:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Define the exact scope of duties your agent will handle, from finding listings to negotiating offers.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>How long the agreement lasts:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Check whether the agreement covers a single home or commits you to working with the agent for a set period of time.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b><i>Note:<\/i><\/b> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nar.realtor\/news\/real-estate-news\/sales-marketing\/compensation-commission-and-concessions\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Agent commissions are fully negotiable by law<\/span><\/i><\/a><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. While you agree to your agent&#8217;s fee upfront, you may be able to negotiate for the seller to cover some or all of this cost as part of your offer.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">6. Research neighborhoods and define your needs and wants<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Finding the right community is just as vital as finding the right home. Before scheduling private home tours, narrow your search by considering factors like local schools, commute times, public transit options, nearby amenities, and anything else that could affect your day-to-day life in the neighborhood.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once you identify your top target areas, separate your home priorities into two clear categories:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Must-haves (non-negotiables):<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Essential factors you cannot easily change, such as school district, overall square footage, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, structural layout, or single-story living needs.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Nice-to-haves (flexibility points):<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Preferred features that can be added or updated later, such as granite countertops, a swimming pool, smart home automation, or updated paint colors.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sharing this list with your buyer&#8217;s agent can help them narrow your search to homes that best fit your budget and priorities.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">7. Tour homes in person and virtually\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Attending open houses and private showings allows you to evaluate property floor plans, natural lighting, exterior lot conditions, and storage space firsthand.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">During each tour, look past aesthetic staging and evaluate the home&#8217;s core physical condition:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Structural details:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Check for visible foundation cracks, uneven flooring, or signs of water damage along ceilings and basements.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Major mechanical systems:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Inquire about the age and service history of the HVAC system, furnace, water heater, electrical panel, and roof.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Environmental factors:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Observe exterior noise levels, traffic density, proximity to commercial properties, and natural drainage patterns on the lot.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Take notes and photos during each tour so you can easily compare homes later.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">8. Submit a competitive offer with concession requests\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you find the right home, work with your agent to draft a<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/making-an-offer-on-a-house\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> written purchase offer<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> based on recent local sales <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/how-to-find-real-estate-comps-in-my-area\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">comparisons (comps)<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. A strong offer clearly details your purchase price, target closing timeline, financing terms, and an earnest money deposit, typically <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/what-is-earnest-money\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1% to 3%<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of the purchase price held in an escrow account to demonstrate good faith.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The amount of competition you face can vary significantly by market, so work with your agent to understand how much negotiating power you have. As of July 2026, 59.2% of U.S. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/news\/data-center\/housing-market\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">homes sold below their original list price<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. With homebuying demand relatively slow, some buyers may have room to negotiate on price or ask for seller concessions, though conditions vary by market and property.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your purchase contract should also protect your interests with essential <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/inspection-contingency\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">contingencies<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Financing and inspection contingencies:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> These can provide important protections if you&#8217;re unable to secure financing or the inspection uncovers significant issues, depending on the terms of your contract.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Seller concession requests:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Include explicit terms requesting that the seller cover specific closing costs or contribute toward your agreed-upon buyer agent representation fees.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">9. Negotiate price, terms, and counter-offers\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After submitting your offer, the seller may accept, reject, or issue a counter-offer modifying your proposed purchase price, earnest money, closing date, or concession requests.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your buyer\u2019s agent will guide you through <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/counteroffers-real-estate-for-buyers\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">negotiations<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to keep the deal aligned with your budget:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Evaluate the full offer:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> When the seller counters, make sure the new price fits both your upfront cash (down payment and closing costs) and your monthly mortgage payment before you agree.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Negotiate concessions:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> If a seller refuses to lower the purchase price, you may be able to negotiate for closing cost credits or inclusion of specific home items (such as appliances) to offset your upfront expenses.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Maintain walk-away limits:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Stay firm on your financial boundaries. If negotiations stall or terms become unfavorable, your agent can help you determine your options based on the terms of your offer or purchase agreement.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">10. Schedule a home inspection and order an appraisal\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once your offer is accepted, it\u2019s time to make sure the home is in good condition and worth what you\u2019ve agreed to pay. Two important steps happen during this stage:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Home inspection:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Hire a licensed home inspector to conduct an in-depth evaluation of the property\u2019s structural foundation, roof, plumbing, electrical panels, and HVAC systems. Use the inspector&#8217;s detailed report to request necessary repairs or negotiate <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/sellers-credit-what-it-means-for-buyers-and-sellers\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">seller repair credits<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> before your inspection contingency period expires.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Home appraisal:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Your lender orders an appraisal to confirm the property&#8217;s fair market value supports the loan amount. If the appraisal comes in lower than your agreed purchase price, your options may include negotiating a price reduction with the seller, paying the difference out-of-pocket, or potentially terminating the contract if your agreement includes an applicable appraisal contingency.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">11. Review your title search and Closing Disclosure (CD)\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As you get closer to closing, there are two important things to review before the home is officially yours:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Title search and insurance:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> A title company reviews public records to confirm the seller has the legal right to sell the home and identify potential title issues, such as liens or unpaid taxes. You may also purchase owner\u2019s title insurance, while your lender may require a separate lender\u2019s title insurance policy.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Closing Disclosure (CD) review:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Federal law requires your lender to provide your <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.consumerfinance.gov\/ask-cfpb\/what-is-a-closing-disclosure-en-1983\/\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Closing Disclosure<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> at least three business days before closing. Review this document line-by-line to verify that your final loan amount, interest rate, monthly payment, and itemized closing costs are what you expect.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">12. Complete the final walkthrough and close\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before closing, you\u2019ll want to do a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rocketmortgage.com\/learn\/a-complete-final-walkthrough-checklist\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">final walkthrough<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of the home with your agent to confirm that required repairs were completed and the home is in the condition you agreed to.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">On closing day, you will complete the transaction:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Transfer funds:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Send your down payment and closing costs via a secure bank wire or certified cashier&#8217;s check as instructed by the settlement agent.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Sign documents:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Sign the final legal paperwork, including the mortgage note, deed of trust, and settlement statements (bring a valid government-issued ID).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Receive your keys:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Once the closing process is complete, you\u2019ll officially become a homeowner and receive the keys to your new home.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Planning to buy your first home? 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