{"id":369071,"date":"2016-04-04T10:47:11","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:47:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/realestate\/buying-a-home\/home-buying-checklist.html"},"modified":"2024-01-24T11:47:25","modified_gmt":"2024-01-24T16:47:25","slug":"home-buying-checklist","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/buying-a-home\/home-buying-checklist.html","title":{"rendered":"Home Buying Checklist"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\">\n        <h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">Home Buying Checklist<\/h1>\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/melissa-mccall-j-d\/\">Melissa McCall, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/katrina-wilson-esq\/\">Katrina Wilson, Esq.<\/a>\n                | Last updated\n        <time>\n                            January 24, 2024\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n<p>Buying a home is a complex undertaking whether you are a first-time or a seasoned home buyer. One key to success during this process is organization through all stages of the home-buying process. Mistakes can lead to delays or missing out on buying your dream home.<\/p>\r\n<p>This Findlaw article offers a checklist to help you stay on track during the entire process.<\/p>\r\n<h2>The Home-Buying Process<\/h2>\r\n<p>The entire&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/buying-a-home\/home-buying-guide.html\">home-buying process<\/a>&nbsp;consists of about three stages before you can take possession of your new home:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Funding<\/li>\r\n<li>House-hunting<\/li>\r\n<li>Closing<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>Organizing your home-buying process into stages can help you manage the complexities of the entire process.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Funding<\/h2>\r\n<p>Before looking for a home, you need to determine your budget. Although some home buyers can pay for a home in cash, many need a mortgage loan to achieve their dreams. Prequalification, preapproval, and a mortgage calculator are three tools that can help you determine how much home you can afford.<\/p>\r\n<p>Many mortgage lenders and banks have mortgage calculators on their websites to help you know what you can afford. Any estimates generated by a mortgage calculator will not have a significant weight as you search for your new home. Think of this as a tool for your research purposes only.<\/p>\r\n<h3>Mortgage Preapproval and Prequalification<\/h3>\r\n<p>Mortgage preapproval and mortgage prequalification are two different things. For prequalification, a mortgage lender will give you an estimate based on the information you provide. The mortgage lender does not do a hard pull on your credit report; they use the information you give them to generate an estimate. A prequalification will carry more weight than a mortgage calculator but less weight than a preapproval.<\/p>\r\n<p>When you apply for a mortgage preapproval, the bank or lender will verify all the information you provide to them, including, but not limited to, the following:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Income<\/li>\r\n<li>Employment<\/li>\r\n<li>Bank statements<\/li>\r\n<li>Credit report<\/li>\r\n<li>Credit score (also, FICO score)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>The lender will use this information to confirm your creditworthiness and issue a preapproval letter, often good for 60-90 days. Preapproval and prequalification help you search for the perfect home because they prove to the real estate agent and the prospective buyer that you are serious about buying a home.<\/p>\r\n<h3>Preapproval Letter<\/h3>\r\n<p>Your preapproval letter should have the following:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Estimated interest rate<\/li>\r\n<li>Estimated monthly mortgage payments<\/li>\r\n<li>Estimated loan amount<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>Preapproval\/Prequalification Checklist<\/h3>\r\n<p>Here is a checklist to help you prepare for preapproval or prequalification. It would help if you prepared the following in anticipation of the bank&#8217;s requests:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Pay stubs<\/li>\r\n<li>Tax returns<\/li>\r\n<li>Credit history (you can order a copy of your credit report to check your history and clear any errors)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>If you are self-employed, the lender may ask for several years of documentation instead of two or three years&#8217; worth.<\/p>\r\n<h3>Mortgage Loans<\/h3>\r\n<p>Consider the different types of&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/mortgages-equity-loans.html\">home loans<\/a>&nbsp;available to you, especially as a first-time home buyer. You are not limited to a conventional loan. Here are different types of loans or loan programs:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Conventional loan<\/li>\r\n<li>FHA loans (backed by the Federal Housing Administration)<\/li>\r\n<li>VA loans (backed by the Veteran&#8217;s Administration)<\/li>\r\n<li>USDA loans (backed by the United States Department of Agriculture)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>Also, check with your bank or mortgage company to determine your eligibility for special programs for first-time homeownership. Many programs offer favorable down payment requirements or assistance and mortgage rates.<\/p>\r\n<p>Starting the house-hunting process by considering funding first gives you several advantages. First, this gives you a firm price range within which to work. Second, a preapproval letter will help you when you apply for the loan, as the lender has already confirmed your creditworthiness.<\/p>\r\n<h3>Funding Checklist<\/h3>\r\n<p>Here is a checklist of things to consider as you look for the best mortgage loan for you:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Research the type of mortgage you want<\/li>\r\n<li>Speak to several different lenders and mortgage brokers to learn more<\/li>\r\n<li>Look for the lowest interest rate and most favorable terms<\/li>\r\n<li>Get preapproval for your loan<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2>House-Hunting<\/h2>\r\n<p>Once you have a preapproval letter or a prequalification, you can search for a real estate agent to help you with your search. Realtors are real estate professionals who are members of the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nar.realtor\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">National Association of Realtors<\/a>&nbsp;(NAR), a trade organization.<\/p>\r\n<h3>Choosing a Real Estate Agent<\/h3>\r\n<p>Although you likely can buy a house without a real estate agent, using a real estate professional to help you in your search has several advantages.<\/p>\r\n<p>First, real estate professionals are experts in their housing market. They have access to databases and information that you don&#8217;t. Partnering with a real estate professional can gain access and an advantage. Second, their experience can help guide them through the entire process, from finding a home to closing on that home. They can help you make an appropriate offer and ensure a smooth process.<\/p>\r\n<p>Here is a checklist of&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/buying-a-home\/questions-for-your-real-estate-agent.html\">questions<\/a>&nbsp;to ask a potential real estate professional:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Do you have a license?<\/li>\r\n<li>How long have you had a license?<\/li>\r\n<li>Are you a buyer&#8217;s agent, seller&#8217;s agent, or both?<\/li>\r\n<li>Do you have any client references?<\/li>\r\n<li>What is your commission? Who pays for your commission?<\/li>\r\n<li>Do you have access to a variety of homes?<\/li>\r\n<li>What is your process for helping prospective homeowners?<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2>Closing on Your New Home<\/h2>\r\n<p>The closing process is the culmination of all your efforts to find a new home. The closing process begins when the seller accepts your offer and&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/earnest-money-deposit-.html#:~:text=money%20put%20down%20by%20a,pulls%20out%20of%20the%20deal.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">earnest money deposit<\/a>. Once the seller accepts your offer, the earnest money deposit becomes part of your down payment.<\/p>\r\n<h3>Closing Checklist<\/h3>\r\n<p>The&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/buying-a-home\/tips-for-closing-on-a-home.html\">closing process<\/a>&nbsp;usually takes about 30 to 60 days to complete. Here is a checklist of things to consider as you move through the closing process:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Sign the purchase agreement<\/li>\r\n<li>Pick an escrow agent<\/li>\r\n<li>Hire a home inspector to conduct the home inspection<\/li>\r\n<li>Get a home appraisal (your lender should order this to confirm the home&#8217;s value)<\/li>\r\n<li>Hire a title company to conduct a title search and issue title insurance<\/li>\r\n<li>Do a final walkthrough with your real estate agent<\/li>\r\n<li>Review closing disclosure with your real estate agent or a real estate attorney<\/li>\r\n<li>Review the settlement statement to get an idea of the closing costs<\/li>\r\n<li>Pay the closing costs<\/li>\r\n<li>Move-in (after you get the keys)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2>Get Legal Help<\/h2>\r\n<p>Every home purchase is unique. If you have special needs or specific questions about the process, you should speak to an&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/real-estate-law\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">experienced real estate attorney<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">Yes<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" 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id=\"clip0_604_3418\">\n                            <rect width=\"22\" height=\"22\" fill=\"white\"><\/rect>\n                        <\/clipPath>\n                    <\/defs>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/i>\n        <\/button>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"No\"\n                value=\"no\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">No<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g id=\"thumbs-down\" clip-path=\"url(#clip0_604_3423)\">\n                        <path id=\"Vector\"\n                              d=\"M16 0.999995H18.67C19.236 0.989986 19.7859 1.18813 20.2154 1.55681C20.645 1.9255 20.9242 2.43905 21 3V10C20.9242 10.5609 20.645 11.0745 20.2154 11.4432C19.7859 11.8119 19.236 12.01 18.67 12H16M9.00003 14V18C9.00003 18.7956 9.3161 19.5587 9.87871 20.1213C10.4413 20.6839 11.2044 21 12 21L16 12V0.999995H4.72003C4.2377 0.994543 3.76965 1.16359 3.40212 1.47599C3.0346 1.78839 2.79235 2.22309 2.72003 2.7L1.34003 11.7C1.29652 11.9866 1.31586 12.2793 1.39669 12.5577C1.47753 12.8362 1.61793 13.0937 1.80817 13.3125C1.99842 13.5313 2.23395 13.7061 2.49846 13.8248C2.76297 13.9435 3.05012 14.0033 3.34003 14H9.00003Z\"\n                              stroke=\"#666666\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\n                    <\/g>\n                    <defs>\n                        <clipPath id=\"clip0_604_3423\">\n                            <rect width=\"22\" height=\"22\" fill=\"white\"\/>\n                        <\/clipPath>\n                    <\/defs>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/i>\n        <\/button>\n    <\/div>\n    <span class=\"was-this-helpful__taken-action fl-text-sm-bold\"><\/span>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-container\">\n        <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n            <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n        <\/div>\n        <form class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form\">\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--positive\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Easy to understand\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                        >Easy to understand<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Solved my problem\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                        >Solved my problem<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--negative\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this not helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n                        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Missing Information\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                        >Missing the information I need<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Too complicated\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                        >Too complicated \/ too many steps<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Out of date\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                        >Out of date<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__form-buttons-container\">\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--positive at-feedback-submit fl-button secondary\"\n                    type=\"submit\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Submit<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--cancel fl-button primary disabled\"\n                    type=\"reset\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Cancel<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-times-circle medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/form>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message\" role=\"status\">\n        <i class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-icon fa fa-check\"><\/i>\n        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-text\" aria-live=\"polite\"><\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-section-sidebar\">\n        <div class=\"fl-editors-summary\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content\">\n                    <h2>Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?<\/h2>\n                <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\">\n            \n        <\/div>\n        <ul class=\"fl-list-style-none\">\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Many real estate processes can be handled on your own or with the help of a realtor\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Some tenant or neighbor disputes may need the help of local police\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Complex real estate issues (such as construction defects or illegal landlord actions) may need the support of an attorney\n\n                <\/li>\n                    <\/ul>\n                    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\">\n                <p>Buying or selling a home, facing foreclosure, or mortgage loan issues can benefit from legal expertise. An attorney can offer tailored advice and help prevent common mistakes.<\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link fl-flex\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link\">\n                <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                <p class=\"find-attorney\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/real-estate-law\/#USER_GEO\/?fli=esum:FL43\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Find a local attorney<\/a><\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"email-subscription fl-mb30\">\n    <div class=\"email-subscription-header\">\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-content\">\n            <h3 class=\"fl-callout-sm fl-no-margin\">Stay Up-to-Date With How the Law Affects Your Life<\/h3>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-image fl-flex fl-items-end\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\"\n                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<\/ul>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The key to managing your time during the home-buying process is organization. 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