The First-Time Home Buyer's Checklist

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Last updated: Jul 30, 2026

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Written by the Homegrity team to help you make a more informed move.

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The First-Time Home Buyer's Checklist

Summary

A simple, ordered checklist so nothing catches you off guard on the way from "just thinking about it" all the way to "got the keys in my hand."

Buying your first home is a series of steps, and doing them in order removes most of the stress. Print this, work top to bottom, and you'll always know what's next.

Before you shop: get your finances ready

This phase decides your budget and your rate, so don't rush it. Everything after gets easier once this is solid.

  • Pull your credit and fix errors. Dispute mistakes and pay down balances; a better score often means a lower rate.
  • Set an all-in monthly number. Include taxes, insurance, and HOA dues — not just the mortgage payment.
  • Save down payment plus extras. Add closing costs and a cushion for moving and early repairs.
  • Get pre-approved. A lender letter tells you your real budget and makes offers credible. Compare loan types with the CFPB's unbiased loan options guide.
  • Pause big financial moves. Don't switch jobs, finance a car, or open new credit while you're buying.

Understand your loan options

Not all mortgages are the same, and the right one depends on your down payment, credit, and how long you plan to stay. Before you commit, get familiar with the basics:

  • Conventional vs. government-backed loans. FHA, VA, and USDA programs have different down-payment and eligibility rules that can help first-time buyers.
  • Fixed vs. adjustable rate. A fixed rate keeps your payment steady; an adjustable rate can start lower but move later.
  • Compare more than one lender. Rates and fees vary, so gather a few quotes rather than taking the first offer.

Finding the home

Now the fun part — but stay organized so homes don't blur together.

  • Get matched with a local buyer's agent. Someone who actually works your neighborhoods, not a name from a national list.
  • Write a must-have vs. nice-to-have list. Weigh what you can't change — location, lot, layout — over cosmetics.
  • Tour and take notes. Photos and quick ratings after each showing keep them straight.
  • Watch for red flags. Water stains, sloping floors, an aging roof, or a busy road behind the yard.
  • Visit at different times. A quiet street at noon can be a different place during rush hour or on a weekend night.
  • Research the neighborhood. Check commute times, schools, and what's planned nearby before you fall in love.

Making an offer

Your agent helps you build an offer that's more than a price — terms and timing matter too.

  • Decide price and terms together. Earnest money, contingencies, and closing date all shape how strong you look.
  • Keep smart contingencies. Inspection and financing contingencies protect your deposit.
  • Know your walk-away. Set a top number before you start so emotion doesn't push you past it. Our guide to negotiating a home offer goes deeper.

Under contract to closing

The final stretch is mostly paperwork and deadlines. Stay responsive and you'll cruise through.

  • Get the inspection. Use it to negotiate repairs or a credit — or to walk if it's serious.
  • Clear the appraisal. A low value can reopen price talks.
  • Lock your rate and finalize the loan. Send documents promptly and avoid new debt.
  • Do a final walkthrough. Confirm the home is in the agreed condition and repairs are done.
  • Sign, fund, and get your keys. Bring your funds (usually by wire) and ID to closing.

Start with the step that matters most: a great local agent. Get matched free → Only the one agent who takes your request sees your details, and we never resell them. Want the big picture first? Read the complete guide to buying a home.

Frequently asked questions

What credit score do I need to buy a home?

There's no single cutoff — different loan programs have different minimums, and a higher score generally earns a better rate. Focus on paying bills on time and lowering balances, then let a lender tell you exactly where you stand.

How much should I save before buying?

Plan for your down payment plus closing costs (often a few percent of the price) plus a cushion of several months of expenses. Buying with nothing left over is risky if a repair or job change hits.

Do I really need a buyer's agent?

A good agent spots problems, handles paperwork, and negotiates for you. Getting matched is free for buyers, and you can re-match anytime, so there's little downside to having an advocate in your corner.

What's the first thing I should do?

Check your credit and get pre-approved. Knowing your true budget before you shop keeps you from falling for homes outside your range.

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Frequently asked questions

What does it cost to get matched?
Nothing. You’re never charged to get matched, to see an agent’s record, or to talk to them. We take no cut of your transaction and we don’t charge a referral fee — agents pay us a flat subscription for tools if they want them.
How do you decide which agents to show me?
We order agents on how long they have been licensed and how closely they are placed to your area — never ad spend. As closings and reviews accumulate on the platform they will join that order; today they do not, and we will not claim otherwise. Placement can’t be bought.
Can an agent pay to rank higher?
No. Paid plans add software inside an agent’s dashboard — a CRM, a branded site, content tools. They don’t buy leads and they don’t move anyone up the list.
Will my information be shared?
Not until you pick an agent and ask us to make the introduction. You can get a valuation or browse matches without a single agent seeing your name.
How many agents will I be matched with?
Usually three. Enough to compare approaches and personalities without turning it into a research project.
Am I obligated to work with anyone you show me?
No. You can contact one, all three, or none of them. There’s no contract with us and nothing to cancel.
What if I already have an agent?
Use them. You can still run a valuation or compare carrying costs here for a second opinion, and you’re never obligated to be matched.
How accurate is the home value estimate?
It’s built from recent comparable sales near you rather than a national model, and it shows you which sales drove the number so you can check the reasoning. Treat it as a starting point — an agent will refine it after seeing the home.
How is that different from other online estimates?
Most public estimates are a national algorithm applied to your ZIP code. Ours is comp-driven and shows its work, so you can tell whether the sales behind it actually resemble your home.
What is the difference between list price and true monthly cost?
List price is what a seller is asking. True monthly is what the home costs you to hold once property taxes, insurance, HOA dues and the payment at current rates are counted. Two homes at the same asking price can differ by hundreds a month.
How much do I need for a down payment?
It depends on the loan program. Conventional loans often start around 3–5% for qualified buyers, FHA around 3.5%, and VA and USDA can go to zero for those who qualify. Less than 20% down generally means mortgage insurance until you build equity.
What is a debt-to-income ratio and why does it matter?
It’s your monthly debt payments divided by your gross monthly income. Many conventional programs look for total debt at or below roughly 43%, though this varies by program and by the rest of your file.
Should I get pre-approved before I start looking?
Yes, in most markets. A pre-approval tells you your ceiling and tells sellers you’re credible. Treat the number as a ceiling rather than a target — what you qualify for and what you can comfortably carry are rarely the same.
How long does it take to buy a home?
From accepted offer to keys is commonly 30–45 days with financing, faster with cash. The search itself varies enormously with inventory and how specific your requirements are.
How long does it take to sell?
It depends on your market, your price and the season. Your agent should be able to tell you the recent days-on-market for homes like yours, which is a far better guide than any national average.
What does an agent’s commission cover?
Pricing, preparation, marketing, showings, negotiation and the transaction management that gets you to closing. Commission is negotiable and is agreed between you and your agent — we’re not party to it.
Do I have to pay a commission as a buyer?
How buyer-side compensation works changed recently and now varies by market and by agreement. Your agent must put their fee in writing with you before showing homes, so ask early and get it in the agreement.
Should I sell before I buy?
It’s a cash-flow question more than a market question. Selling first is safer financially but can leave you renting; buying first is smoother logistically but means carrying two payments if your sale is slow.
What should I fix before listing?
Usually the cheap, visible things: paint, lighting, landscaping, decluttering. Big renovations rarely return their cost at sale. An agent who works your street can tell you what buyers there actually notice.
Do I need a home inspection?
Almost always worth it, even in a competitive market. An inspection is information — you can still choose to proceed, but you’ll proceed knowing what you’re taking on.
What are closing costs?
The fees to complete the transaction: lender charges, title and escrow, recording, prepaid taxes and insurance. They commonly run a few percent of the purchase price and vary a lot by state.
How do rental applications work?
Landlords and management companies set their own screening criteria and fees. Requirements differ building to building, so knowing what a specific landlord wants before you apply is most of the battle.
Do you charge renters anything?
No. We don’t charge to search or to get matched. Landlords often charge their own application or screening fee, and who pays the rental agent’s fee at signing depends on your market and the building.
Who do I contact if something goes wrong?
Reach us at [email protected]. We’re a matching service rather than a brokerage, so we’re not party to your transaction — but we do want to know when a matched agent isn’t performing.

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