The Complete Guide to Buying a Home

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Last updated: Jul 30, 2026

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Homegrity

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

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The Complete Guide to Buying a Home

Summary

From setting a budget to getting the keys, here is the whole home buying process in plain English — every step, in the order it actually happens.

Buying a home can feel like a hundred moving parts, but it's really one path with clear steps. Do them in order and most of the stress disappears. Here's the whole process, start to finish.

Step 1: Get your finances ready

Before you look at a single listing, get your money in order. This is the step that decides your budget, your rate, and how seriously sellers take your offer.

  • Check your credit. Pull your reports, dispute any errors, and avoid opening new debt. A higher score usually means a lower rate.
  • Set an all-in budget. Think in terms of the full monthly payment — principal, interest, property taxes, insurance, and HOA dues — not just the mortgage.
  • Save for more than the down payment. Budget for closing costs (often a few percent of the price) plus a cushion for moving and early repairs.
  • Get pre-approved. A lender's pre-approval tells you your real price range and shows sellers you're ready. The CFPB's Owning a Home tools are a solid, unbiased place to compare loan options.

New to how loans actually work? Our guide on how mortgages work breaks down rates, points, and PMI.

Step 2: Find the right agent and start touring

A good buyer's agent is your advocate — they know the neighborhoods, spot problems, and negotiate on your behalf. The key is finding one who actually works your area, not a name from a national list.

Once you're matched, make a short list of must-haves versus nice-to-haves, then tour. Take notes and photos on every showing; homes blur together fast. Pay attention to the things you can't change — location, lot, layout, and light — more than paint and staging.

Step 3: Make an offer

When you find the one, your agent helps you write an offer that's more than a number. Price, contingencies, timeline, and earnest money all work together. In a competitive market, terms can matter as much as price. Want the full playbook? Read how to negotiate a home offer.

Step 4: Inspection, appraisal, and financing

After your offer is accepted, you enter the due-diligence window. Three things happen in parallel:

  • Home inspection. A professional checks the roof, systems, and structure. Use the report to negotiate repairs or a credit — or to walk away if it's serious.
  • Appraisal. Your lender orders an appraisal to confirm the home is worth what you're paying. A low appraisal can reopen negotiations.
  • Final loan approval. Your lender verifies everything, so don't change jobs, open credit cards, or make big purchases now.

Budget for the costs beyond the price

The sticker price is only part of what you'll spend. Plan ahead so nothing blindsides you at the closing table:

  • Closing costs. Lender fees, title insurance, and prepaid taxes and insurance typically run a few percent of the purchase price.
  • Ongoing ownership costs. Property taxes, homeowners insurance, HOA dues, and utilities continue every month after you move in.
  • Maintenance and repairs. A common rule of thumb is to set aside roughly 1% of the home's value each year for upkeep.
  • Move-in essentials. Furniture, appliances, and small fixes add up in the first few months — keep a cushion.

Step 5: Close and get the keys

Before closing, do a final walkthrough to confirm the home is in the agreed condition. At closing you'll review and sign the paperwork, bring your down payment and closing costs (usually by wire), and — once the loan funds and records — get your keys. This is educational, not legal or financial advice; verify specifics with your lender and agent.

Ready to start? Get matched with a local agent → It's free, and only the one agent who takes your request sees your details. You can also browse our full buyer guide for deeper dives on each step.

Frequently asked questions

How much do I need for a down payment?

It depends on the loan. Some programs allow as little as 3–3.5% down, while others reward larger down payments with better terms. Putting down less than 20% typically means paying mortgage insurance until you build enough equity. A lender can show you the real ranges for your situation.

How long does buying a home take?

From accepted offer to closing is commonly 30–45 days, though cash deals can be faster and complex loans slower. The house-hunting phase varies far more — from a few weeks to several months depending on your market and inventory.

Does it cost anything to work with a buyer's agent through Homegrity?

Getting matched is always free for buyers. We never resell your details and placement is never for sale — matching is equal for every agent. You choose who to work with, and you can re-match anytime at no cost.

Should I get pre-approved before or after I find a home?

Before. Pre-approval sets your real budget and makes your offer credible. In many markets, sellers won't seriously consider an offer without one.

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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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