The Home Buying Process, Step by Step

From setting your budget to getting the keys — what happens at each stage and what to do next.

Mortgage calculator

Estimate your monthly payment.

Pre-approval guide

What lenders verify and how long it takes.

Mortgage Rates 2026

What's driving rates this year.

The short answer

Buying a home comes down to eight steps: set a budget, get pre-approved, find a home, make an offer, lock your rate, complete the inspection and appraisal, clear underwriting, and close. Once you're under contract, closing commonly takes about 30 to 45 days.

The 8 steps to buying a home

  • 1 Set your budget Work out a monthly payment you're comfortable with — principal, interest, taxes, insurance and any mortgage insurance — before you look at listings. Include HOA dues and utilities Keep cash set aside for closing costs and moving Decide your comfort payment, not just the maximum Estimate your payment with the mortgage calculator

    • Set your budget

    Work out a monthly payment you're comfortable with — principal, interest, taxes, insurance and any mortgage insurance — before you look at listings.

  • Include HOA dues and utilities
  • Keep cash set aside for closing costs and moving
  • Decide your comfort payment, not just the maximum
  • 2 Get a quote and pre-approval Start with a no-SSN quote to see your options, then get pre-approved so sellers know a lender has verified your credit, income and assets. A credit check happens only with your written permission at application Gather pay stubs, W-2s and bank statements Pre-approval letters usually last 60 to 90 days Read the mortgage pre-approval guide

    • Get a quote and pre-approval

    Start with a no-SSN quote to see your options, then get pre-approved so sellers know a lender has verified your credit, income and assets.

  • A credit check happens only with your written permission at application
  • Gather pay stubs, W-2s and bank statements
  • Pre-approval letters usually last 60 to 90 days
  • 3 Find the right home Partner with a local agent, tour homes within your pre-approved range, and weigh commute, schools, condition and resale — not just price. Shop a little below your approval amount Ask about property taxes and insurance costs Keep your finances unchanged while you search

    • Find the right home

    Partner with a local agent, tour homes within your pre-approved range, and weigh commute, schools, condition and resale — not just price.

  • Shop a little below your approval amount
  • Ask about property taxes and insurance costs
  • Keep your finances unchanged while you search
  • 4 Make an offer Your agent writes the offer with your pre-approval letter attached. Price, earnest money, contingencies and closing date all affect how strong it looks. Earnest money is usually held in escrow Inspection and appraisal contingencies protect you Ask about seller credits toward closing costs

    • Make an offer

    Your agent writes the offer with your pre-approval letter attached. Price, earnest money, contingencies and closing date all affect how strong it looks.

  • Earnest money is usually held in escrow
  • Inspection and appraisal contingencies protect you
  • Ask about seller credits toward closing costs
  • 5 Lock your rate and finish the application Once you're under contract, the loan is tied to the property. Decide when to lock your rate and send any updated documents. A rate lock protects you from market moves for a set period Respond to document requests quickly Review your Loan Estimate carefully Read the Mortgage Rates 2026 guide

    • Lock your rate and finish the application

    Once you're under contract, the loan is tied to the property. Decide when to lock your rate and send any updated documents.

  • A rate lock protects you from market moves for a set period
  • Respond to document requests quickly
  • Review your Loan Estimate carefully
  • 6 Inspection and appraisal A home inspection checks the condition of the property. The lender orders an appraisal to confirm the value supports the loan amount. Attend the inspection if you can Negotiate repairs or credits if issues come up A low appraisal can often be renegotiated

    • Inspection and appraisal

    A home inspection checks the condition of the property. The lender orders an appraisal to confirm the value supports the loan amount.

  • Attend the inspection if you can
  • Negotiate repairs or credits if issues come up
  • A low appraisal can often be renegotiated
  • 7 Underwriting and clear to close An underwriter reviews the full file and may ask for a few more items. When everything is satisfied, you're cleared to close. Don't open new credit or change jobs Explain any large deposits You'll get your Closing Disclosure at least 3 business days before closing See the full mortgage process timeline

    • Underwriting and clear to close

    An underwriter reviews the full file and may ask for a few more items. When everything is satisfied, you're cleared to close.

  • Don't open new credit or change jobs
  • Explain any large deposits
  • You'll get your Closing Disclosure at least 3 business days before closing
  • 8 Closing day Do a final walk-through, sign your documents, bring a valid photo ID and your verified funds — then get the keys. Wire funds only after confirming instructions by phone Compare the Closing Disclosure with your Loan Estimate Keep copies of everything you sign Understand your closing costs

    • Closing day

    Do a final walk-through, sign your documents, bring a valid photo ID and your verified funds — then get the keys.

  • Wire funds only after confirming instructions by phone
  • Compare the Closing Disclosure with your Loan Estimate
  • Keep copies of everything you sign

    • Home buying questions

    How long does it take to buy a home?

    The search can take weeks or months. Once you're under contract, closing commonly takes about 30 to 45 days, depending on the loan type, appraisal and how quickly documents come in.

    Should I get pre-approved before looking at homes?

    Yes. Pre-approval tells you a realistic price range and shows sellers that a lender has verified your finances, which makes your offer more competitive.

    Does getting a quote affect my credit?

    No. You can see a quote from us without an SSN or a credit check. A credit check happens only with your written permission when you apply.

    What costs should I plan for besides the down payment?

    Plan for closing costs, an inspection, an appraisal, earnest money, moving costs and a cushion for repairs. Your Loan Estimate lists the loan-related costs.

    What should I avoid between pre-approval and closing?

    Avoid new credit, large purchases on credit, job changes and undocumented deposits. These can change your approval.

    Keep exploring

    Mortgage document checklist

    Everything lenders ask for, in one list.

    How much down payment?

    Minimums by loan program.

    Credit score to buy a house

    What each loan type looks for.

    First-time buyer programs

    State programs in CA, CO, TX and WA.

    Ready to take the first step?

    See your options with a quick quote — no SSN, no credit check — and a live agent will help you plan the rest.