Buy New Home
Complete step-by-step checklist to buy new home covering check credit score details and get mortgage pre-approval, and essential action items.
Check credit score details
Ensure your credit is clean to qualify for low mortgage rates
Get mortgage pre-approval
Acquire loan pre-approval letter from banks or lenders
Hire real estate agent
Partner with a buyer's agent to look for properties
Attend local open houses
Visit properties in your budget to evaluate neighborhoods
Schedule home inspection
Hire independent inspector to check structure, plumbing, and power
Set down payment savings
Save cash for down payment, escrow, and closing fees
Review property title history
Hire title company to verify clean deed ownership transfer
Secure home insurance quotes
Acquire active homeowner policy required for mortgage approval
Review HOA community rules
Read Homeowners Association bylaws and monthly fee rules
Attend final home walk-through
Inspect property 24h before closing to check for repairs
Calculate total annual property taxes
Determine monthly tax allocation amount for your escrow bank
Check local school district scores
Evaluate educational ratings of schools in the target area
Determine septic sewer connection status
Verify if home runs on public sewer or private septic tank
Verify radon and gas testing status
Review basement air test reports for chemical hazards safety
Verify boundaries survey layout
Hire surveyor to map exact property fences boundaries lines
Assess home repair budget limits
Allocate separate cash to fix items flagged in inspector logs
Verify utility pipeline locations
Locate water main shutoff valves and main power panels
Confirm home foundation stability
Check basements for water leaks or concrete cracks
Understand flood zone status map
Check FEMA maps to see if house requires extra flood policy
Verify roof shingle age details
Check installation receipt to see remaining roof shingles lifetime
Schedule wire closing funds
Coordinate bank wire transfer for downpayment closing cash
Verify working house locks key
Plan lock updates on all entry doors on move-in day
Secure seller disclosure logs
Read records detailing past flooding or building repairs
Sign final mortgage closing papers
Complete paperwork with title attorney and get keys