How to start buying a house: The basics

With so many steps involved, answering the question of how to start buying a house can seem daunting. However, there are some basic steps you can take to make the process more manageable before you get to the home inspection and final purchase of your home.

Here are some of the basic things you need to do to start buying a house:

Get preapproved for a mortgage

Getting a preapproval letter from a mortgage lender benefits you in several ways. It helps you determine how much you can afford to spend on your new house, and also shows sellers you’re a qualified and motivated buyer.

Hire a real estate agent

Real estate agents are equipped with knowledge and resources to help you navigate every part of the real estate process. Most importantly, they can use their expertise to find listings that match your criteria for a perfect home.

Start your home search

Utilize the skills and resources provided by your real estate agent to find your dream home. Start with a list of priorities like must-have features, location and purchase price.

Make an offer

Once you’ve found the right house, your real estate agent can help you with any necessary negotiations and make the best offer based on purchase price, home inspection results, appraisal and home features.

While this is a simplified version of the home-buying process, it can be helpful to think about it in these basic steps.