01. DETERMINE YOUR BUDGET
Know your financial limits and set a budget before you start searching for a house.
02. FIND THE RIGHT LOCATION
Research the areas you're interested in and look for a neighborhood that fits your needs and lifestyle.
03. KNOW YOUR NEEDS AND WANTS
Make a list of your must-haves and nice-to-haves in a home to help you narrow down your search.
04. GET PRE-APPROVED FOR A MORTGAGE
Having a pre-approval letter from a lender can give you an advantage over other buyers and show sellers that you're serious.
05. WORK WITH A REAL ESTATE AGENT
A professional agent can help you navigate the buying process, negotiate with sellers, and find the best deals. Image: A photo of a person shaking hands with a real estate agent
06. INSPECT THE HOME
Hire a professional home inspector to thoroughly check the property for any issues or potential problems.
07. CONSIDER THE RESALE VALUE
Even if you plan to live in the house for a long time, it's important to consider the resale value in case you need to sell it in the future.
08. DON'T RUSH THE PROCESS
Take your time and don't feel pressured to make a decision quickly, especially if it doesn't feel right.
09. REVIEW THE CONTRACT
Carefully read and understand all the terms and conditions of the purchase contract before signing it.