What Are the Steps Involved in Buying a Home?
- Kelly Mason
- Feb 4
- 4 min read
Updated: Feb 11
Buying a home is one of life’s biggest milestones—and let’s be honest, also one of the most nerve-wracking. It’s exciting, sure, but also full of paperwork, financial deep dives, and the occasional existential crisis.
But here’s the thing: It doesn’t have to be overwhelming. The key to staying sane? Breaking the process down into simple, manageable steps. That’s exactly what we’re going to do right now. So, take a deep breath (and maybe a sip of coffee), and let’s dive into the step-by-step guide to buying your next home—without the stress.
Step 1: Get Pre-Approved (a.k.a. Figure Out What You Can Afford)
Before you fall in love with that dreamy home with the wraparound porch and chef’s kitchen, let’s talk budget. A pre-approval tells you exactly how much a lender is willing to loan you—so you don’t waste time looking at homes that are way out of reach (or worse, lowball yourself when you could afford more).
What You Need for Pre-Approval:
✔ Pay stubs – Lenders want to see that you actually make money (shocking, I know).
✔ Tax returns (last two years) – Proof that you’ve been making money for a while.
✔ Bank statements & assets – To show you’re financially stable enough to handle a mortgage.
✔ Credit report – The magic number that determines how much lenders like you.
💡 Pro tip: A pre-approval letter also makes you look serious to sellers. In a competitive market like Lake Cities, this can be the difference between getting your dream home and watching someone else snatch it up.
Step 2: Find a Real Estate Agent Who Actually Knows Their Stuff
Google searches and Zillow scrolling will only get you so far. Having an expert real estate agent (like, I don’t know… me?) in your corner makes the process way smoother.
A great agent will:
✔ Know the market inside and out.
✔ Find homes that actually fit your criteria (so you’re not wasting time touring duds).
✔ Negotiate like a pro to get you the best deal.
✔ Handle the 3,982 tiny details that pop up along the way.
Long story short? Get a good agent, and thank yourself later.
Step 3: Make a "Must-Have" List (and Stick to It)
Before you start house-hunting, figure out what actually matters to you. This will save you from emotional impulse buys (like falling for a house that has a stunning kitchen but zero closets).
Questions to Ask Yourself:
✔ Where do I want to live? Close to work? Near good schools? Near that amazing taco place?
✔ How much space do I need? Bedrooms, bathrooms, backyard—what’s the minimum you can live with?
✔ What features matter? Open floor plan? Home office? Garage? Pool? (Dream big, but be realistic.)
✔ What’s my budget? And I mean actual budget, not just “what the bank says I can afford.” Factor in taxes, utilities, and upkeep.
Stick to your list—because house-hunting without a plan is how people end up buying a place that’s “so charming” but missing, say, a second bathroom.
Step 4: Start Touring Homes (a.k.a. The Fun Part)
Time to hit the road and start checking out homes! Keep an open mind, but also remember that no house is perfect. Prioritize the things you can’t change (like location and layout) over things you can change (like paint colors and flooring).
💡 Pro tip: Take notes and photos during each showing. After a few houses, they all start blending together, and you won’t remember which one had the amazing kitchen vs. the one with the weird smell.
Step 5: Make an Offer (and Try Not to Overthink It)
Found the one? Time to make an offer. Your real estate agent (hi again 👋) will help you determine a competitive yet realistic price based on market conditions, comparable sales, and the seller’s situation.
If you’re in a competitive market, you might need to sweeten the deal by:
✔ Offering above asking price (within reason).
✔ Being flexible on closing dates.
✔ Minimizing contingencies (but not at the cost of your own protection).
Once you submit the offer, the seller can accept, reject, or counter. Welcome to the thrilling world of negotiations!
Step 6: Get a Home Inspection (So You Don’t Buy a Lemon)
A home might look perfect, but what about the stuff you can’t see?
A professional inspection will check things like the roof, foundation, plumbing, and electrical to make sure you’re not inheriting a money pit.
✔ If the inspection comes back clean, awesome!
✔ If issues pop up, you can negotiate repairs or a price reduction.
✔ If major red flags appear…you might want to walk away.
Better to find out now than after you move in and the ceiling starts leaking.
Step 7: Finalize Your Mortgage (aka More Paperwork, But You’re Almost There)
At this stage, your lender will double-check everything and order an appraisal to confirm the home’s value. If the appraisal is lower than your offer…we might have to renegotiate. If all goes well, you’ll get the official green light.
💡 Pro tip: Don’t make any big purchases or open new credit accounts during this process—lenders will check your finances again before closing, and a new car loan or maxed-out credit card could mess things up.
Step 8: Close the Deal (and Grab the Champagne)
This is it—the final step! At closing, you’ll:
✔ Sign approximately 4,736 documents.
✔ Pay your down payment and closing costs.
✔ Get the keys to your new home! 🎉
Once everything is signed, sealed, and delivered…congratulations, you’re officially a homeowner!
Final Thoughts: Buying a Home Doesn’t Have to Be Overwhelming
Yes, there’s a lot to it, but that’s why having the right people in your corner (cough me cough) makes all the difference. With a solid plan, a trusted agent, and a little patience, you’ll find the perfect home without all the stress.
If you’re ready to start your home-buying journey—or just want to chat about the process—I’m here to help. Let’s make this exciting (not terrifying), and get you into a home you love.
🏡 Lake Cities Living Starts Here! Call/Text 469.390.9050 or
Email KellyMason@lakecitieshome.com Today!
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