Start with the life you want to live
Write down the daily details: your usual destinations, the space you need, property upkeep you can take on, and what you are willing to compromise on. Separate must-haves from nice-to-haves before touring.
Build a complete budget
Look beyond principal and interest. Ask about property taxes, homeowners and flood insurance, association dues, maintenance, and cash needed at closing. Compare lender estimates using the same loan assumptions.
Explore the property, not just the photos
Discuss inspections, condition, available records, association documents, and your intended use. Make a list of questions that need an answer before you move forward.
Put your plan in writing
Talk with us about the offer, your timeline, and which professionals need to be involved. Your signed agreement and lender requirements determine the steps and deadlines for your purchase.
Define what matters to you.
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Look beyond the asking price.
A lower asking price does not automatically mean a lower cost to own. Keep a side-by-side file for each serious candidate, separating verified facts from estimates and items still to investigate.
| Compare | Bring to the conversation |
|---|---|
| Upfront cash | Down payment, lender and settlement estimates, immediate work, moving costs, and cash you want left after closing. |
| Monthly ownership | Loan payment, taxes for your intended occupancy, insurance quotes, association dues, utilities, and maintenance. |
| Condition & responsibility | Inspection questions, system age, roof and drainage information, and what an association maintains versus the owner. |
| Everyday use | Actual routes, parking, storage, stairs, outdoor space, and how the layout works for your routines. |
| Future flexibility | Renovation plans, rental plans, association restrictions, and local approvals to investigate. |
Look beyond the model home.
Ask what the quoted price includes: lot, structural changes, finishes, appliances, landscaping, and other options. Get the specifications and incentive terms in writing. Compare the whole financing offer when an incentive is tied to a lender or other provider.
Discuss the contract, deposit terms, timing changes, inspection access, punch-list process, and warranty with the appropriate professionals. A model home is a presentation; the written scope tells you what you are buying.
From the offer to the keys.
Before signing, understand price, deposits, financing terms, requested conditions, included items, and the proposed closing date. Then use the signed agreement to create a calendar of your actual obligations.
During the transaction, bring new findings back to the decision: what changed, what it may cost, who can verify it, and what choices the agreement permits. The answer depends on the contract and timing; a general website checklist cannot create a right to cancel or renegotiate.
Three things to bring to your first conversation
Your preferred areas and non-negotiables; your financing stage and comfortable cash commitment; and the timing or life event driving the move. You do not need to have a specific house picked out.
Reference: CFPB: understanding the Loan Estimate ↗