STEP 1

Begin planning to buy a home. This is a time to determine your homeownership goals. Ideally you start this steps months in advance to better position yourself for the later steps.

STEP 2

Choose a mortgage lender. A mortgage lender can help you decide which loan type is right for you. They’ll also help you consider down payment options and strategize to improve your credit score if necessary.

 

STEP 3

Get a pre-approval from your lender. A mortgage pre-approval shows you how much home you qualify for. The best time to get a pre-approval is right before you start house hunting. Know that pre-approval letters don’t guarantee interest rates or your mortgage and they often expire after 90 days.

STEP 4

Hire a realtor. Buyer’s agents help you find homes, communicate with the seller, and negotiate the home sale. An experienced real estate agent knows the neighborhoods and provides insights into the local housing market.