You will need a minimum credit score of 580 and some money saved to purchase a home. You may have a down payment and closing costs depending on what you are buying and what type of financing you obtain. You will also have to pay upfront for inspections and you may have moving expenses.

Figure out the number of bedrooms and bathrooms you need. Start thinking of what area of town you want to live in and look up schools.

Talk to a local mortgage company or bank that is familiar with home loans and our community. They will go over the loan process and what will be needed, financially, to purchase a home.

Work with a Realtor that knows the local market and has experience. Tell him what price range you are comfortable with and what your must-haves are.

There are thousands of homes on the market and your Realtor will help narrow it down for you. Look through pictures and details online and then tour your favorites.

Once you’ve decided on the right home, have your Realtor make an offer and negotiate on your behalf. Sometimes your offer gets accepted and other times it does not. Don’t get discouraged! Sometimes it takes some time to find the right home.  

You will want to hire various inspectors to thoroughly examine the home. This may include a general inspector, foundation inspector, pest inspector, HVAC technician, plumber, and a roofer.

Review the inspection reports and decide if you want to request repairs.

Your lender will hire an Appraiser to look at the property and ensure it is valued at what you are buying it for.

Your lender and the Title Company may request additional documents and paperwork be submitted. It may seem like a lot to turn in, but this is part of the process.

You have made it to the closing date! You will need to sign paperwork and bring a check for any down payment and closing costs you have.

After everything is signed and the loan is funded, get your keys and start moving in.