Buying a home isn’t just about scrolling listings. If you want the process to feel smoother—and avoid surprises—there are a few smart steps to take before you start touring houses.
1. Get your finances in order
Your money situation sets the stage for everything else.
- Check your credit score. A higher score can lower your mortgage rate, and many lenders have credit minimums of 580-620.
- Save for upfront costs. On a $300,000 home, even a 5% down payment means $15,000 in cash. Closing costs typically add another 2–5% ($6,000–$9,000). Starting early gives you options, and there are assistance programs if those numbers feel daunting.
- Get pre-approved, not just pre-qualified. A pre-approval letter gives you a clear budget and shows sellers you’re serious. In competitive markets, that can be the edge that wins the offer.
2. Educate yourself on the market and the process
Knowledge gives you leverage.
- Understand interest rates—but don’t try to time them. Mortgage rates move daily, and it’s tough to predict short-term swings. While rates have bounced around in 2025, many forecasts (including ours) expect them to finish the year pretty close to where they started. The takeaway: don’t wait for a perfect dip. Focus on buying when you can afford the payment and shop lenders to lock in the lowest rate available at that time by getting loan estimates from at least 3 lenders.
- Research neighborhoods beyond the sticker price. A lower-priced house with a $400 HOA fee or longer commute might actually cost more month-to-month than a slightly higher-priced home in a better location.
- Learn the buying steps. Inspections, appraisals, title searches, escrow—knowing these ahead of time keeps you from being blindsided and helps you budget for each stage.
3. Assemble your expert team
The right people make the process less stressful and help you avoid costly mistakes.
- Work with a lender early. A lender helps you understand what you can actually afford, compares loan options, and shows you the trade-offs between rates, fees, and monthly payments. Getting them involved before you start shopping prevents wasted time looking at homes outside your budget.
- Find a real estate agent you trust (optional). They’ll guide you through the search, flag issues, and handle negotiations.
- Consider a financial advisor (optional). They can help you decide how much house you can comfortably buy without derailing other goals like retirement or saving for college.
- Bring in an attorney if needed (optional). In some states this is required, and in others it’s optional—but helpful if you’re buying a condo, navigating an estate sale, or dealing with unusual contract terms.
4. Do your due diligence before closing
The unglamorous details are what keep you protected.
- Get a home inspection. A $500–$700 inspection can uncover issues that cost thousands to fix. It’s one of the best returns on investment you’ll ever get.
- Review disclosures and HOA rules carefully. If a property has a history of water damage, make sure the repairs were verified. And if there’s an HOA, understand the rules and fees before you commit.
- Secure a title search and insurance. Title protection ensures no one else can make a claim to your property later—a small upfront cost that prevents massive headaches.
Bottom line
Buying a home is one of the biggest financial moves you’ll make. Before you start imagining furniture layouts, make sure your finances are ready, you understand the market, you’ve built the right team, and you’ve done the boring-but-critical due diligence.