The CompleteProcess of Buying a Home
From your first credit check to getting your keys — here's every step of buying a home, explained by licensed mortgage professionals.
What's the Process of Buying a Home?
Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you'll ever make. Once you're under contract, closing often lands in a 30-to-45-day window — it varies with the loan type, the appraisal, and title work — and the full journey from deciding to buy to getting your keys can take several months.
Mortgage explanations by Michael George.
Whether you're a first-time buyer or purchasing your next home, understanding each step helps you avoid surprises and close with confidence.
Check Your Credit & Finances
Before you start house hunting, get a clear picture of your financial health. This step sets realistic expectations for your home search.
What to Check
- Credit score (aim for 620+, 740+ for best rates)
- Monthly income vs. debts (DTI ratio)
- Savings for down payment & closing costs
- Employment history (2+ years preferred)
Down Payment by Loan Type
- VA Loan0%
- USDA Loan0%
- FHA Loan3.5%
- Conventional3-20%
Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage
A pre-approval letter estimates how much a lender may be willing to lend. It is not a guarantee of a loan. You decide how much fits your budget.
Pre-Qualification vs. Pre-Approval
Pre-Qualification
Some lenders base an estimate on information you provide.
Pre-Approval ✓
A lender may check your credit and documents before issuing a letter.
Lenders use these terms differently. Ask what your lender checked.
Documents You'll Need
A typical starting list — your lender confirms exactly what your file needs.
- • Last 2 years of W-2s
- • Last 2 months of pay stubs
- • Last 2 months of bank statements
- • Government-issued ID
- • Last 2 years of tax returns
- • List of assets and debts
Ready to Get Pre-Approved?
Skip the guesswork. Our team reviews your situation, explains your options, and gets you a pre-approval letter—often within 24 hours. No pressure, no obligation.
Find Your Home
With pre-approval in hand, you can confidently shop for homes within your budget. A good buyer's agent can help you navigate the market.
Search Online
Use Zillow, Redfin, or MLS to browse listings
Hire an Agent
Ask your agent how compensation works and review the agreement before signing
Tour Homes
See 5-10 homes before making offers
Make an Offer & Negotiate
Found the one? Your agent will help you craft a competitive offer. Be prepared for counter-offers — negotiation is normal.
What's in an Offer?
Purchase Price
Your proposed price for the home
Earnest Money
Deposit showing you're serious (1-3%)
Contingencies
Conditions that must be met
Closing Date
When you'll finalize the purchase
Complete Inspections & Appraisal
These protect both you and your lender. The inspection looks for problems — no inspection can promise to find every one — and the appraisal is an independent opinion of the home's value.
Home Inspection
A licensed inspector checks the home's condition: roof, foundation, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and more.
Cost varies by home and inspector — ask for a quote; payment terms vary
Appraisal
An independent opinion of the home's value. Lenders typically require one when you apply.
Cost varies — your lender quotes it when ordering
Close on Your New Home
The finish line! At closing, you'll sign final documents, pay closing costs, and receive the keys to your new home.
What to Expect at Closing
- Review and sign final loan documents
- Pay closing costs (often 2-5% of the price)
- Wire your down payment (never send wire info by email!)
- Get your keys and become a homeowner!
Wire Fraud Warning
Never trust wire instructions sent by email. Always call your title company at a known phone number to verify wiring instructions before sending funds.
Choose the Right Loan Program
Different loan types offer different benefits. We'll help you find the best fit.
Get Started in Your State
We're licensed to help homebuyers in Arizona.