A purchase moves through planning, financing, an offer, inspections, lender review and closing. Knowing the order helps you avoid surprises and decide when to ask for help.
Your Purchase, Step by Step
- 01
Understand Your Budget
Set a monthly payment you can live with and keep cash for emergencies.
Calculate buying power → - 02
Review Loan Options
Compare down payments, mortgage insurance, eligibility and total costs.
Compare loan programs → - 03
Get Preapproved
Work with Adam to review your credit, income, debts and funds for closing.
See what to prepare → - 04
Choose an Agent
If you need one, ask Adam about introductions. Discuss representation and compensation with the agent.
Ask Adam a question → - 05
Shop Within Your Plan
Update the payment estimate for each home’s taxes, insurance and HOA dues.
Estimate the payment → - 06
Make an Offer
Work through the price, earnest money, contingencies and closing date with your agent.
Plan your closing cash → - 07
Complete the Loan Review
Respond to underwriting requests and complete the appraisal and property reviews that apply.
Understand conditional approval → - 08
Review and Close
Read your Closing Disclosure, confirm the funds needed, and verify wire instructions through a known phone number.
Ask about closing →
Before You Shop
Set a comfortable monthly target and decide how much cash can be used without draining your emergency savings. Review your loan options and preapproval with Adam. A buyer’s agent can help with the search and offer process; discuss representation terms directly with the agent.
Offer and Contract
Once you identify a home, review price, earnest money, financing and inspection contingencies, and the expected closing date. Your agent and legal advisers can explain contract obligations. Let Adam know the property address and HOA details so the payment estimate is updated.
Underwriting to Closing
The lender verifies documents, orders an appraisal when required and reviews title and property issues. Respond promptly to document requests but do not send sensitive information through ordinary email or this educational site. Review the Loan Estimate and later the Closing Disclosure; ask about any change in costs or terms.
- Confirm homeowners insurance and your closing funds early.
- Discuss new debt or job changes with Adam before making a change during the purchase.
- Before sending a wire, independently verify instructions with a known phone number.
Questions Buyers Ask
What is an appraisal for?
It helps the lender assess the property as collateral; it does not replace a home inspection.
When do I know the final cash amount?
Your Closing Disclosure contains the final terms and cash-to-close figure, subject to any permitted last-minute changes that should be explained.
More Answers for Your Situation
Put the Guide to Work
Official Sources
Rules and funding can change. Confirm current requirements before relying on a program.