First-time homebuyer checklist
Your first home. One step at a time.
Keep the moving parts in one place. Work through the list with your agent and lender, then save a copy for the next conversation.
Use it freely.No email required.Your entries stay in this browser.
Checkmarks are saved on this browser when storage is available.
01
Get your finances ready
Before you start shopping
02
Compare lenders and representation
Before making an offer
03
Evaluate the actual property
During the search
04
Make the offer and track the contract
Use the dates in your signed contract
05
Prepare for closing
Before your closing appointment
06
Take possession and settle in
After closing
Put the costs beside the checklist
The payment is only part of the plan.
Use your own loan, insurance, tax, and HOA figures in the monthly cost estimator. Buying in Oklahoma? Open the Oklahoma checklist for assistance programs, parcel taxes, and local questions.
Reference: CFPB homebuying resources. Your signed contract and lender’s instructions determine the deadlines and requirements for your purchase.
A few questions before you begin.
How long should I allow?
Preparation, the search, and closing each have their own timeline. Your finances, the local inventory, the loan, and your signed contract determine the schedule. Ask your agent and lender to map the milestones instead of planning around a guaranteed completion date.
How much cash do I need?
Budget for the down payment and closing costs separately, then keep room for moving, repairs, and emergencies. The lender’s Loan Estimate and the property-specific insurance and title figures are more useful than a generic percentage. The CFPB’s home budget guide walks through the components.
Who pays the buyer’s agent?
Read the compensation terms in your written buyer-broker agreement and the purchase contract. Payment can be negotiated, and you should understand any amount you may owe. Do not assume representation is automatically free or that the seller will cover it.
Does completing the list mean I am approved?
No. This is an organizational tool. A lender determines mortgage eligibility and approval, and your agent and closing professionals guide the contract and closing requirements for your transaction.
Where are my checkmarks saved?
When browser storage is available, only the completed-item markers are saved on this device. They are not sent to Leios or synchronized to another device. Use Print / save PDF for a copy, and Reset checklist to clear the markers.