THE PROCESS

The steps to buying a house can make for a long overall process.

First, you’ll need to be ready to be a homeowner and set a budget. Next, you’ll work with a lender to get preapproved for a mortgage. Then, you’ll start shopping for properties, ideally with a trusted estate agent at your side. Once you find a home, your agent will help you submit an offer and negotiate with the seller.

When you reach an agreement, you’ll get an appraisal and inspection. If the inspection turns up a major issue, you may want to negotiate repairs or credits with the seller. You’ll also do one more walkthrough in the house before you buy it. If everything looks acceptable, you can finally move to close and enjoy your new status as a homeowner.