🔑 Buying

Buy with confidence. Verified pros, honest process.

Everything you need from "thinking about it" to keys-in-hand — written by people who've been in the room.

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Buying a home is the largest transaction most people make in their lifetime. We've packaged the playbook — finance, search, offer, inspection, close — into clear guides written by working agents and lenders. No upsells. No tricks. Just the playbook.

1. Get your finances ready

Before you tour your first home, know your DTI, credit score, and how much cash you can put down without wiping out reserves. Lenders pre-approve based on these. Solid pre-approval letters move offers to the top.

2. Hire a verified buyer's agent

A buyer's agent costs you nothing in most markets (sellers usually pay) and saves you from negotiating against a professional listing agent alone. Pick one with recent closes in your price band and zip code.

3. Search, tour, offer, inspect, close

Searching is the fun part. The hard parts — making the offer that wins without overpaying, navigating the inspection contingency, locking the rate — are where verified pros earn their fee.

Common questions

How long does buying a home take?
From accepted offer to closing, usually 30–45 days. From starting your search to moving in, typically 2–6 months depending on market conditions and your financing readiness.
How much down payment do I need?
Conventional loans start at 3–5% down. FHA loans go as low as 3.5% with mortgage insurance. VA and USDA loans can be 0% for qualifying buyers. 20% down avoids PMI but isn't required to buy.
What are typical closing costs?
Budget 3–5% of the purchase price for closing costs — lender fees, title insurance, escrow, taxes, recording. First-time buyers should also plan for inspection ($300–500) and appraisal ($400–700).
Should I get pre-approved before house hunting?
Yes. Sellers and listing agents take pre-approved buyers seriously and ignore the rest. Pre-approval is free and takes a few days. Get it before you tour your first home.
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