Before you start house hunting, list your must-haves and nice-to-haves for your future home. Consider factors like:

• Location: Proximity to work, schools, public transport, etc.
• Home size: Number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and overall square footage.
• Features: Yard space, garage, updated kitchen, etc.

Now comes the fun part! With your pre-approval in hand, start searching for homes that meet your criteria. Work with a real estate agent who knows the local market and can help find homes that fit your needs.

• Use online listings to narrow down potential homes.
• Attend open houses and schedule private showings to get a closer look at homes.

Once you’ve found the perfect home, it’s time to make an offer. Your real estate agent will help you draft a competitive offer based on the market and the property’s value.

• Submit an offer letter, which includes your bid price, contingencies, and other terms.
• Negotiate if needed; the seller may counter your offer, and you can respond accordingly.

After your offer is accepted, schedule a home inspection to ensure there are no hidden issues with the property. This will identify any repairs or maintenance needed before closing.

• Review the inspection report carefully.
• If necessary, negotiate repairs or price adjustments based on the inspection results.