Home Buying Checklist: Step-by-Step (Printable)
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A free printable checklist for buyers, organized by stage. Built on the CFPB's home-buying process. Free to share or link to.
1. Before you shop
- ☐ Check your credit reports at AnnualCreditReport.com
- ☐ Set a monthly payment budget (including taxes, insurance, HOA)
- ☐ Save for down payment, closing costs and an emergency fund
- ☐ Get pre-approved by more than one lender
2. Find an agent and a home
- ☐ Interview two or three buyer's agents (questions to ask)
- ☐ Read and sign the written buyer agreement; understand the fee
- ☐ List must-haves vs nice-to-haves
- ☐ Tour homes and check recent nearby sales
3. Offer to contract
- ☐ Decide on contingencies: inspection, appraisal, financing (contingent offers)
- ☐ Submit offer and earnest money
- ☐ Schedule the home inspection
- ☐ Shop homeowners insurance
4. Mortgage and closing
- ☐ Compare Loan Estimates (CFPB)
- ☐ Lock your rate
- ☐ Review the Closing Disclosure at least 3 business days before closing (CFPB)
- ☐ Verify wiring instructions by phone to avoid wire fraud
- ☐ Final walk-through, then close
Keep reading: Best Time to Buy a House; How Long Does It Take to Close on a House? A Step-by-Step Timeline; Selling a House Without a Realtor (FSBO).
Frequently asked questions
What should I do before shopping for a home?
Check your credit reports at AnnualCreditReport.com; Set a monthly payment budget (including taxes, insurance, HOA); Save for down payment, closing costs and an emergency fund; Get pre-approved by more than one lender.
How do I find an agent and a home?
Interview two or three buyer's agents (questions to ask); Read and sign the written buyer agreement; understand the fee; List must-haves vs nice-to-haves; Tour homes and check recent nearby sales.
What happens between the offer and the contract?
Decide on contingencies: inspection, appraisal, financing (contingent offers); Submit offer and earnest money; Schedule the home inspection; Shop homeowners insurance.
What are the final steps for the mortgage and closing?
Compare Loan Estimates (CFPB); Lock your rate; Review the Closing Disclosure at least 3 business days before closing (CFPB); Verify wiring instructions by phone to avoid wire fraud.
Tell us whether you're buying or selling and where, and we'll try to connect you with a local agent. Talk to an agent
New guides
- How to Find a Realtor: 6 Steps to the Right Local Agent
- Selling a House Without a Realtor (FSBO): Steps, Costs and Risks
- Best Time to Buy a House: Season, Rates and Your Finances