First-Time Homebuyer Checklist

Budget and financing

Confirm the numbers before you fall in love with the home.

Get preapproved and confirm the loan amount, rate, and monthly payment range.Estimate cash to close, including down payment, lender fees, title, escrow, and reserves.Pressure-test the monthly budget with taxes, insurance, utilities, HOA dues, and maintenance.Keep a post-closing emergency fund separate from your down payment.

HOA and community due diligence

For condos, townhomes, and HOA properties, the documents can change the deal.

Collect CC&Rs, bylaws, rules, budget, reserve study, insurance, minutes, and fee schedules.Check monthly dues, transfer fees, fines, late fees, and any pending dues increase.Review reserve funding, planned repairs, deferred maintenance, and special-assessment risk.Look for rental, pet, parking, renovation, guest, vehicle, and use restrictions.

Run the HOA packet through HOA Bot to flag buyer-facing risks and questions.

Takes a few minutes

Check my HOA docs

Offer and contract

Protect your ability to investigate before your deadlines expire.

Choose an agent who explains contingencies, deadlines, and local offer norms clearly.Review recent comparable sales before deciding your offer price.Understand inspection, financing, appraisal, HOA, title, and sale contingencies before signing.Know when earnest money becomes at risk and what must happen to protect it.

Inspection and property condition

Look beyond the surface before you accept the home as-is.

Schedule a general home inspection and attend if possible.Order specialist inspections for roof, sewer, pests, foundation, pool, or HVAC when needed.Get rough repair cost estimates for anything material before negotiating.Ask your insurer about condition issues that could affect coverage or premiums.

Closing readiness

Avoid last-minute surprises before funds and keys change hands.

Review the title report, easements, liens, and ownership exceptions with the right advisor.Respond quickly to lender conditions and avoid new credit, large deposits, or job changes.Compare the closing disclosure against your loan estimate and expected cash to close.Complete the final walkthrough and confirm agreed repairs, appliances, and access items.Schedule utilities, movers, mail forwarding, locks, and basic maintenance for move-in.