Checklist For Home Buyers

Are your finances in order?

Interview and choose a REALTOR®

Get mortgage pre-approval

Find a house

Make an offer

Familiarize yourself with the selling contract and other forms (your REALTOR® will take the time to explain the contracts, forms, and home buying process to you).

Negotiate if needed

Submit a mortgage loan request

Arrange for a home inspection

Did you want a home warranty?

Find and secure homeowners insurance

Make final preparations for closing

Make moving plans, if you plan to use a moving company, compare prices and reserve time

Secure mortgage approval and loan commitment

Do a final walk through of the house

Call Utilities Company and make sure utility bill is paid up to date by seller. Move account to your name to start after closing

Call garbage pick-up and request service starting after closing

Call phone company, cable company and others to start service after closing date

Close

Put closing and settlement papers in a safe place

Move

About 2 weeks after closing, contact local property recording office and confirm that the deed has been officially recorded

Many owners make a photo or video record of the home and their possessions for insurance purposes and then keep the records in a safety deposit box. Your insurance provider can recommend what to photograph and how to secure it

Enjoy your new home!