10 Steps to Buying a Home

If you’re buying a home for the first time, the whole process might seem like a marathon.

Follow our training plan, designed to help first-time homebuyers like you cross the finish line and settle into your home with confidence and energy left to unpack boxes.

1. Understand How Much House You Can Afford

   Find a home that’s a perfect fit for your budget and your lifestyle with these guidelines.

2. Know (and Improve) Your Credit Score

   Members can   check their credit scores  anytime for free in Web Branch.

   Paying bills on time is just one way to  improve your score .

3. Connect and Get Preapproved

   Explore loan options, then meet with a   mortgage loan officer  to ask questions and decide on the best fit for you.

   Next, get preapproved to show you’re a qualified buyer when you’re ready to make an offer.

4. Decide Whether to Use an Agent

   While it’s possible to DIY, a  buyer’s agent  can help streamline your search for a home, especially when the market is hot. They’ll also help you negotiate with the seller for the best price.

5. Tour Homes and Make an Offer

   Here’s the fun part: visit the homes that   meet your needs and fit your budget .

   Found the one? Consider market conditions in deciding if your offer should be right at the asking price, or above or below it. Your offer probably will include earnest money, along with contingencies such as your home inspection, timing and other factors.

6. Secure Your Mortgage

   After your offer is accepted by the sellers, talk to your lender about getting your mortgage approved by the   closing date .

   At UW Credit Union, your mortgage loan officer will guide you through the final steps to ensure the process is streamlined and stress-free.

7. Get a Home Inspection

   A   home inspection  protects you from expensive surprises like foundation cracks or leaks. You may also need to test for hazards like radon or mold.

   Use the results to negotiate repairs or adjust your offer, ensuring your new home is safe and sound.

8. Final Prep Before Closing

   Do a final walk-through of your new home to ensure everything’s in order since the inspection took place.

   Review   paperwork  and ask any lingering questions.

   Have all the funds required at closing transferred into the right account.

   Contact utility, cable/internet and related companies to get everything set for your move-in date.

9. Close on Your Home

   Know  what to expect on closing day , including what to bring.

10. Move In

    Load up those boxes and start picking out paint colors.

    Remember to update your address with the post office and any other businesses or entities that have your address on file.

You did it! All that time, research, planning and saving has paid off. You now own your very own home.