Redfin

JUNE 27, 2025

Don’t skip critical steps like the home inspection or negotiating closing costs. Skipping the home inspection Some people waive the home inspection to speed up the buying process, but skipping this step can be costly in the long run. An inspection typically costs between $300 and $500, and it’s well worth the investment.

Pre-approval

Rochester Real Estate

NOVEMBER 5, 2015

If your offer is accepted, you will sign a purchase agreement and pay an earnest money deposit. Home Inspection The home inspection will show if this is a property you want to buy. If major issues are highlighted in the inspection report, you can negotiate with the seller over repairs, or they could credit you.

Purchase and sale agreement

Redfin

JULY 30, 2025

It covers a variety of fees like lender and title fees, property taxes, home inspection, and homeowners insurance, to name a few. Lower your debt-to-income ratio: Paying down existing debt can improve your financial profile, helping you qualify for lower interest rates.

Pre-approval

Redfin

AUGUST 29, 2024

However, there are a lot of things to learn about how to buy a house, like current mortgage rates, your credit score, home inspections, and closing costs. Debt-to-income ratio (DTI) Another major factor that a lender will consider when approving your mortgage loan is your debt-to-income ratio (DTI).

Earnest money deposit

HomeLight

JANUARY 27, 2021

You can usually shop around for the home inspection , title and settlement services, and home insurance. This can save you some money on your closing costs versus going with whoever the lender works with as a default. Definitely include an inspection contingency. Of course, sellers love an inspection-free deal.

Closing costs

HomeLight

JUNE 30, 2022

Transaction details: the purchase agreement and a copy of your earnest money deposit. Get a property inspection. It’s always recommended to get a home inspection. A new trade line could alter your debt-to-income ratio and throw off the whole deal if you are not careful. Bank statements.

Purchase and sale agreement

Redfin

AUGUST 3, 2022

Here are the steps to determine how much house you can afford: First, determine your debt to income ratio (DTI). This is your monthly expenses versus your cash intake or the bills you pay divided by your gross monthly income. Debts include recurring bills, such as car payments, daycare payments, and student loans.

Purchase and sale agreement