Redfin

JUNE 27, 2025

If no agreement is reached and you have an inspection contingency, you can cancel the sale without penalty and get your earnest money back. Refraining from negotiating closing costs Closing costs include fees for services like the home appraisal and title search, typically paid out of pocket at closing.

Pre-approval

Redfin

AUGUST 29, 2024

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). DTI is calculated by dividing total monthly debts by gross monthly income. What’s an earnest money deposit?

Earnest money deposit

Redfin

AUGUST 3, 2022

Determining how much house you can afford is the first step in the home buying checklist – setting a realistic budget will relieve stress in the long run and help narrow your home search. Here are the steps to determine how much house you can afford: First, determine your debt to income ratio (DTI).

Purchase and sale agreement

HomeLight

AUGUST 29, 2022

DTI: Your debt-to-income ratio helps the lender assess if you as a borrower would be able to afford your monthly payment. It shows the amount of debt you have in comparison to your income. Earnest money deposit amount. Send your earnest money deposit. Order a title search.

Earnest money deposit

The Close

DECEMBER 29, 2022

Chain of title is an historical record of previous owners of a property that’s essential in establishing the legal ownership of the property. An established chain of title helps protect the buyer from future challenges to ownership. A title search helps create that chain and is usually conducted by a lawyer or title company.

Purchase and sale agreement