Process Of Buying A House Apr 2026

Use tools like the Zillow Home Shopping Checklist to stay organized while touring homes .

List non-negotiables like location, number of bedrooms, and school districts versus "nice-to-haves" like a renovated kitchen . process of buying a house

Your lender will order an appraisal to ensure the home's value matches the loan amount . Use tools like the Zillow Home Shopping Checklist

Once you have your pre-approval, you can start the "fun" part—finding your future home. Once you have your pre-approval, you can start

After an offer is accepted, the deal enters a "pending" period where final checks occur.

This is a "good-faith" deposit (typically 1%–10% of the price) held in escrow to show the seller you're serious . Phase 3: Due Diligence & Closing

Calculate your monthly "PITI" (principal, interest, taxes, and insurance) . Factor in upfront costs like a down payment (3%–20%) and closing fees (3%–6% of the purchase price) .