Your clear, step-by-step guide to buying your first home with Campos Legacy Realty Group. Se Habla Español—both of our agents are fully bilingual and ready to guide you with clarity and care.
First-Time Buyer Checklist
Buying your first home doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Use this simple checklist to stay organized, understand what’s coming next, and feel confident at every step of your journey.
How to Use This Checklist
This checklist is designed to walk you through the home buying process from your very first ideas all the way to getting your keys. You don’t have to do everything at once—think of it as a roadmap you can come back to as you move through each stage. If you ever feel stuck or have questions, our team at
Campos Legacy Realty Group is here to help.
Phase 1: Get Ready to Buy
Before you start looking at homes, getting prepared will make everything smoother and less stressful.
Clarify your goals (Why are you buying? When do you want to move? How long do you plan to stay?)
Review your finances (income, savings, existing debts, and monthly budget).
Check your credit score and correct any errors, if needed.
Estimate how much you’re comfortable spending each month on housing.
Gather key documents (pay stubs, W-2s or tax returns, bank statements, ID).
Talk with a trusted lender about pre-approval so you know your price range.
Make a list of your must-haves, nice-to-haves, and deal-breakers in a home.
Phase 2: Start Your Home Search
Now the fun begins —finding the right home for you!
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Meet with your agent to review your goals and ideal neighborhoods.
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Set up personalized home searches and alerts.
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Schedule showings and open houses that fit your schedule.
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Take notes and photos during each visit so you can compare later.
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Pay attention to commute times, local amenities, schools, and community feel.
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Ask questions about property condition, age of systems, and any recent updates.
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Review feedback with your agent to refine your search, if needed.
Phase 3: Make a Strong Offer
When you find a home you love, a thoughtful, well-prepared offer can make all the difference.
Review recent comparable sales with your agent to understand value.
Decide on your offer price and key terms (closing date, earnest money, etc.).
Sign and submit your offer documents promptly.
Once your offer is accepted, celebrate—and get ready for the next steps!
Phase 4: Finalize Your Financing
With an accepted offer, it’s time to work closely with your lender to finalize your loan.
Submit any additional documents your lender requests quickly.
Review and compare your loan estimate and options with your lender.
Lock in your interest rate, if recommended and available.
Coordinate the appraisal and review the results with your agent.
Avoid major financial changes (like new debt or job changes) before closing.
Stay in touch with your agent and lender about key deadlines.
Phase 5: Inspections, Closing & Move-In
You’re almost there—these final steps protect your investment and get you ready for move-in day.
Negotiate any repairs or credits with the seller, as needed.
Confirm homeowner’s insurance and provide details to your lender.
Do a final walk-through of the property before closing.
Attend closing, sign your documents, and receive your keys.
Celebrate your new home and let us know how we can support you after move-in.
Schedule a home inspection and review the report in detail.
Review your closing disclosure and ask questions about any numbers that aren’t clear.
Next Steps & Helpful Resources
Remember, you don’t have to navigate this checklist alone. Our team at Campos Legacy Realty Group guides first-time buyers through this process every day, and we’re here to make it simpler, clearer, and less stressful.
If you’d like a printable version of this checklist or want to walk through your specific situation step-by-step, reach out to us directly.
Se Habla Español—both of our agents are fully bilingual and ready to support you and your family.