As for the homebuying process itself, it generally goes something like this:
❑ Consult with a lender or real estate professional about how much home you can afford (obtain a ‘‘prequalification’’ estimate).
❑ Select a region and/or community where you’d like to live.
❑ Decide what type of home you’d like to purchase (single family? town home? condominium? co-op?).
❑ Either work on your own (using the newspaper, Internet, and ‘‘for sale’’ yard signs) or enlist the help of a buyer’s real estate agent to see what on the market fits your criteria.
❑ Find your home and make an offer.
❑ Negotiate the price and fine points, such as repairs that need to be made by the current owner.
❑ Determine a closing date and set the wheels in motion (start packing!).
❑ Finalize your financing while home inspectors, appraisers, and other required inspections or reports are completed.
❑ On closing day, take possession of your new home and start moving your stuff in!