Step 3: Find Your Home
With a pre-approval letter in hand, you can confidently search for homes within your budget. Your real estate agent will help you identify properties, schedule showings, and evaluate neighborhood factors like schools, commutes, and resale value. When you find the right home, your agent will help you craft a competitive offer, negotiate price and contingencies (such as inspection and financing), and navigate the back-and-forth with the seller until you reach a signed purchase agreement.
Key Takeaways
- ✓ Your pre-approval amount is a ceiling—shop for homes comfortably below it.
- ✓ Include inspection and financing contingencies to protect your earnest money deposit.
- ✓ A signed purchase agreement sets the timeline for the rest of the mortgage process.
- ✓ Avoid large purchases or new credit lines while under contract—it can affect your approval.
What Happens During Find Your Home
Detailed content for this step is coming soon. Check back for in-depth guidance on find your home, including common questions, timelines, and tips from our licensed mortgage advisors.
What You'll Need
- ■ Pre-approval letter to present with offers
- ■ Earnest money deposit (typically 1–3% of purchase price)
- ■ Real estate agent representation
- ■ Home inspection budget ($300–$600 on average)