The Checklist
Six phases, start to keys
Buying your first home is a big deal. This checklist breaks it into manageable steps so you always know exactly where you are in the process.
Before You Start
Get your financial house in order before you start shopping.
Check your credit score
Aim for 620+ for conventional loans, 580+ for FHA. Pull your free report at AnnualCreditReport.com and dispute any errors.
Calculate your budget
Don't just look at the purchase price — factor in property taxes, insurance, HOA fees, and maintenance. A general rule: housing costs under 28% of gross income.
Build your down payment savings
Conventional loans can require as little as 3–5% down. FHA loans require 3.5%. Louisiana also has down payment assistance programs worth exploring.
Gather your documents
You'll need: 2 years of tax returns, recent pay stubs, 2 months of bank statements, and photo ID. Having these ready speeds up the loan process significantly.
Pay down existing debt if possible
Lowering your debt-to-income ratio improves your loan terms and purchasing power.
Get Pre-Approved
A pre-approval letter is your ticket to making a serious offer.
Choose a lender
Shop at least 2–3 lenders to compare rates and fees. Your REALTOR® can recommend trusted local lenders who close on time.
Submit your application
Provide all documents gathered in Phase 1. The lender will pull your credit and assess your full financial picture.
Understand your pre-approval letter
Know your approved loan amount, loan type (conventional, FHA, VA, USDA), and interest rate estimate. This shapes your search budget.
Don't make major financial changes
Avoid opening new credit accounts, changing jobs, or making large purchases between pre-approval and closing — it can affect your loan.
House Hunting
The fun part — approached strategically.
Define your must-haves vs. nice-to-haves
Separate non-negotiables (school district, bedroom count) from preferences (granite counters, pool). This keeps your search focused.
Research neighborhoods
Drive the areas at different times of day. Check flood zone maps, commute times, and nearby amenities.
Attend showings with fresh eyes
Take photos and notes at each showing. Visit the ones you like a second time — ideally at a different time of day.
Trust your REALTOR®'s market insight
Your agent will tell you if a home is priced fairly, has been sitting too long, or has issues to watch for. Use that knowledge.
Making an Offer
Move decisively when you find the right home.
Review comparable sales
Your REALTOR® will pull recent sales data (comps) to help you make a competitive, informed offer.
Decide on your contingencies
Most offers include inspection and financing contingencies. In competitive markets, buyers sometimes waive these — understand the risk before doing so.
Submit earnest money promptly
Typically 1–2% of the purchase price, due within a day or two of acceptance. This shows good faith and is applied to your closing costs.
Negotiate in good faith
Don't get emotional. Counter-offers are normal. Your agent will guide you through finding terms that work for both sides.
Under Contract
You're under contract — here's what happens next.
Schedule your home inspection
Do this within the inspection period (typically 7–10 days). Attend if you can — you'll learn a lot about the home.
Review the inspection report
Your agent will help you decide what to ask for: repairs, a price reduction, or a closing cost credit. Not every item needs to be addressed.
Order an appraisal
Your lender orders this automatically. If the appraisal comes in low, you may need to renegotiate or cover the gap in cash.
Stay in close contact with your lender
Respond quickly to document requests. Delays here can push back your closing date.
Purchase homeowner's and flood insurance
Required before closing. In Louisiana, start this process early — flood insurance can take time, especially in high-risk zones.
Do a final walk-through
Typically 24–48 hours before closing. Verify the home is in the agreed-upon condition and requested repairs were made.
Closing Day & Beyond
The finish line — and the beginning.
Bring the right items
Photo ID, certified funds or wire transfer confirmation for your closing costs, and any remaining documents your lender requested.
Review the Closing Disclosure
You'll receive this 3 days before closing. Compare it carefully to your Loan Estimate and ask about any changes.
Sign and celebrate
Closing typically takes 1–2 hours. Once complete, you'll receive the keys to your new home.
File for homestead exemption
In Louisiana, file with your parish assessor's office by December 31 of the year you purchased to get the tax benefit that year.
Change your locks
A simple but important first step in every new home.
💡 A note from Brittany
The checklist is a guide, not a rigid script. Every transaction is different, and I'll be with you at every step to help you navigate the unexpected. The goal is that you never feel lost or alone in the process.