Start by speaking with a mortgage professional to determine your budget and get pre-approved for financing. Then, you will discuss your needs, preferred locations, and must-have features with a Realtor so you can begin your home search with a clear plan.

Pre-qualification is an initial estimate of your mortgage eligibility based on self-reported information, while pre-approval is a verified assessment that signals to sellers you are a serious buyer.

Pre-approval is a more in-depth process where the lender verifies your financial information, including income, employment, assets, and debts, and performs a hard credit check. You typically submit documentation such as pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, and photo ID. Once verified, the lender issues a pre-approval letter stating the maximum loan amount, interest rate (if locked), and loan type, which is valid for a set period, often 90 days. Pre-approval demonstrates to sellers and real estate agents that you are a serious buyer and can make a competitive offer, making it a critical step in a competitive housing market

The timeline varies depending on the market and your needs. Some buyers find a home within days; others may take a few months, or longer. Once you’ve made an offer, the closing process typically takes 30–60 days.

In most cases, the seller covers the buyer’s agent commission, so you can benefit from professional guidance at no direct cost to you. The commission comes from the seller's sale proceeds which is usually built into the price. In a way, the commission is paid by both parties.