by Maya — Loft preview
First-Time Buyer Checklist
Your progress
0 of 18 · 0%
1. Prepare
Pull all 3 credit reports
Look for any open collection or dispute that could move your score by 20+ points.
Set a true budget
Run a What-Can-I-Afford calc. Save the answer. Don't fall in love with anything above it.
Confirm down payment + reserves
Lenders want 2 months of statements showing the funds are seasoned, not borrowed.
Get pre-approved (not pre-qualified)
A full underwriter pre-approval beats a pre-qual letter at the offer table.
2. Shop
Interview 2-3 buyer's agents
Ask about contracts, dual agency policy, and how they handle inspection negotiations.
Separate needs from wants
Write the 5 things you won't compromise on and the 5 you'll trade.
Tour intentionally
Tour 5-10 homes in your range, not 50. Document each on the same scorecard.
Visit at 3 different times
Morning commute, weeknight, Saturday night. Sound, traffic, light all change.
3. Offer + diligence
Decide your max + exit price
Before you write, agree with your partner on the highest you'll go and the price where you walk.
Confirm earnest money
Typically 1-3% of price. Held in escrow. Refundable if you exit during contingencies.
Hire your own inspector
Not the seller's. Be there. Ask questions. Get the written report within 48 hours.
Watch the appraisal
If it comes in low, you negotiate price, add cash, or walk. Know your move before it lands.
4. Close
Title + survey + insurance
Confirm title search clean, survey matches expectation, homeowner policy bound.
Final walkthrough 24h before close
Verify repairs done, nothing damaged, all included items present.
Wire funds (verify by phone)
Wire fraud is the #1 closing-day risk. Call the title company to confirm wire instructions verbally.
Bring two IDs to closing
Driver's license + passport or secondary ID. They will check both.
Read every page
You're signing 80+ pages. Skim, ask, slow down on anything that surprises you.
Get keys + change locks
Plus garage codes, mailbox keys, HOA fobs. Change locks day one — you don't know who has copies.
Like this? Loft builds
your
version from a sentence.
Build mine →