1) Get your budget & credit ready
- Monthly comfort number: Back into a price using a payment you can actually live with.
- Credit snapshot: Check scores, fix errors, and avoid new debt/late payments during the process.
- Down payment & reserves: Plan for down payment, closing costs, and a small emergency buffer.
2) Get a firm pre-approval
A full underwritten pre-approval strengthens your offer and helps you lock the right rate strategy.
What lenders verify
- Income & employment
- Assets & reserves
- Debts & credit history
Documents to gather
- Recent pay stubs & W-2s
- Bank statements
- Photo ID
3) Define your timeline & search criteria
- Target move-in window (and lease end dates if renting).
- Must-haves vs. nice-to-haves (beds, commute, schools, HOA, etc.).
- Neighborhoods that fit both lifestyle and budget.
4) Choose the right agent-compare proposals
Experience, communication style, and incentives matter. Compare multiple licensed agents who compete to earn your business.
Seeking Agents® lets buyers compare competitive proposals from licensed agents-free for buyers and sellers.
*Informational only; not legal, tax, or financial advice. Programs and terms vary by market and lender.