Your first home, step by step.
A clear, no-jargon walkthrough of the entire homebuying process — from figuring out your “why” to picking up the keys. Built for first-timers by the team that’s helped thousands of families become homeowners.
Know why you want to buy a home
Buying a home is a big decision. Ask yourself:
- Are you tired of renting?
- Do you want to build equity?
- Are you looking for long-term stability?
Knowing your “why” helps guide your plan.
Check your credit & finances
- Know your credit score
- Review your monthly income vs. debt
- Start saving for a down payment (even 3% may be enough)
Pro tip: Don’t open new credit cards or make big purchases during this time.
Talk to a homebuying team
Get connected with a CityWorth agent and mortgage expert. They’ll help you:
- Understand how much home you can afford
- Get pre-approved for a loan
- Explore programs that reduce your upfront costs
Get pre-approved
A loan pre-approval tells sellers you’re serious. It also:
- Helps you understand your true price range
- Shows what your monthly payment will be
- Reveals what loan programs you may qualify for
Start your home search
Think about what matters most:
- Location
- Size
- School district
- Commute
Your agent will help you find homes that match your goals.
Make an offer
Once you find the right home:
- Your agent will help you submit an offer
- Your agent will help you negotiate with the seller
- Once accepted, you’ll submit your Earnest Money Deposit (typically 1% of sales price), which shows you’re committed
Hot tip: Your CityWorth agent is trained to negotiate with sellers to help cover your closing costs. Many buyers don’t realize it’s negotiable — it can save you thousands upfront.
Home inspection
Reveals hidden issues
A licensed inspector checks the roof, plumbing, electric, HVAC, foundation, and more to uncover problems before you buy.
Helps you negotiate
If repairs are needed, you can ask the seller to fix them, offer a credit, or lower the price.
Appraisal
Appraisal protects you from overpaying
If the value comes in low, you can renegotiate or walk away.
Based on comparable sales
An appraiser compares the home to similar recent sales in the area to determine fair market value.
If the appraisal comes in low, don’t panic — you can renegotiate or challenge it with your agent’s help.
Finalize your loan
Submit all final documents to your lender and get ready to:
- Lock in your interest rate
- Sign closing disclosures
- Wire funds or bring a cashier’s check to closing
Respond fast to your lender — delays in paperwork can delay closing.
Closing day
Sign the paperwork, get the keys, and celebrate — you’re officially a homeowner!
Bonus: If you close on your home in July, your first mortgage payment likely won’t be due until September — it skips a month and gives you a little breathing room!
You don’t have to do this alone.
With CityWorth, you get real people guiding you every step of the way — and programs that help you save thousands on your home purchase.