How to Buy a Home in 2025

Buying a home is one of the most significant financial decisions you will make in your lifetime. It can be both exciting and stressful, especially if you are a first-time homebuyer. However, with careful planning and preparation, it can be a rewarding experience. In this blog post, we will discuss the home-buying process in detail, from start to finish.

Step 1: Determine What Features You Need in a Home

Before you start your search, it's essential to determine what you are looking for in a home. This could be specific cities, neighborhoods, school districts, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, the size of the lot the house sits on, do you need a big kitchen or multiple living areas, a pool, and more!

Step 2: Find a Real Estate Agent

Finding a good real estate agent is crucial to the home-buying process. Look for an agent with experience in the area where you want to buy and a good track record of helping buyers find their dream homes. Our team is ready to help you find homes that meet your criteria, negotiate with sellers, and guide you through the entire process!

Step 3: Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage

Once you have an experienced agent, they can connect you with a trusted local lender to help you acquire financing for your home. The lender will give you an idea of how much you can comfortably borrow and your interest rate. Getting pre-approved will also make your offers more attractive to sellers.

Step 4: Start Looking at Homes

Once you have an agent and pre-approval, you can officially begin searching for your next home. Your agent will help find homes that meet your criteria and schedule showings. When you visit homes, make sure to take notes and ask questions. It's also a good idea to take photos or videos so you can review them later.

Step 5: Make an Offer

Once you have found a home you love, it's time to make an offer. Your real estate agent can help you determine an appropriate offer based on market conditions and the condition of the home. Your offer will include the purchase price, contingencies, and the closing date. After negotiating the final terms, both parties will sign and execute the contract. Buyers will be responsible for turning in the negotiated amount in earnest and the option fee (if applicable) to the title company.

Step 6: Option Period

Most transactions have a negotiated option period immediately upon an executed contract. This provides buyers with a negotiated number of days in which they can opt out of the contract and keep their earnest money. Buyers will typically have their home inspection in this time frame. A licensed home inspector hired by the buyer will complete a thorough inspection of the home and flag any problems with the home that you may not have noticed during your initial visit. You may be able to negotiate with the seller to have problems fixed before closing.

Step 7: Pending Sale 

After completing your option period (or upon execution of the contract if you did not have an option period), the sale moves to the pending status. During this time period, the title company will complete an inspection of the title status and give the property a clear title. This is also the period when your lender may require an appraisal of the property to ensure it is sold at a reasonable price.

Step 8: Closing

Finally, it's time for closing day! This is where you sign all the paperwork and officially own your new home! You must have your driver's license or valid form of ID. You will also need to prepare to pay your down payment, closing costs, and any other fees that need to be paid at closing. Your real estate agent and a representative from the title company will be present to help you through the closing process. Once the paperwork is complete and the title company receives the payment for the property, you are officially a homeowner!

The home-buying process can be complex and lengthy. However, by following these steps and working with a knowledgeable real estate agent, you can successfully navigate the process and find your dream home. Remember to take your time, ask questions, and be prepared for unexpected surprises!
Ready to get started buying a home in Abilene, Texas? Give us a call, or Connect with us here!