The Ultimate Home Buying Checklist - 2025

Between mortgages, negotiations, inspections, and paperwork sometimes thicker than a vintage Yellow Pages phone book, homebuying can feel overwhelming, to say the least. One minute, you’re dreaming of a chef’s kitchen and walk-in closet; the next, you’re knee-deep in loan estimates and closing costs.

A clear, step-by-step checklist can be an excellent way to organize a home purchase, so we decided to do just that and put one together for you. 

Having a structured plan ensures that nothing slips through the cracks, whether you’re a first-time buyer trying to understand down payments and interest rates or a seasoned homeowner looking for an upgrade. But this checklist isn’t just about ticking off boxes—it’s about empowering you to make informed, confident decisions while keeping the process as stress-free as possible.

Below, the team from Prevu Real Estate provides an easy, organized checklist that breaks down every step in detail, from assessing your finances to hiring a buyer’s agent to finding the best way to save money when you buy.

Home Buying Checklist for 2025

• Get organized
• Decide on your preferences
• Find the right buyer’s agent
• Save money when you buy a home
• Secure financing
• Begin the home search
• Make an offer
• Conduct due diligence
• Close the deal
• Post-purchase steps

Get organized

• Evaluate your current financial health (savings, debts, income stability)
• Check your credit score and history (and improve it if needed)
• Determine your budget and affordability (beyond just loan approval)

Before diving headfirst into real estate listings and envisioning your dream backyard BBQ setup, get comfortable, grab a calculator, and crunch some numbers. Buying a home is one of the biggest financial moves you’ll make, and getting a clear picture of where you stand is absolutely essential before making any offers.

Start by taking a long, hard look at your finances. 

Not just "Do I have enough for a down payment?" type of evaluation, but a "Do I have enough to comfortably afford mortgage payments, taxes, insurance, and still have enough for a rainy-day fund?" kind of reality check. Homeownership isn’t just about affording the purchase price—it’s about handling everything that comes after, too.

Then, take a hard look at your credit score. Think of it as your financial reputation—one that mortgage lenders will scrutinize closely. The better your score, the more favorable your interest rate, which can mean lower monthly payments. If it’s not exactly stellar, now is the time to work on improving it—paying down debt, avoiding new credit inquiries, and ensuring no errors lurk in your credit report.

Finally, determine your budget. Just because a lender approves you for a certain amount doesn’t mean that’s what you should spend. Consider your lifestyle, future expenses, and unexpected costs—within reason—so that you can find a home that fits your dreams and your bank account.

Decide on your home preferences

• Identify must-have features (things you can’t live without)
• Consider location and neighborhood (commute, amenities, long-term value)
• Prioritize needs vs. wants (separate essentials from wish-list items)

It’s easy to get lost in the dream home rabbit hole—scrolling through listings, imagining where your furniture will go, and picturing summer evenings on your soon-to-be porch. But before you fall in love with the first gorgeous kitchen you see, take a step back and figure out what truly matters most to you in a home.

Start with the must-haves—the deal-breakers that will determine whether a house is a fit. Do you need three bedrooms, a home office, a spacious backyard for the dog, or proximity to work? Prioritize the things you can’t compromise on.

Then, there’s the neighborhood factor. Beyond just location, think about the vibe you want. Are you after city energy or suburban tranquility? Do you need a place with easy commuting options, or are you more focused on nearby parks, restaurants, and amenities? And don’t forget about future value—some areas’ homes may appreciate faster than others, which can impact your long-term investment.

And finally, the wish list. That spa-like bathroom? The chef’s kitchen? The wraparound porch with a hammock? These are all nice-to-haves, but not deal-breakers. Having this list helps you narrow down homes without getting caught up in minor details that don’t actually affect your quality of life.

Find the right buyer’s agent

• Interview at least two or three agents to compare experience, communication, and commission options
• Ask if they offer commission rebates or reduced buyer fees
• Choose someone who specializes in your preferred area and clearly explains the buying process

Finding the right buyer’s agent starts with asking the right questions. Are they experienced in the specific neighborhood you're targeting? How well do they communicate? Do they explain things clearly and keep you in the loop? Most importantly, are they offering commission rebates that can put money back in your pocket after closing? (Because yes, those exist—and yes, they’re worth asking about.) 

A great buyer’s agent is responsive, knowledgeable, and transparent about fees, services, and strategy. They’ll help you stay grounded when the market feels chaotic and make sure you're never blindsided by a bidding war or a surprise clause in the contract.

You can start by asking for referrals from friends or browsing online platforms with verified agent reviews. Interview a few candidates to compare vibes and experience—and don’t be afraid to ask direct questions about how they’ll help you save money and avoid pitfalls. 

Once you’ve found your match, your agent will guide you through the search, offer strategy, negotiations, and beyond. It’s a relationship built on trust and strategy, and it can be the key to turning your home search into a successful home purchase.

Save money when you buy a home

• Research brokerages that offer commission rebates 
• Ask upfront how much you could potentially get back at closing
• Use your rebate wisely—apply it toward closing costs, renovations, or even your new home’s furnishings

With the recent shifts in how commissions are handled in real estate, many buyers are realizing they might be on the hook for paying their agent’s fee directly if the seller doesn’t offer to cover a buyer’s agent’s commission fee. Before you panic, here’s the good news: there are brokerages out there offering ways to keep more money in your pocket—most notably through commission rebates.

A commission rebate (also called a homebuyer rebate) is a powerful tool that savvy brokerages use to help buyers reduce the financial sting of a purchase. Put simply, it’s a portion of the buyer’s agent’s commission that gets returned to you after closing. 

Brokerages that offer rebates often rely on streamlined digital platforms and tech-forward tools that reduce overhead—allowing them to share the savings with you. For example, Prevu offers the largest commission rebate in the game, potentially giving buyers up to 1% of the home’s purchase price back after closing. 

These rebates can be absolute lifesavers. They can help you soften the blow of closing costs, furnish that new home, or pad your savings account after an intense buying journey. 

So, before you sign on with the first agent you meet, do some digging. Find out who offers rebates, how much you could earn, and what services come with them. 

Secure financing

• Research mortgage options (find the best fit for your needs)
• Get pre-approved for a loan (a must in competitive markets)
• Understand down payment requirements (and factor in PMI if applicable)

Unless you have the advantage of paying all cash, you’ll need a mortgage to make homeownership happen. But not all mortgages are created equal, and navigating the world of loans can feel like learning a new language—fixed rates, ARMs, FHA, VA, jumbo loans…where do you even start?

Start by researching your options. Different mortgage types cater to different buyers. A conventional loan is great for those with solid credit and savings, while FHA loans work well for first-time buyers who need a lower down payment. Veterans might qualify for VA loans, and jumbo loans come into play if you’re buying a high-priced home. The more you know about your options, the better positioned you are to choose the best one for your situation.

Now, let’s talk about a  fully underwritten pre-approval—not to be confused with pre-qualification, which is more like a friendly handshake from a lender. That type of pre-approval is one of the most effective ways to show sellers you’re serious because it strengthens your bargaining power and helps you understand exactly how much house you can afford. 

Plus, in a competitive market, buyers with an underwritten pre-approval often get their offers accepted over those without.

And, of course, there’s the down payment conversation. While 20% is often cited as the standard, plenty of loan programs allow for lower down payments. Just keep in mind that anything below 20% might require private mortgage insurance (PMI), which adds an extra monthly cost.

Begin the home search

• Utilize online listings and attend open houses (but don’t trust photos blindly)
• Keep track of viewed properties (compare homes fairly)
• Adjust your criteria as needed (stay flexible while prioritizing key needs)

You can start by diving into online listing platforms or work closely with your agent from the get-go to begin your home search. The trick is not to get caught up in pretty pictures—dig into listing details, check the days on the market, and look up past sales history (your agent can help with all that). If a house has been sitting for a while, there might be room for negotiation.

Next, attend open houses—not just to find the right home, but also to get a sense of what’s available in your price range. Seeing a home in person can be a game-changer; listings might hide flaws, or, conversely, a house that didn’t shine in photos might turn out to be the perfect fit. Keep a checklist with you to compare properties fairly, rather than getting distracted by one flashy feature—even if it does have the most natural light you’ve ever seen.

Finally, stay flexible. Your dream home might not exist in your exact budget, so be willing to adjust your criteria as needed. Maybe you shift neighborhoods, trade that extra half-bath for a bigger backyard, or look at homes that need a little TLC instead of move-in-ready properties. The perfect home is the one that works for you long-term—not just the one that makes your heart race at first sight.

Make an offer

• Analyze comparable sales (make sure the home is priced fairly)
• Determine a competitive offer price (strategize with your agent)
• Include necessary contingencies (balance buyer protection with seller appeal)

When you’re ready to make an offer, put your trust in your agent (which is why it’s crucial to spend the time necessary to find the right fit). They are experts in negotiation and structuring an attractive offer, which can mean the difference between winning your dream home and losing out to a higher bidder.

Start by analyzing comparable sales. What have similar homes in the area sold for recently? If the house you want is priced way above market value, you may have some room to negotiate. But if it’s priced competitively and attracting multiple offers, you may need to bring your A-game to stand out.

Once you determine a competitive offer price, work with your agent to draft the strongest possible offer. In competitive markets, this might mean waiving certain contingencies or offering a larger earnest money deposit to show the seller you mean business.

But be careful when considering waiving contingencies. These protect you as a buyer—whether it’s an inspection contingency (giving you an out if major issues are uncovered), an appraisal contingency (making sure the home is worth what you’re paying), or a financing contingency (giving you time to secure final loan approval). The key is balancing protection with appeal—too many contingencies might put off some sellers.

Conduct due diligence

• Schedule a home inspection (never skip this step)
• Review the inspection report (and negotiate repairs if needed)
• Check property disclosures and title status (ensure a clean legal history)

The due diligence phase protects you from buying a home with hidden (and potentially very expensive) problems.

The home inspection is your first line of defense. An inspector will assess everything from the roof to the foundation, checking for issues like water damage, outdated electrical systems, plumbing concerns, and even structural problems. Skipping this step should almost never be an option. Even in competitive markets, an inspection is too important to forgo.

Once the inspection report is in, review it carefully. If major red flags pop up—like foundation cracks or mold—you may want to explore other options. More minor issues? That’s where negotiation comes in. You can request repairs, ask for a price reduction, or even negotiate for seller credits to help cover the cost of fixes after you move in.

Don’t forget title and property disclosures—these help ensure the home doesn’t have any lingering legal issues. The last thing you want is to buy a house only to find out there’s an undisclosed lien or zoning dispute that could come back to haunt you.

Close the deal

• Complete a final walkthrough (ensure everything is in order before signing)
• Review all closing documents (double-check loan terms and fees)
• Sign the necessary paperwork (finalize the deal and celebrate!)

It might be tempting to head out and grab a bottle of Veuve Cliquot to celebrate at this point, but before you pop the champagne, you’ll need to make it through closing day—which, while exciting, also involves some of the most important paperwork you’ll ever sign.

First, conduct the final walkthrough. This is your last chance to ensure everything is in order before you take ownership. Explore the property—ideally with your agent in tow—and check if everything is as agreed upon. Did the seller complete any negotiated repairs? Is the heating and cooling system working properly? If anything seems off, now is the time to flag it.

Next, review all your closing documents. This includes your Closing Disclosure, which outlines your loan terms, monthly payments, interest rate, and closing costs. Don’t just skim—read everything carefully. If anything looks different from what you expected, ask questions before signing. 

Finally, it’s signing time. You’ll sign a mountain of paperwork, including your mortgage agreement, property deed, and tax documents. Once that’s done, your lender will wire the funds to complete the purchase, and the home is officially yours.

Post-purchase steps

• Set up utilities and services (schedule installations ASAP)
• Plan for moving logistics (coordinate movers and pack strategically)
• Familiarize yourself with the neighborhood (explore and meet your neighbors)

Ok, now you can go and grab that bottle of Veuve Cliquot and pop it open. 

But once you’re done celebrating, remember to get some post-purchase tasks in order. 

First, set up utilities and services. Electricity, water, gas, and internet are the essentials that need to be activated immediately. Some services may require appointments for installation, so it’s best to schedule them as soon as possible. You don’t want to move in only to realize you’re spending your first night in the dark.

If you haven’t done so already, plan your move. Whether you're hiring professional movers or rallying a group of friends, having a game plan will make the process far less stressful. Start packing early, label your boxes, and create a priority list for what needs to be unpacked first (hint: toiletries, clothes, and kitchen essentials should be at the top—and labeled!).

And finally, settle in and get to know your neighborhood. Head out and find the best grocery stores, coffee shops, and local hidden gems that will soon become part of your daily routine. The faster you familiarize yourself with your new surroundings, the more comfortable and settled you’ll feel.

Interested in buying a home this year? Browse listings in your favorite town and see how much you can save with Prevu’s Smart Buyer Rebate.