Whether a first-timer or seasoned home buyer, your home buying and selling process can be as challenging as learning a new language. Before you make your move, it's important to first understand the steps involved and the buzzwords of the "deal" to ensure the smoothest transaction possible.

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The silver linings that are emerging for buyers as a result of the changing housing market are greater selection, fewer competitive offers, and less pressure to make a snap decision. However, you should still be thinking of putting your best offer forward, since there may not be a lot of room for negotiating the price and terms. Having a knowledgeable agent who can pinpoint what amount will be met with serious interest on the seller's part is half the battle.

During the negotiation process, you have the right to include a home inspection to uncover any serious flaws in the structure. At the same time, you should appeal to the seller's desire for a quick and uncomplicated sale by coming close to all the reasonable terms of the closing requirements. Moreover, avoid sticking too many conditions in your offer. One big advantage for you as a buyer is to have preapproved financing so that the seller knows that you have the necessary funding to complete the transaction. Again, your agent can be your "wingman" as you make the "offer-to-purchase" run.

For a homebuyer, closing on a property means finally having the flexibility to build and create your own living space and, as homes typically appreciate over time, some measure of financial security.

Unfortunately though, closing also means having to comb over pages of legal documents, budgeting for closing costs, and finalizing your home financing. By being prepared before moving day, you'll make sure there are no surprises.

Paperwork
Some of the legal documents you'll need to look at on closing day include estimates, contracts, title searches, appraisals, home inspection summaries, and financial documents. Your real estate lawyer and/or sales associate should make these services available to you.

A week before you take ownership, consider coordinating a meeting where all respective agents, vendors, buyers, and your attorneys finalize closing details and documents. This step will help you avoid any surprises the day of, and ensure all paperwork is complete prior to taking possession.

When you close, also make sure to obtain the deed to your property.

Payments
Your mortgage is far from the only cost you should expect to pay when purchasing property. Other expenses may include legal fees, insurance, appraisal fees, moving fees, utility hook-ups, and depending on what state you live in, land transfer taxes.

Once you've been pre-approved for a loan, begin discussing closing costs with your Better Homes and Garden Real Estate sales associate. If you need more cash on hand for anticipated closing costs, this may force you to adjust the terms of your home financing. Putting down a smaller down payment is one way to free up some additional cash; however, it may make it more difficult to obtain financing from your lending agent. Also, consider that a smaller down payment may mean higher monthly mortgage payments. Carefully weigh these options with your sales associate and consider the length of time you intend to stay in your new home.

Additional Closing Costs
Land transfer taxes are costs many first-time buyers may overlook when purchasing a property. Whatever the amount, the trick is to be prepared.

Ask your sales associate to look at comparable sales in the neighborhood. With that information, he or she should be able to provide a fairly accurate cost estimate that will help you budget more effectively before taxes.

Adjusting to life in a new neighborhood can be stressful enough; the physical act of moving shouldn't make it worse. Ironing out the details weeks in advance will help make sure you and your prized possessions arrive at your new home in one piece.

Organizing the move
According to the US Census Bureau, an estimated 39 million Americans relocate annually, while half of all moves occur between May and Labor Day. If you're planning to move in during that time, make sure to book movers well in advance to avoid having to make arrangements around the schedules of others.

Before signing a contract, however, insist on getting in-home estimates from at least three reputable companies. While estimating your home's contents over the phone may seem like a simple way to obtain a quote, it often winds up costing more in additional fees, a scenario that can be easily avoided by scheduling face-to-face appointments.

Packing
Weeks before you move, start collecting boxes and gathering any necessary supplies (packing tape, sharpies, etc). Ideally, the boxes will be uniform so that they are easily stacked and stored prior to the day you close on your new home. When you start packing, work your way through your home, room by room, to make the task seem less onerous. If possible, spread out heavy items like books in several boxes as you may be the one lifting them.

Before buying loosefill peanuts or other packing materials, first consider what you have around the house for this purpose. Linens are excellent for wrapping and insulating delicate items, while old newspaper will help cushion plates, mugs, and cups and will more than likely ensure they arrive intact at your new home.

Insurance
Before movers start angling your widescreen TV down narrow hallways, make sure most, if not all, contents in your home are properly insured. If you're unsure, contact your insurance provider and get a list of what is covered under your home insurance. Does it cover items in transit? If not, most moving companies offer additional insurance, something you may want to consider purchasing for added peace of mind.

Also, few, if any, reputable moving companies will be held liable for the safe transport of important documents, jewelry, or currency. Pack those items yourself, and, along with any other precious keepsakes, keep them in your car to ensure they arrive safely.

Last minute
When moving, you'll likely discover items around the house that have been dormant for years. Heirlooms, collections, and other possessions with sentimental value aside, this is an ideal opportunity to clean up and donate any unwanted or unused items to a local charity. You'll not only be giving these items a second life, you'll also be limiting the time you spend creating space for them in your new home.

We prepared this list to help make you comfortable with the home buying process. After all, this is an exciting time in your life, and we want to help you enjoy it. Read through the checklist, then call a mortgage professional for more information. Of course, purchase transactions can vary, but this "typical" list should help jumpstart your thinking.  

1. Be sure you're ready to buy a home
2. Determine how much you can afford
3. Organize your personal information
4. Get pre-approved
5. Find a real estate agent
6. Search for a home
7. Research areas and neighborhoods of interest
8. Visit selected homes
9. Make an offer on the home you want
10. Arrange financing
11. Schedule a home inspection
12. Prepare for closing

Be sure you're ready to buy a home

• Consider all costs involved, including taxes, homeowner's insurance, private mortgage insurance (PMI), and utilities.
• Consider the responsibilities of home ownership, from mowing the lawn to maintaining the roof.

Determine how much you can afford

• Consider all costs involved, including upfront costs such as the down payment and closing costs.
• Estimate the monthly mortgage payment.
• Include in your estimates other costs such as taxes and maintenance, as well as insurance and any applicable association fees.
• Tip: Use the mortgage calculator found under each home listing on this site to run the numbers.

Organize your personal information

• Check your credit report to make sure that there are no errors.
• Gather documents such as financial statements and tax forms.
• Make sure to have the following information readily available: the name, address, and Social Security number of all applicants; contact information for your current landlord or mortgage company; a pay stub and employer information; the value of your assets; and the source of your down payment and closing costs.
• Make sure that you have the Social Security numbers of all borrowers involved.

Get pre-approved

• A pre-approval will tell you how much home you can afford, give you the power to negotiate and even make an offer, and show sellers that you're a qualified buyer.

Find a real estate agent

• Consider special, personal needs with which a real estate professional may be able to help you. Real estate agents can specialize in a variety of areas, including, employee relocation, military markets, or vacation homes.
• Go to Find an Agent to begin a search for an agent who specializes in your areas of interest and who suits your needs.

Search for a home

• Search for properties online to get an idea of the homes that are available in your price range.
• Drive through areas that interest you in order to spot "For Sale" signs and to get a feel for different neighborhoods.

Research areas and neighborhoods of interest

• Try visiting your preferred neighborhoods at different times of the day and at different days of the week to observe patterns of noise and traffic.
• Use our Look tool to find statistics on neighborhoods, schools, and other demographic information important in your search for a home. Your Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate agent may also have some of the information you need.

Visit selected homes

• Take your time. Carefully examine both the interior and exterior of each home you consider. You may want to visit more than once if you're seriously interested.
• Compare the prices of similar homes in the surrounding area. Your real estate agent will supply you with comparable properties (“comps”).
• Tip: If the market is competitive, be prepared to act fast. A pre-approval will give you the ability to make an offer on the home you want and shows the seller you're financially able to buy the home — and that can give you an advantage over other buyers.

Make an offer on the home you want

• Before deciding on the amount of your offer, consider important factors such as the condition of the home, the competitiveness of the local marketplace, inspections, time restrictions and more.
• Consult with your real estate agent for professional input on determining the amount of your offer.
• Include in your offer provisions for a home inspection and an outline of the actions to be taken if problems arise.
• Tip: Always check with your real estate agent before making an offer — it may be legally binding. Working with a licensed Real Estate agent may be beneficial and make the process smoother.

Arrange financing

• Call your mortgage consultant with the property address.
• Your mortgage consultant will explain your options for rates, terms, points and other details about loan programs you may qualify for.
• Sign the necessary documents for application.

Schedule a home inspection

• Ask your real estate agent to help you find a reputable, professional home inspector, and to help schedule the inspection.
• Tip: It's a good idea to be present during the inspection. It's an ideal opportunity to ask important questions about the property.

Prepare for closing

• Make sure your closing date is scheduled prior to any rate lock expirations on your mortgage loan.
• If you're also selling a home and need the cash from the sale, make sure that the closing on your current property is scheduled prior to the closing on your new home.
• Arrange for your real estate agent or an attorney to be present. That will help assure that all closing tasks are completed to your satisfaction.
• Check with your closing agent to find out the amount of certified funds — a cashier's check or money order — needed for closing.
• Make arrangements for all people needed to sign closing documents to be present. This may include your spouse or any other co-signer.
• Make arrangements at work and with childcare to be absent for 3-4 hours. (Closing normally takes an hour but you should be prepared to spend extra time in case issues arise.)
• Bring along a photo ID — your driver's license or passport, for example.
• If you haven't done so already, make sure utilities will be turned on once you take possession of your new home.

When closing is completed:

• Don't leave without your new keys.
• Congratulations on your new home!