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First-Time Homebuyer Checklist!!!

By
Real Estate Agent with People's Trust Realty

What is the ultimate checklist Buyers can use before purchasing a home?

Here are my top four designed to navigate buyers through the process with precision and confidence.

So, before you start house hunting, make sure you’ve got these steps covered.

1. Check Your Finances

Review credit score and debt-to-income ratio. Also save for down payment plus closing costs.

2. Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage

Make sure you get PreApproved and not just PreQualified. You also want to make sure you understand interest rates and know what you want your monthly mortgage payment to be.

3. Set a Realistic Budget

Don’t forget there’s property taxes, insurance, and maintenance.

4. Find a Real Estate Agent

Referrals are good but just make sure the Agent is as hungry as you are so you both are moving at the same pace.

 

 

Posted by

KEITH O. ROYAL, MAPA, ABR®, AHWD

REALTOR® / e-Town Certified

Signing Agent/Notary

NEFAR Leadership Academy 2023

People’s Trust Realty

Bus Email: TheRealtorORoyale@gmail.com

Website: https://KeithRoyal.PeoplesTrustRealEstate.com

Comments(9)

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Jeff Masich-Scottsdale AZ Associate Broker,MBA,GRI
HomeSmart Real Estate - Scottsdale, AZ
Arizona Homes and Land Group/ Buy or Sell

Great tips!

#5 Draw a circle around your office and church and see how far you want to commute to both.

Oct 30, 2025 11:29 AM
Keith O. Royal, MAPA

Wow!!! Yes, I absolutely love this one. Hi Jeff...

Oct 31, 2025 05:56 AM
GilbertRealtor BillSalvatore
Arizona Elite Properties - Chandler, AZ
Realtor - 602-999-0952 / em: golfArizona@cox.net

Great prep list, good post with great information. Thanks for sharing it. Bill

Have a fantastic week!

Bill Salvatore, Realtor- Arizona Elite Properties

Oct 30, 2025 12:01 PM
Keith O. Royal, MAPA

Thanks Bill.🤗

Oct 31, 2025 05:57 AM
Lise Howe
Keller Williams Capital Properties - Washington, DC
Assoc. Broker in DC, MD, VA and attorney in DC

Keith O. Royal, MAPA Perfect mix of practical and empowering advice for first-time buyers. Love how you broke it down into simple, actionable steps especially the reminder about getting pre-approved (not just pre-qualified). Great checklist. Thanks!

Oct 30, 2025 01:14 PM
Keith O. Royal, MAPA

Hi Lise, thank you so much. 🤗

Oct 31, 2025 05:57 AM
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Keith, when buyers are determined to buy a home, your checklist is essential to follow!

Oct 30, 2025 01:38 PM
Keith O. Royal, MAPA

Hi Joan, thank you!!! 🤗

Oct 31, 2025 05:58 AM
Ellie McIntire
Ellicott City Clarksville Howard County Maryland Real Estate - Ellicott City, MD
Luxury service in Central Maryland

Great tips, Keith! 👏 Simple, clear, and perfect for first-time buyers to start their home journey with confidence. 🏡✨

Oct 30, 2025 01:47 PM
Keith O. Royal, MAPA

Hi Ellie, thank you so much. 🤗

Oct 31, 2025 05:58 AM
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

Hello Keith and great information to share with us here in the Rain.  Hope you are ready for a great weekend.

Oct 30, 2025 03:08 PM
Keith O. Royal, MAPA

Hi Will, thank you... You as well. 🤗

Oct 31, 2025 05:59 AM
George Souto
George Souto NMLS #65149 - Middletown, CT
Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert

Keith O. Royal, MAPA  this is a good list for even repeat Buyers.

Oct 30, 2025 05:34 PM
Keith O. Royal, MAPA

Hi George, thank you. 🤗

Oct 31, 2025 06:00 AM
Lew Corcoran
Better Living Real Estate, LLC - East Bridgewater, MA
Expert guidance. Exceptional results.

This checklist hits the mark with clarity and heart, Keith O. Royal, MAPA. Tthank you for laying out the essentials in such a practical, easy-to-digest way 😊. It’s the kind of guidance that helps first-time buyers feel less overwhelmed and more empowered. Really appreciate you sharing this!

Oct 31, 2025 03:29 AM
Keith O. Royal, MAPA

Thanks Lew. 🤗

Oct 31, 2025 06:01 AM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hello Keith - preparation can go a long way in achieving any goal.  Buying a home, for the first or the umpteenth time, is not as easy as some say but proper readiness for the task can be very helpful.   

Oct 31, 2025 03:58 AM
Keith O. Royal, MAPA

Hi Michael, thank you. 🤗

Oct 31, 2025 06:02 AM